JayDub

Hi Tabula, you've been through the worst experience most people ever have to go through,it takes a long time to get yourself together and start again. In the meantime I would say, leave everything as it is, just concentrate on yourself. When your head starts working again,it will one day, then give the choice a lot of thought and make your decision. As several posters have said the world, Internet forums in particular, are rife with bad news stories and give a very distorted view. If every member came on here to post about every perfect day/week/trip the forum would be overloaded in minutes. For the moment use the forum as a support,there are some great people on here.

Hi, my companion on the boat is a Doxipoo, half dachshund, half miniature poodle. He is non-moulting, well nearly,and an ideal size, easy to lift on and off the boat and out of the water. He's been on the boat since he was 12 weeks and takes it all in his stride, fortunately. So far he's only fallen in once, it's only a matter of time before he's in again. If the photo has attached OK you'll see he's all black and remarkably difficult to photograph. Hi, my companion on the boat is a Doxipoo, half dachshund and half miniature poodle. He is non-moulting, well nearly,and an ideal size, easy to lift on and off and out of the water. He's been on the boat since he was 12 weeks and loves it, fortunately. So far he's only fallen in once, it's only a matter of time before he's in again. If the photo has attached OK you'll see he's all black and remarkably difficult to photograph.

I don't often say much on the forum but on this occasion I feel I should. I think MtB got it exactly right, MPs are often thought of, as a group, as being in it for their own good, in fact most are genuine, caring people who want to do good for others. Jo Cox was clearly one of those and her senseless death is a loss to our society and our democracy.

My neighbour has just come back into Nottingham from the Soar. Cranfleet was closed yesterday, opened first thing this morning but they were expecting to close again this afternoon. Hope that helps someone.

Most heaters stink when new or after not being run for a while, mine certainly did when I first tried it after it had been stood for about sixmonths. Once it has been run at full temperature for an hour or two it should be fine, might be worth checking all the pipes and unions are tight and there are no leaks. Ok, back to topic. My Mikuni runs fine on red from the main tank.

My condolences to Elaine's family and all who knew her. I remember seeing Elaine around a few times since I arrived in the area but I didn't have the privilege of knowing her. The desperation of not knowing is over now, small consolation I know.

I changed my cassettes from Blue to bacteria a couple of months ago. I washed them out with plain water as thoroughly as I could and then started using baking yeast and a bit of sugar. I had a slight whiff from them for the first few 'cycles', since then the only smell is when you empty the cassette. Best remedy for that is, don't breath in for the 30 seconds it takes to empty.

Hi Lea and welcome to the forum. I'm in much the same position as you and I have to say moving onto the boat is the best thing I have ever done, it certainly suits me. I'm thinking of getting a dog and don't think there will be any problems other than those that always accompany pet ownership. At the moment I'm living in a marina and it is very convenient, everything is nearby, either on site or a short walk away. I would rather be continuous cruising but various things, mainly elderly parents, dictate that I need to be near transport as much as possible, so it's a compromise. I've been a member of this forum for about 18 months and have learned so much from everyone here. As has been mentioned it's always worth doing a search of previous threads, you will find hundreds of them and more answers than you would think possible. There are also several good books and the magazines which can yield more information. The wealth of knowledge on here is second to none, so search and then ask if you need to. Generally a specific question rather than a general one will bring the answers flooding in. Most of all, enjoy the learning process, then enjoy living it. JW

I get a few on board, a nuisance when you walk into a cobweb in the morning but not the end of the world, but I have left the cobwebs on the outside of my windows for exactly this reason. I've had one mozzie manage to force its way in so far this summer and very few flies, they make their way in through open doors and hatch during the day. I'm not a big fan of the spider community but they serve a purpose and don't do me any harm so I'm not going to worry about them too much.

I think locks are the only thing that causes her any issue. She had left somewhere near London in mid June, and yes she knows what she in doing. She's paddled her way along the major rivers in Europe, dodging the large shipping on the Rhine, Danube and the like. Just proves what you can do if you are determined.

That's her, amazing lady. She canoes and kayaks all over the world. And I thought I had downsized to live on a narrowboat.

Wonder if this is the lady I met and helped down the Atherstone flight a few weeks ago, she was paddling her way to Wales. She plans to live in the canoe until next spring, when I asked about winter she said it was no problem and she had overwintered in Scandanavia in a canoe before, all it needs is good insulation. Incredible.

I've had rain coming in through three of my mushrooms in the recent heavy storms. I guess it is not going to be a regular occurrence but as one of the mushrooms is over my bed I would like to find a solution. Any ideas on my options anyone?

What ever you take there will be something you either forget or don't even think of so don't worry about it. Since starting my new life last week I've got a list of things I wish I'd brought with me and another list of things I could actually do without. Ho hum ...

Thanks Matty, fancy meeting you on my first day. What a day it has been, getting used to the boat and finding where everything is, the dog overboard incident and then the crosswinds. My sincere apologies to the boats I bumped while trying to get to grips with it all.

Not quite following on from the original question but related - is it necessary/advisable to insulate around the calorifier, does it make any difference? My calorifier is horizontal in the back of the wardrobe, I'm intending to box it in so I can use it as a shelf, it would be easy to add insulation during the process if it is worthwhile. Any thoughts would be welcome.

I have just bought an 'Andante', one of some fifty or so around the system, I remember thinking of a superb unique name one night but I didn't write it down and when I woke up properly the next morning it was gone... oh well, I look forward to meeting some of the other Andantes as I explore the canals.

That's good to know, thanks Matty, and yes I noticed some of the magnetic catches seemed to be lacking in their magnetic charm. I feel an expensive trip to the chandlery coming on! Hoping to be aboard Thursday or Friday. Oooo... I can't wait.

I'm very envious of you, and Single Again, but not for long, I'm expecting to be moving onto my new home on Thursday - everything crossed! It's interesting how as one door closes another one opens, well ok, I did push the first door closed and kick at the second one, it's taken a year and a half but I'm nearly there. There seem to be quite a few of us newbies setting out this summer - standby for the questions all you experienced boaters.

Hi Mark, She's Andante, came to RBS from the Gloucester area. She ticked all my boxes so I'm delighted, still can't believe it - I guess I will get used to the idea soon.

Survey completed, all good, nothing significant found so I'm really happy. I had felt all would be ok but you never know and I guess that is what you pay a surveyor for - peace of mind. Can't wait to see her back in the water and ready to go.

Perhaps I did you a favour Junior. She looks really nice, I hope she comes up to spec for you.

Hi, What exciting times. I am waiting for the survey on my boat purchase, it has been an incredible journey, learning so much - mainly from here, deciiding what you want and what you don't and then changing your mind several times over. I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Read the forums, ask questions and enjoy ... JayDub

Hi Junior, I'm still feeling guilty about it, I hope you find the boat of your dreams soon. And, Athy, yes good point about the beer - I hope to be cracking one or two of those open in a week or two.

Absolutely right, apart from the shower and the kettle the wet stuff needs to be outside. Good luck with the search, I've got fingers crossed for the survey now.