Mrs Trackman

Apart from the whisky obviously. Oh then there's the prosecco. And there was that gin Otherwise we are definitely abstainers. Allegedly

Hadn't realised he was suppressing that smile. I'd describe his tone as somewhat gleeful. Still. I am eager to tune in each day.

Aw! Leave him alone. Jan's sorted it. Though now I see the quiz I'm wondering why I was so keen!

Can't see one. Is it just sent to spokesperson? Thought I saw yesterday's?

Yup. Us too. Where can I see the quiz and challenge for today?

Jan. Thanks for the update. Encouraging to know we already have a bonus point. I think we should all be awarded bonus points if we manage to explain to anyone how a virtual challenge works. Our famiy and friends are aware that we are wappy but seem unable to grasp the concept of the challenge.

Goodness Jan. Just enjoy your day. You sound very busy. Whilst all we're doing is swanning around the BCN! And trying to answer challenges And writing logs.

And very grateful we are that someone is thoughtfully working so our pensions can continue to be paid.

We are quietly confident!

A great canal man who has given the canal community good service. Sorry if he is unwell Best wishes to him. Thankyou Jim.

A few years ago, maybe three? We were going down farmer's bridge and a well dressed, tall man started getting locks ready ahead of us. He introduced himself as, 'Jim' and offered to come on with us down Aston locks as he could get a train back. He told us he'd lived on a boat but that his wife became unable to manage any longer so they lived beside farmer's bridge locks and he liked to help people do the locks. I can't remember why but he gave us his business card before he left us, at which we realised who he was-Jim Shead, a thoroughly lovely man and we were thrilled to have met him this way. He told us that he was no longer doing the updating of the boat listing.

Yup. Great idea. We'll join your team.

Got a bit lost on noodle and baby talk. Can confirm it was a great evening and the noodles were at the ready. Most importantly though, is welcome to the world Eli. Huge congratulations to all. Ange, being a grandparent is so so special. I really feel for you as imagine you can't get a cuddle yet.

Yes please. Conforming that Mr and Mrs trackman will join the virtual banter. Though not actually mentioned it to me trackman yet! We work on a need to know basis. It's only Thursday now!

Sounds good to me.

Seems the owner was asleep when his mooring came free. Horrific thing to experience.

Thanks for the update. Sounds a flood solution. Would be good to hear how it works out for you.

Was a direct debit from bank account but will do it from credit card in future.

Good point. Thankyou.

Just looking at our bank account and realised CRT had helped themselves to our licence fee at the start of February as well as at the start of January. We pay by annual direct debit. I am hoping this is the first time this has happened but will check back. It would be a relief to let you know that CRT had sorted it. But no. Response was that the matter is in the hands of the licence team who donot appear to be directly accessible. This is totally unacceptable as can easily mean boaters being pushed into debt. Anyone else had this happen?

Yes. Loved the water buses in Bangkok-though was pleased I am used to getting on and off boats, they stop very briefly then zoom off at high speed.

What a relief! We were the first boat to do Cranfleet to Beeston when the river reopened at the end of September-took us a pretty scary half the time you took as going with the flow-just over half an hour. The Trent was so high we could see things we don't normally see, it was wide too. One boat was ploughing through the water going upstream, it looked very small on the enlarged river. Really have to treat the rivers with respect.

Agree. And stone great for charity shops. Great clothes at good prices, unlike Nantwich which charges more than the original shops in some cases.

Interesting. I looked at the Beeston guage after 2 yesterday afternoon and it was still on amber. Beeston guage is inaccurate as the hydro scheme draws water away from the lock cut. CRT know this but have done nothing about it. However, I'd be pretty sure it will be fine by Tuesday or even today as seems to be falling fast. . And yes. Matty has answered about the, 'gut', you will need to give your engine a bit of welly out when you get there.