Ricco1

I should maybe have pointed out that although I've lived on my boat for nearly 3 years, I've only been through 50 or so locks. Many of them in the winter when there was no one around. The next time I'll ask if I can help.

I was going down, single handed. Cruiser on the way up, bloke with windlass in hand, woman steering the boat. They'd just arrived so I took the opportunity to tie to a bollard and make a cup of tea. Brew made, they were coming out of the lock so I untied and started to move forward slowly. All good so far? The bloke with the windlass then closes the lock gate. I had to reverse a little to tie up again. I told him as he walked past that he could have left the gate open. Tried to say it in a friendly manner. His response: "you could have helped me with the lock, mate" Was I out of order at all, should I always look to help people, even when they don't need help?

I'm moored above King's Lock. Nice and easy for the bike but a bit noisy from the road. I'll have a mooch in a bit and see if there's anything better, but this will do for now.

I'm heading north along the T&M, should get to Middlewich today. Plan to turn onto the arm towards the Shroppie. I keep my motor bike on the back of my boat, I need to use it later. Does anyone know anywhere in Middlewich where I might be able to get it off my boat and the towpath onto a road? All I need is a fairly level towpath; no more than 20 inches above the water level then access to any road by gate, hole in hedge or whatever. Many thanks.

Red Bull Services: Tony, 01782 779033.

I had mine done at Red Bull services, just up the Macclesfield from its junction with the Trent and Mersey. Bitumen is £9 a foot or 2 pack epoxy £10. I went for the latter. Tony does 3 coats below the waterline, 2 above. 48 hours drying time before going back in. The yard is outside so it's possible for the weather to get in the way but the advantage is that you can live on your boat comfortably while the work is being done. Tony even offered me a free electrical hook up. Recommended.

I decided some time ago to paint red and white bands around the stern of my boat, in the traditional style. I've done the upper white band, it looks good, thanks to the useful tips I got on this forum. I'm hoping to do the red band today. The problem is that, due to where the rubbing strips are positioned, the red band will be about twice the depth of the white one. I've thought about masking a straight line to keep the red band the same depth a the white one, but this would leave 6 inches or so of black hull under the bands. Might look odd? If I were to do the red band full depth I'll have a problem with the curve in the paint at both ends. I could use a shallower curve to keep the proportions the same but again, this might look odd. If I used the same curve profile the paints won't line up, if that makes sense. Once again, might not look right? What's the best way to approach this? Thanks.