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Can someone please tell me if the stoppage at the Braunston Locks is still there? I checked on waterscape, it says that the stoppage will end on March 8. Canalplan however does not mention any stoppages when planning a trip from Brinklow to Foxton starting on the 2nd of March. I've set the 'output options' so that stoppages must be shown. Thanks, Helen

Be careful when you have a modified sinewave inverter. Ours blew up a couple of chargers, until I came across a thread where the reason why was explained. We now use (rechargeable) battery-operated brushes and I'm amazed at the length of time the batteries keep doing their job. Sorry, I'm not able to do a link to the thread, so I took the liberty of copying Gibbo's post which explains how it works. Helen

Our 'big' trip will be in June/July when we go to the Liverpool Docks, really looking forward to that! Earlier in the year we'll be out for a couple of shorter trips, We are going to take our cat with us for the first time, we are curious to see how he reacts to the long car drive and to the boat. Fingers crossed he likes it, for then we can take him along on more trips. Circumstances have changed (in a positive way) so from this year we can spend more time on the boat. I really would like to have the cat with us, it doesn't seem fair that he has to go to the cattery everytime we are having fun on the boat. Helen

You might find (most) insurance companies reluctant or even refusing to accept you as a client if you aren't an English resident. As you say that you live in Spain, getting an insurance could be complicated, but it can be done. Phone around and ask. Helen

We also went to Llangollen, a relaxed five-week trip from Brinklow to the basin in Llangollen and back. At Tixall Wide we moored early in the morning, right opposite Tixall Gatehouse and stayed there till the next day. In our hiring days it was always a wish to do this, but then we never had time and there never were moorings free when we passed. It was great to sit and watch all the other boats go by. Indulgence at Tixall Wide Tixall Gatehouse We had crossed the Pontsyssyllte Aquaduct in 1998, but did not go to the end of the canal, it was one of our first trips on a narrowboat and we were scared off by the navigational notes in Nicholson's that said that the canal is very shallow and narrow from Trevor to LLangollen. Narrow, but no problem. I'm glad we did go to the basin this time, the last part is really beautiful. We had some lovely meals on the terrace of the terrace of The Corn Mill, overlookijng a fast-flowing River Dee. And the trip with the steam train of the Llangollen Railway was great. Llangollen basin Helen

Zayna, That looks very nice indeed, you must be very pleased with it. In the pictures I sent in the other thread, you can see we have two lids on the 'box' beneath the bed. They are great, it makes accessing the space so much easier. So if you can, do as Juynian says, it is the better solution, to my opinion. Helen

I was going through some photo's and thought I'd post these here as they relate to some of the comments made earlier Rubbing strake in Blisworth tunnel The rubbing strake is on the eastern side only, as can be seen below, this is the southern portal Newbold Tunnel in 2010, there are fewer lights working now. Helen

Hi Mr. Athy, Sorry about the late answer, but the last two weeks we were on the boat for the last trip of this year. The internet connection was bad, so we did not bother with it and we only arrived back home yesterday evening and that is when I saw your question. To answer it: our boat was built by Stephen Goldsbrough Boats in Knowle (Solihull), they fitted her out to a good standard and we are proud to be her (second) owners. Helen

Got this e-mail message about half an hour ago: Naburn Lock Friday 5 October 2012 until further notice UPDATE (08 October 2012): The flood water has now receeded at Naburn. Our electricians will be on site this afternoon to test all the electrical systems. We will issue an update once this has been carried out. Helen

In October 2010 we went down the Braunston locks together with "Footsie 100". Our boat is also a Goldsbrough and we saw many similarities between the two boats. I don't know what their bed looks like, but this is the one on Indulgence: The bed is fitted lengthwise and is 5 feet wide and 6ft5in long. There is a gap between the bed and the wall, which gives just that little bit extra space, you don't lie right against the wall. (Only don't drop your mobile in this gap, it will take a long time to retrieve it, don't ask...) When the bed is folded down, it is still (just) possible to walk past. The bed folds up fully made-up, three elastic straps hold everything in place. The mattress is in one piece, and we have two seperate (single) duvets. Under the bed is the wastewater tank and some room for storage, there are some cupboards above the bed. At the foot-end there is room to stick out your feet, and having some space there makes it easier for the one sleeping on the inner side (me) to get out of bed without having to climb over the other one. We have no problems with ventilation at all. When we leave the boat for longer periods, we leave the bed folded down and fully made-up so it is ready for us when we arrive, normally late in the evening. Heaving the bed up or folding it down can easily be done by one person. We are very content with our folding bed. Helen

