Bill Kennedy

Countrywide Cruisers at Brewood, Staffs have an excellent range of boats. You will find the staff very friendly and helpful and I would thoroughly recommend you consider hiring from them. Good luck Bill

That is exactly the sort of information I was looking for. Can I take the saddle of now? Bill

Thanks Bottle, you were the only one that didn't wander. I was never going to cancel, if I had to sit on our boat for the 15 weeks I would still have a great time. I'll wave at every plane I see in case your Mum and Dad are on it. Cheers Bill

The thrust of my original post was "Has there been any talk of canal closures if (when) it reaches the UK? ". Has there? Bill

Hi all We jump on the plane 4 weeks tomorrow to begin our 2006 cruise after a week in Paris. There have been a number of reports in our local press about the bird flu strain moving west, the latest being in France. Has there been any talk of canal closures if (when) it reaches the UK? I have read the UK Government's contingency plan which did not mention closures however after experiencing the tail end of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 I wondered if it may be a last resort action. Never did like all those ducks and geese crapping everywhere. Regards to all Bill

Paula If you ever take the plunge and do the K&A try "The Three Magpies”. I can't remember the bridge number and all our guides are on the boat, from memory it was the first or second bridge after the last of the locks (Foxton?). However after coming down the Devizes we had six very tired people and decided to adjourn to the local for happy hour. The pub was an attractive little establishment and we decided to stay for dinner. We were squeezed in at the last table and had to wait for it and drink our drinks standing by the bar. It was the sort of country pub where dogs are allowed in the dining room (but not in the bar, interestingly enough) and the food did not disappoint. Cheers Bill

You can....... Can't you? I am 59 and will celebrate "the big 60" on our boat in April. Can't wait (to be on the boat I mean). Happy Australia Day to any other Aussies out there. Bill

We have had a few encounters with what appeared to be shady characters but none that developed into anything serious. One of the funniest, at the time or perhaps you had to be there, happened shortly after we entered Regent's Canal after coming down the Thames in 2004. Nearing a lock 3 or 4 youths stood watching as we approached. I was driving and my wife, having walked from the previous lock, appeared a little nervous. Not to be daunted she asked the lads if they would like to help work the lock. After a bit of stunned silence they replied "yeah, orright". I chatted to one as the lock filled and he was fascinated by the locking system. He said he had watched a few boats going through but had never before been asked to help. He even offered me a "smoke" which I politely declined. We have found that if you engage people in conversation it seems to put any misdeeds they may have been contemplating out of their mind. Cheers Bill

Hi Steve Pleased to hear you have decided on Sir Ulfius, she is a lovely boat. We haven't been out on her but had a look through last year. If you would like an idea of a first timers experience travelling North from Brewood have a look at our posts in cruise diaries>page2>12 weeks on the cut>parts 1 and 2. I think you would have spend long days to reach Chester and return in 1 week but it is no doubt do-able. Your first stop will probably be Gnossal or Wheaton Aston - the pub at Wheaton Aston serves good meals, particularly the Sunday lunch carvery. Although from reading recent posts it appears that the Shroppie Fly isn't the best place for a meal it is worth a look at least for a drink. The adjacent gift shop is also well stocked. Look forward to reading of your adventure. Cheers

I'm Australian (you know the ones you flogged in the cricket last summer) does that count? Cheers Bill

Hi Phil I've not seen any mention of the museum at Gloucester (the BW one that is). We went there in 2004 and found it fascinating and well worth the moderate entrance fee. The only drawback of course is having to hang off the chains on the R Severn before entering the lock into Gloucester Docks. Cheers Bill

Hi Steve There is only one word to describe Countrywide Cruisers - excellent. The five star boats are among the best you will find and even rival some high class private boats. We hired from CWC in 2004 (for 12 weeks) - the staff are very friendly and go out of there way to assist. We took Sir Ironside on its maiden voyage from May to July. You can read about our adventures in this forum's Cruise Diaries (Two Aussies on the Cut). We went one step further than most and, after looking at a number of boats for sale, bought one of the hire fleet. We cruised for another 12 weeks in 2005 (see 2005 Cruise) and plan a 15 week cruise from March to mid-July in 2006 and a similar time in subsequent years. Our boat is for hire when we are not using it. If you would like any further information please pm me. Cheers and Happy New Year.

We are currently planning our 2006 cruise and have decided to explore the Fens and go to Cambridge and possibly Bedford. Brewood to Gayton Junction is not a problem however from there on it is all new territory. Has anyone done this part of the system? What will we need in the way of lock keys and canal guides? Are there any things to watch out for? A lot of questions I know but I hope someone can help. Merry Christmas to all. Bill

Now there is one for pedants. Don't you mean: - the lowest point of the bridge/tunnel above the waterline; and - from the waterline to the bottom of the boat? Bill

Hi Stephen We did the trip in May this year, although in the reverse direction. It took us 12 relatively leisurely days and, by my count, was about 120 miles with 120 locks (Bathwick to Guildford). If you haven't done the trip before you have the Devizes to look forward to, particularly the Caen Hill flight which is quite challenging but is great (I'm one of those peculiar people who loves locking). The locks on both the Wey Navigation and the Kennet and Avon canal are not the easiest on the system and if you can hook up with another boat on the K&A it will make it a bit easier. Enjoy. Bill

When I first hired a narrowboat (2001) I was told "shut the gates" so I did and still do unless the lock is signposted otherwise. I don't have an opinion whether to shut or leave open but don't you just hate it when you go to all the trouble of shutting the gates only to have the wind blow them open again, usually just after you have moved off.

Hi Mr Who Don't miss it. It was the highlight of our cruise last year (see Cruise Diaries>page 2>12 weeks on the cut, 2 Aussies adventures - Part VII - Tuesday June 8. I agree with Rog an early start is the answer to avoid the trip boats. We passed one just before Tower Bridge without any hassles. Entry into Limehouse is um - exciting - I didn't need an adrenalin injection that day. It wouldn't hurt to also wear a life preserver. Hope you are able to do it one day. Cheers