grannykins

We were booked on 'Almond', but ended up on 'Beech'. Nice boat, if it was a little longer than expected. Yes, I cant think why I had problems before. Really enjoyed steering this time. Really? Is there any reason for this, or is it just one of those things? I dare say I'll find out in September when we plan to go again. But then we havent booked yet, so may go for a longer one anyway now. Lol! I havent got round to doing either of those yet. The other thing that worries me is going in to tie up when there are other boats I may hit! I can do it if I have a nice long stretch of clear tow path. And yes, we did definitely notice the wind pushing us around at times. That must be a bit worrying if you are passing another boat. (sigh) I'm still such a novice!

Just thought I'd post to say thank you to all for all the tips for our winter break. We had a good time and, despite cruising 7 hour days, were well wrapped and didnt feel cold at all. We'd booked a little 38ft boat, as I have never really got to grips with steering, and thought that it would be a good opportunity to sort it out with just the two of us. But when we got to Middlewich, our boat has broken down and they had upgraded us. So I learned to steer on a 65ft 9 berth! Sucessfully though, although it may be a little different when we go out more in the season. The canals were peacefully traffic free for most of the time. The holiday has raised a few more questions about living aboard, but I'll post them as separate threads in the living aboard or general boating section. Thanks again!

More great tips. The cap one is a good one for Ray, I think. And will definitely look for a box, and probably try the soup too!

Will bring the porridge - already have the socks! Thanks to everyone for some useful tips, and for being so friendly to a newbie

Lol, will definitely look into that one! Thats cheating lol! Much warmer though I expect.

Thnak you for the reasurrance! Thermals have already been bought. And we deliberatly looked for a semi trad stern to get a liitle bit of protection from the weather. Will go out and look for a hat - hubby has hats, but I'm not normally a hat person. A woolly one for under my coat hood methinks - or perhaps one of those you see with fur ear flaps Thats a good idea - especially the pudding!

The rubber gloves are a good tip, thanks. We're taking wheat bags rather than hot water bottles, as there is a microwave on board. Oh dear, dont think we have a stove. Hmmm, note to self, ensure hubby is the first one out of bed! Definitely pack one of these - and my pyjamas and wooly dressing gown I think too. Thanks.

We're hiring from Middlewich boats, going up the Trent and Mersy and along the Bridgewater towards Lymm. Only going from Tuesday to Saturday. Never thought about a hat - thanks for that. Thanks

Thanks. Head torches? In case we need to clamber around in the dark I presume? The books I have sorted - I got a Kindle (one of these e book things) for Christmas. It holds up to 3500 books, so I should be ok there Never thought about stoppages - where would we find that info?

Hi, I've just registered on the forum and would like a little advice please. We are planning to sell up and retire on to a narrowboat in about 5-6 years time, so this year we have booked on to a boat for a few days the second week in February. This is so we can make sure we are up for being on the canal in winter. We have got good gloves, warm socks and coats. Any tips from experienced winter boaters would be appreciated.