Afloat on birdsong, hawthorn petals and young leaves

WORDS once SPOKEN now CAPTURED

A Nightingale Sang (and the world listened)
Natural World (General) History (General) Natural World (Birds)

A Nightingale Sang (and the world listened)

May 21, 2023

This week marked the anniversary of what has been considered by many to be one of the most important cultural events of the twentieth century. Tonight, we try to recapture that moment and explore why its power to move still …

A train in the distance ('Night Mail')
History (General) Night Time

A train in the distance ('Night Mail')

Jan. 29, 2023

Canals and railways are often very close near neighbours and so trains can be a frequent part of the canal soundscapes. This week we explore why the sound of a train in the distance (thanks to Paul Simon) can be so evocative…

'Earth stood hard as iron...'
Boat Life Natural World (General) History (General)

'Earth stood hard as iron...'

Dec. 18, 2022

Join us around the stove tonight, on a very cosy NB Erica that is currently ice-locked into a frozen landscape, as we think about the Fimbulwinter of old, and why Midwinter might be mid-winter after all! Journal entry : 14th…

Living in Rehoboam's land
Philosophy/reflective History (General)

Living in Rehoboam's land

Oct. 9, 2022

For many, these are not easy days in which to live and our futures can appear so uncertain. How do we live through such times? Join us tonight as we listen to some deeper wisdom offered by a magpie and an alder tree. Journal…

Church bells among crow song
Soundscapes, Natural World (General) Philosophy/reflective History (General)

Church bells among crow song

Sept. 25, 2022

This week much of the country fell silent for a while and that stillness was the occasion for a chance encounter and finding within the silence the music of bells among crow song. Join us aboard the Erica tonight as we are t…

I have Heard the Roar of Spring (and it is fearful)
Natural World (General) Philosophy/reflective History (General) Natural World (Birds) Natural World (Flora)

I have Heard the Roar of Spring (and it is fearful)

April 3, 2022

Just as the wind swung north with its sting of sleet and hail, the first batch of ducklings were hatched this week. It was a far from simple event! However, as winter attempted to reassert itself with some biting winds and s…

A Fireside Christmas Eve
Boat Life History (General) Christmas

A Fireside Christmas Eve

Dec. 24, 2021

Curl up with us for this very special Christmas Eve edition of the podcast. Whether you are feeling on your own or just in need of a bit of a breathing space, why not join me tonight for this special Jólabókaflóð inspired ed…

Winter Wisdom (Wintrum frod)
Natural World (General) Philosophy/reflective History (General) Weather

Winter Wisdom (Wintrum frod)

Dec. 12, 2021

Following the epic weather of the past few weeks, we go back in time to a period that best celebrated this type of weather. In this episode we explore why the enigmatic appeal of Anglo-Saxon poetry and its fascination (or ev…

A Rhythm of Cycles
Natural World (General) Philosophy/reflective History (General) Night Time

A Rhythm of Cycles

Dec. 5, 2021

You join us on (another)stormy night, but this one is moonless and black as tar. It is the night of the new moon – the Cold Moon or the Long Night Moon. The phases of the moon give us an opportunity to contemplate the intric…

By Swede-Lantern Light (Halloween)
Philosophy/reflective History (General) History (Personal)

By Swede-Lantern Light (Halloween)

Oct. 31, 2021

Tonight, you join me on a wild October night with the rain rattling against the cabin roof - so there is a little background noise in some places. But it’s warm and dry inside. Penny is snoring in front of the stove. Settle …

When Ice Sings
Soundscapes, Boat Life Natural World (General) History (General) Weather

When Ice Sings

Feb. 14, 2021

Tonight, the NB Erica is locked in ice. There’s a wolfish southeaster blowing and the night is filled with rasping creaks and groans. There are times when the ice sings. Acoustic lightning flashes that dart across the frozen…

Snow on Water
Boat Life History (General) Seasonal

Snow on Water

Jan. 31, 2021

This week the first proper snow of the winter fell. For a while, our world was transformed. If you love snow, a boat is the perfect place to enjoy it. If you hate snow, a boat is the perfect place to escape it! Journal entry…