(Almost) The same happened to us when we were there in July. We had read the notice at some locks (Grindley Brook Locks being one of them) that says that one has to phone a certain number, before 10 o'clock on the day of visiting, to book a passage. We did so on a Saturday, before setting off, and got the same recorded message as John P. We decided to go to the Frankton Locks and see if the lockkeeper could help us. We waited for two hours (our choice and not complaining) and found that when the lockkeeper arrived she could not let us through, as we were not on her list. She advised us to phone the Anderton Lift, which we did, but the phone was not answered. Several tries later (and the lockkeeper tried to reach them as well, but could not get through), we abandoned our plan to go to the Montgomery and headed for Ellesmere. A bit disapointed I must say. Later we spoke to other people who advised us to book a passage a few days before the day on which you want to go as it is almost impossible to book during a weekend. Helen

Hi Neighbour, That is wonderful, enjoy your trip! Helen

That looks absolutely lovely. And the forecast for those days looks promising too, with hardly any rain, some sunshine and enough wind. (Just saw Phylis' warning, the forecast I saw was on the Dutch www.buienradar.nl and that was not too bad, honest) Have a great time! Helen

We are in the queue for that lock and we were told that they got the bow stuck on the gate going down. It'll probably take some time to get things sorted, the C&RT people say they have two options: pump the water out of the boat, but then they need a bigger pump, and it may take a while to get one here, the other option is to dewater te pound below the lock. Luckily no one was hurt, the people of that boat have gone home by taxi. What a fightening way to end a holiday. And what a sorry sight to see a boat in that situation Helen

Countrywide Cruisers in Brewood (Shopshire Canal) have a 2 and a 2/4 berth boat (Sir Ironside and Sir Melleaus), they also give a 10% discount on most 4-berth boats when occupied by only 2 persons. And diesel is included in the price. Helen

Go to www.waterscape.com , choose 'Stoppages' , click on Sign up for stoppage alerts and fill in the required fields on the next screen. That works for me. Helen

Thank you very much, Richard, for answering my question. It allways amazes me how much knowledge there is on this forum. And Ray T, that is a very kind offer! I'll gladly take it up, and will send you a PM. Thanks again, Helen

I don't know, am not on the boat at the moment, will be back in a couple of weeks. I looked at some photo's but as far as I can see there is no hook on the other side, can't tell whether there is a hole. Can't remember if there was a hook. If we want a tiller string on the other side as well, how do we get one? IWe would like to do a course on knots and splices (we live in an area with many sailing clubs, so courses are held regularly) but are now not able to produce something like that. Helen

You mean one on each side? We only have the one. Helen

Hi Ray R, What is the use of the piece of rope (for want of a better word) that hangs in the corner next to the back door? We have a similar one, it was on the boat when we bought her, and as we didn't know what it was for, we left it, thinking it must be there for a reason. I have used it in the Thames locks, it kept the tiller more or less in one place, so I wouldn't be knocked off the boat when holding the ropes. Are there any other ways it can be used? Helen

Do you mean like this? It may not be very clear, but I stand there leaning with my back to the side. In fact, looking back at my photo's I see that I often stand like this. I can steer the boat with both hands, but being right-handed I hardly use my left hand, must try to remember to alternate. As for sitting on the roof: we do have wooden blocks and cushions that go on top for both sides of the cabin, I've never used them, I have some trouble getting onto the roof as it is a bit high for me.The box that has been suggested earlier may come in handy here as well. Thank you all for your helpful replies, I'll try out your suggestions, although I'm not so sure about those imaginative ones of bizzard. Helen

Thank you all for answering, now I know why the previous owners had a litte (plastic) step tucked under the other step that you normally stand on ( if you know what I mean). I wanted to get rid of it, but I now guess it will be put to use. And yes, it will make it easier to see over the cabin, especially when going into a narrow lock. Up till now I used to stand on the left gunnel next to the cabin (and out of the reach of the tiller) when going into a narrow lock, stepping back onto the step when the front of the boat entered the lock. Again.thanks, I'll retire now , it's an hour later here tan in th UK. Goodnight , Helen

Yes, on straight bits I hold the tiller under my arm pit, I don't like having it poking into my back, it does not feel good, but my husband has good memories of holding the tiller in the small of his back and steering the boat in the early summer mornings on the Thames, with the morning mists over the water..

Oh dear, that went wrong, now try again. After the last two trips both my husband and i have a sore right shoulder. Is there something we are doing wrong? We have a trad, and I am not very tall (1.62m, don't now how much that is in feet and inches), hubby is over 6 feet. Our normal steering positions are like this: When there is al longer stretch without too many bends I tend to hold the tiller like this: and yes, I know the photo was taken when we were moored. I also find that by standing like this for a longer period, my neck muscles are getting stiff, I am doing something wrong, but what?