DJR

Carnaby is as we got her from BW in 2010, and with the exception of making the cabin more user friendly she will stay as she is. We would love to know why BW cut the gunwales down, our best guess is to improve access when loading/unloading. If anyone knows for sure we would like to hear from them. We looked at Aynho when the auctions were on and recall that she had a more 'traditional' style cabin but don't recall the gunwales being cut down. Caldy was on the K&A about 2 years ago looking very tidy but otherwise unaltered from her BW guise.

Have a look at Marquis No3, 59' Colecraft on Apollo Duck. She's ours and we originally used sprung mattresses but went for 8" firm foam from Foam For Comfort which was much better for our decrepit backs! All in a trad sytle back cabin. Pm me if you want more details.

Mark and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment at Braunston.I spoke to lots of people and did not get any names so thank-you to everyone for making us feel part of the 'family' on this our 2nd rally. Having seen photos of Carnaby it must be cloth off next year,weather permitting. We are boating to Stratford in July so give us a wave if you see us as we may be on route to the pub!!

Any one know if any diesel boats will be plying their trade?

Carnaby will be there as well.

Thanks for all on your ponder,raised a wry smile. Good innit!

Just realised I need to explain that even getting out of bed rocks the boat and I'm saying no more for fear of offending myself further!!

Rather embarrassing when one rises early for a pee and the act is heralded down the cut by the ricochet of breaking ice!!

She looks lovely, can see why you fell in love..Good Luck.

Dare I suggest your voyage thruogh the tunnel would be fine if you slowed down and steered using the arch of the roof?

Is watching ash cool the same as watching paint dry?? Have used homefire and only benefit versus the cost is a reduction of ash and a cleaner flue. Have reverted to Taybrite for the length of time it stays in during day long absence of stoker.

How delightful....such a long squabble I forgot the original topic.

Agree,it may be cheaper to buy a boat than a house, but living costs and attention to aforementioned tasks may not be within all capabilities or desire.It is not a move to give a leg up the ladder,more a shove along the gangplank.

More active..did not realise how sedentary living aboard is and how one seizes up!!

Excused!! 54 and 58.

[font=Ta homa][/font]The best advice we received before moving on board was ,'do it while you are still young'. The pain creeps in slowly when you use the stairs and realise this is not a movement the hips are used to. The weight creeps up on cosy nights in with nibbles and booze, necessary with card games, and since the dogs died and we spent 3 years in midlands with no locks. We have slept in bed'ole and roll over together,but do not stretch out. We have just spent 3 months cruising and I have supraspinatis sprain. Luckily not an arthritic shoulder,(self-diagnosed old age!) and will recover. Doctor asked what I had been up to, I said 'Boating' and he said,'ahh,throwing ropes'..??!!I didn't argue as he pressed a knotted ligament on my shoulder blade and eased the pain.Skipper has housemaid's knee and a weak acchilles!! so,time to jump ship,buy some stairs,garden,garage and get on the motorbikes to work. Lucky we still have a second boat to 'boat' but living afloat aches the bones, but keeps the soul young. We have loved the past six years but realise we are too old to start jogging and would not be seen dead in lycra. Have started swimming, and walking at a brisk pace along the towpath to work!!!OH and we are still young,I think. Keep taking the tablets.

Old fashioned me has vinyl in son's loft and need the physical presence of cds. Make marvellous ballast to trim and counter stove,cooker and heads. How do you decide what to listen to if you can't scan the plastic?

Aylesbury Arm started on Saturday.Began well and gradually deteriorated thereon, culminating in Aylesbury where the town has turned its back on the canal. A certain haven for fisherfolk who presume the lock bollards are there to rest their rods,poles.tea etc. Decreasing water levels made hard going with 30mins.for half mile.Rickety lock gates leaking like sieves...needs a rally of deep draft boats to rastle things up!!

Good pictures,we enjoyed them, thank-you.

Indeed,2 of us working full time to allow us to live on.

Considering the comments above perhaps you could use Trevor Whitling

We had to empty all the piggy banks but knew it was our last chance to buy the lovely big bow. We are not changing anything from choice (and funds) but are more than happy. Needed patches on four knees, one on baseplate (original steel!) and reinforce chine angles. All blacked and afloat again up the Brinklow Arm. Only modification is the exhaust channeled up out the roof rather than out the side. Lister HR2 makes her bang along a treat.See you at Braunston and come aboard for a chat. Mark and Debbie. Carnaby.

When I came home on Monday night as Drunk as drunk could be. I saw three bells upon the bed Where my old bells should be. So I calls me wife and I ses to her Would you kindly tell to me Who owns those bells in my old bed Where my old bells should be. Oh,yer drunk,yer drunk yer silly old fool, As drunk as drunk can be. Thats the loverly pigeon box my mother sent to me. Well its many a day I've travelled A hundred miles or more. But bells upon a pigeon box I never saw before!