bassplayer

Just set off and go with the flow. You'll end up pairing up with someone eventually. Or you can just wait for another solo boat to pass you. Have fun.

Hawthornes stopped me from cycling on the tow path many years ago. Even Teflon tyres and green slime are not immune. Now I find a road route back to the car or boat.

I think you missed out the smiley.

There is a note I saw on some old map that wide beams aren't allowed north of Berkhamstead. I'm sure that's irrelevant now as CRT help wide beams go through Blisworth and Braunston tunnels. I know a few get up as far as Leamington Spa. On the other point. We've found CRT to be relaxed about being frozen in too. I'm not sure whether they do as much patrolling in the winter. I have heard of a situation where an over enthusiastic EO tried to make a boat move on in dangerous flood conditions though.

I'm sure volunteer lock keepers are like anyone else in life. You'll get many who are very enthusiastic and really helpful. Then maybe a few who just like the T shirt and looking the part. We've not really had a problem with them on our travels. Generally they are very helpful especially when we were both struggling with back problems.

Just wondering why you were looking for a winter mooring on the K&A if you have a home mooring?

Indeed. So someone abiding with the law would then be asked give way to someone who is paying CRT to be allowed to exceed the 14 day law. Let's hope nobody calls CRT up on it eh?

Now some want to make it difficult. Why?

Are you a volunteer enforcement officer on the K&A now?

I think CRT would have us all stay in a marina if they could choose. Boaters are an inconvenience to them

Unfortunately those who authorised putting the signs up wouldn't agree. Good job you didn't park your car in the Cosgrove CRT car park area as well, apparently the marina have been putting illegal parking notices on cars for years. The only way I can see around it, is to ignore the signs (so long as you stay within the law).

Anyone can moor on CRT winter moorings for up to 14 days for free if there is space (so don't be put off!)

We love cruising in the winter. It's quiet and everything takes on a different character. Stoppages may be your biggest issue so check this web page and plan well ahead. Have fun. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/winter/

Well you can complain via the Charities Commision. Some of the complaint categories on this form are interesting. http://forms.charitycommission.gov.uk/contact-us/general-enquiries/report-a-concern-about-a-charity/raising-concerns-about-a-charity/

I suspect CRT would like to take boats away from some owners too...

I suppose in the ideal world you'd have someone you trust on every paddle and someone you trust in charge of the boat's movement. Most bad things happen when the boat ends up over a cill, or snags something in the lock or gate. When that happens the most important thing is to get the water back to a safe level as quick as possible where it's possible to recover the situation. In that situation, as the person responsible, you do need the others to react quickly to any instructions. Often that may be to shut the outlet paddles and open inlet paddles ASAP. Not easy if you are solo or only have help from a freind...and you have gates which are leaking! As we found out on the Huddersfield Wide once, it's even trickier taking a 58ft boat through a 56ft lock with a very leaky gate. Be carefull folks.

Well I have NEVER been asked if I wanted assistance. So if CRT really did say that they are not following thier own guidelines. Out of curiosity, did the issue of the boater taking responsibility for thier own actions come up at the meeting?