Cruising Mike

If no ample bathroom shelves are provided, i would just put my toothbrush and toothpaste on the side of the sink or at the back of the sink between the taps. Much like i do anywhere else i go. I struggle to understand the importance. 90% of your time as a hirer is spent outside of the boat

Once as a kid, we were unfortunate that my Uncle's boat broke down in a middle of a tunnel (can't remember which one) and we have to resort to the old fashioned way and leg the boat through. At the other end, we moored up and went to the pub above while we waited for an engineer friend to come over and have a look.

One thing hire firms need to be mindful of is damage limitation. The more accessories and decor they add to boats, the more likelihood of something getting broken. I've hired for years, and i've never really found any issues apart from the occasional mechanical problems, which can happen after extensive use.

Lucky! Do let us know how it goes as we will be doing the same ring in September Check out the overnight stops threads as some useful advice in there if you need it

Absolutely. Especially considering we passed through so soon after the unfortunate incident. I still think it would be interesting if CRT did try to put some dorm of lights in tunnels so we can see in depth what it's like within. Edit to note. Having low level lighting will go a long way towards finding people who may have fallen in. If not later but those on board could immediately have the chance to see what is going on

Actually. Truth be told. The gatekeeper at Harecastle was a little bit of a jobsworth. I omitted this part from the letter as in the great scheme of things it wasn't important. It wasn't until his supervisor came along that we finally were on the move

Thanks! After all the criticism that CRT had been getting lately I thought it would be nice to show that they can be good when needed

I had completely forgotten i written this and it took me by surprise when i started reading this month's issue!

If i was in your position i would be drunk happy too!

No experience with Stanedge but i second everyones advise by contacting CRT for clarification as current conditions could play a factor, low water levels etc. As for Harecastle, just turn up by 3pm to be guarunteed entry as the last passage is by 5 ish i think in the winter and a little later in the summer. Timed entry with a CRT person opening and closing the entrance gates accordingly. Cruise at a speed you normally would anywhere else and you'll be fine. Just beware of the low points if you are tall.

The only thing you need to be careful of is your own head, especially if you are tall. We went through last year and it was great fun. Enjoy it and stop worrying