Waterworld was a Nice programme to watch,but as you say 'painted with rose coloured spectacles'. Yes, it has brought a lot of newbies to the canals, and I suspect that after the first bad winter, will send most of them scurrying back to terra firma. Not all the canalboat owners give that friendly wave and advice to us newbies, and some can be just downright rude and insolent when we approach 'Their Mooring Spot' along the towpath ? I've been told a few times that '' You have to move further on as this is my spot, been here X weeks now, didn't you see my log pile'' ? I moved on, only to be informed that I had every right to moor there by a BW staff member who also admitted that the boat should have been moved on weeks ago, but they could never get an answer when they went knocking.
'Bloody tourists you shouldn't be allowed in the water/on a boat' is another favourite greeting that I've become accustomed to hearing, this normally from the Shared Boater Old School Tie Brigade. Well a word of warning to them (I Have My Own Boat Now , I've moved on board, and all ready to set off). All thanks to you Real Ccrs and experienced boaters out there.
I respect my fellow boaters, liveaboards etc, and though I may be inexperienced and a bit slow at getting through locks etc, I've worked hard to be able to achieve this,I moved onboard because I want to live the rest of my days on a boat,and not for financial gain, and so I deserve to be respected back.
I cruise single handed, and I mean single, as I lost use of my R.arm 5 years ago, and would gladly help out anyone I see struggling,if I can.
So to all you good guys out there 99.9% of you '' Hi, I hope you all have a great & prosperous year ahead.'' and to that .1% ''PRrrrrrpppp'' to you too.