Victor Vectis

Yes. I am fully aware of this. Which is what has made me so cross. 2.3 million quid to turn the towpath into yet another cycle superhighway/dog walking path/maggot drowning venue. What does it matter if the locks leak, the cut silts up or there isn't anywhere to moor a boat. The cyclists/walkers/anglers will still have their water feature. And, frankly, yes I would prefer a 'sh**ty towpath' but navigable canal over the proposed, ahem, 'exciting transformations!'

Oh dearie me. What a fine example of corporate bollockspeak, for example: Get ready for exciting transformations! and We intend to enhance your travel experience and create vibrant, accessible spaces... 2.3 million quid to spend and not one mention of boats and/or boating. < sighs deeply >

I've never used then but I think they are on the right, on the other side of the access road, as you leave Merry Hell on the way towards Blowers Green.

I like the photos! And try to play 'spot the location' before gettin gto the captions.

Mi Gawd! What on Earth is the boat in that last pic about?

Yes. I was thinking HMS Troutbridge too! 😀

I never had any qualms about working half a mile underneath Yorkshire and four miles out from pit bottom. But...... The thought about using that danglebahn scares the whotsit out of me!

I was taking our boat home from being two packed when I thought I'd better contact our GP's surgery about something I'd ignored for a couple of weeks. They said I was displaying 'red flag' symptoms and needed to be seen to asap. I was at Long Itchington at the time and reckoned I needed to get to somewhere with shops, public transport, hospitals etc. The canal had frozen overnight so I was ice breaking all the way the Leamington Spa. The ice made opening some lock gates and getting off lock landings difficult, I was single handing. On the way a head popped out of a moored boat to shout "Don't you know that damages your boat. And slow down!" Slow down? I was creeping past at tickover! Further along another someone else climed out of their boat to see what was happening. I thought, 'Oh no. Another Mr Shouty' But he just looked and said "Sometimes you've got to move, haven't you". Nice man. Anyway, the point of all this is that despite my being worried about the brand new epoxy blacking the ice didn't damage it. So, to the OP, don't worry and enjoy watching the ducks skating about. (And, my thanks to the staff at Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry. God bless the NHS!)

And flood insurance?

From Whatpub: ** Note: Ales are only available in the restaurant, and if busy they will have to be consumed in the Canalside Bar or marquee. I called in there in October '22. Wasn't impressed. Next time I'm passing I'll yomp up to the Church End Tap.

'Should' But not it the charger part of the combi has failed, as looks to be the case last time I went up to the boat. Starter battery flat, leisure batterys well down too. Engine wouldn't fire even with leisure and starter batteries joined with a jumper lead. New starter battery fitted (thank you Mr RLWP) Engine fired first time!

Blimey! Been past there dozens of times but would never have recognised it. And......... I used to have a Norton Commando, until that is some b*s*a*d nicked it!

And not Lake Windemere. (Ugh!)

Sorry, dunno. But that's a nice bit of pointwork.

About 80 too many?

Timmy Taylor's beer?

Whats the beer like at that home brew pub in Rugeley? The Vine Inn. If you are still in Crewe I can recommend the Borough Arms.

Triffids?

They look < insert word that sounds like a 9 gallon barrel > ugly thats what.

Oooooooo....... You'll get told off for doing that! ETA (One might wonder how I know this)

(A sometime teacher of maths writes..) Cuboid?

but the ignition barrel was frozen solid and it wouldn’t start. So, heat the key (match, gas hob etc) then insert in keyhole. and ropes were frozen Ahh, diddums. Where you worried your hands might get cold if you tried to untie them? People need to think there may be an innocent reason rather than jumping on the band wagon and hurling abuse and insults. But, then again, if the cap fits..........

Yes. When mooored around the back of the Sea Life Centre I've wondered what would happen if I tried plugging in the shoreline there.

Wot? One of those Go Go things for hire at Gas Street? 😃