Sea Dog

Stixall is an alternative you might wish to consider. My solar panel brackets are bonded to the roof with it. Even with a very small footprint, they've survived everything the British weather can throw at them. Have a look at the many good properties via Google but, notably, it's not silicone, so you can paint it if needs be.

Some might, but not the best - they use beef dripping. Imho, obvs - but also imho the chip shops that seem to win punters votes in the awards are those who major on quantity rather than quality, so I suspect the coconuts will also be beaten by the pile 'em high merchants.

From your extensive post it appears you have answered your own question with a resounding "Yes"!

Maybe not, but even if you could make it up, it wouldn't be as bonkers as actually doing it! How much water do you need to use to have to have to spend every Saturday filling your tanks back up? How can that sort of consumption be despite rationing? Something doesn't add up here. Is this a cruise liner posting on the wrong forum?

Perhaps @wandering snail might be able to add useful advice or info - they've done extensive Euro cruising and their narrowboat is appropriately rugged.

Thanks guys. I couldn't open the link @Midnight, but Google maps satellite view shows 2 areas of 3 spaces there as @Cheshire cat suggests. Five are filled in that image, but that's good news in terms of the viability of mooring there. Just need to hope there's still a space when we get there!

At the turn of the 20th century, pike was more expensive than salmon in a fishmonger. You can't get pike in a fishmonger now of course, but then even a fishmonger is a rarity nowadays. Pike are very good eating (mind the bones), though I'm not sure I'd want one from the Curly Wurley even if a fine Finnish gentleman offered me to share his BBQ.

That was last year - Elton John. Bought the tickets in 2018 and wasn't entirely certain he'd still be around even before COVID extended the wait to 5 years! It would possibly work if there's a space. My setting off time is a bit constrained, but I'd quite like to get there early enough to recce that and some of the earlier ideas - also to have time for a plan b if said places are filled.

Pretty much how I viewed it, but it's academic if they don't have visitor moorings. Some good advice above from the hive though, so we have avenues to explore.

I'd agree, but it seems a bit unlikey at 9 grand a year! Perhaps they're no longer visitor moorings, but they're still advertised as such and the "we're full" reply didn't suggest that. Shame, as it would suit my plan nicely, even at £25.

Ah ok, thanks - we just stayed inside the fence last time we moored there 3 or 4 years ago which was fine. I wonder if you can still do that? Of course, that won't work here. I'll have a look at that Peter, thanks. We are AWCC so it becomes a possibility if there's a metro nearby. Thanks. Again, that Metro link is probably the key to many options - I'll investigate, thanks. Well the Marple flight will still be closed, so our only option is up the Rochdale 9 where I'd then like to hang a left rather than go right and up the Ashton only to have to back down to carry on. Must needs though, so it's worth a look, thanks. Yeah, beyond a stone's throw would be nice! Is it a bona fide mooring? Tarmac cycle tracks with no rings are proliferating nowadays, so I don't want to go all the way there only to find that scenario. Otherwise, that option might be the best solution, thanks. Ah, that's a cracking bit of local knowledge, thank you. Thanks all, very useful. More input also appreciated. Also, what's occurring at New Islington marina? Visitor moorings, 7 in number, advertised at £25 per night and it's full now and it seems so through til June? Doesn't sound right to me.

Well, not actually the Etihad, but the new Coop arena opposite. We're off to a concert there in June and need a nice/safe mooring for the visit. The canal passes within yards the venue, but whether that means there's anywhere to moor is a different matter and I guess that might change when the place opens anyway. Anyone in the know? It's on the metro line, so further afield with metro nearby would also work. I'd thought of Piccadilly in the basin by the flats, but you need a friendly local for the code to exit and re-enter, which isn't guaranteed so a bit risky. I've also contacted New Islington marina (who's website lists having 7 visitor moorings) to see if I could book in for a night, but they say they're full at the moment (which if they're full at this range doesn't sound like visitor moorings to me, but perhaps someone with local knowledge can advise?). All ideas/suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance.

Too late - he's already gone and done it! However, if it helps you sleep better, I have three options you may like to choose from: 1. His lovely traditional brass tube has been replaced by racey chrome, the better to go with a new "go faster stripes" Nascar style boat livery. 2. He just got fed up of continually having black fingers from using Brasso. 3. His original was long enough to foul on a lock wall and got bent. (Of course, it is possible that none of the above apply but, if so, you'll just have to speculate until the mystery is finally revealed). ETA: Ooh! I see @David Mack has already suggested No3, so maybe there's the answer.

I'm guessing he means holes for the tiller pin.

Thanks Nick, that helps. You hear so many evangelists one way or the other, but it's hard to assess when their usage patterns are unknown and might be extra light or harsh. Got mine coming out for a blast and 2 pack with Norton Canes later this year.