dogless

In my experience the size and power ratio of any of the models mentioned, won't alter the fact that there's bog all on worth watching ! Rog ps I'll get my book

These early morning wanderings are becoming a habit with you. Rumours will start ! Rog

I think they ordered too many signs so just randomly stick them anywhere Rog

Brilliant. Restores a little faith Rog

I apologise that this will be of no use to you, but in my experience the queue is always, without fail, in the direction I wish to travel. Ah well, they're lovely locks Rog

One of the many things to be said in favour of black pudding is it never bites back. And of course it's easier to catch than a ferret. Rog PS this must be one of the only threads where CART have not been blamed for anything !!

Is it just me or does a cafe seem a strange place to leave such a find ! I can't help thinking about 'Cut me own throat Dibbler' from Ant Morpork. Sure it's going to end up served with bacon, egg, and black pudding. A great breakfast if you can catch it Rog

I cannot express how jealous I am. Good on' ya and enjoy, Rog

Moored there at present. No machine in service block but I believe you can still have a service wash done via the cafe. There is a laundrette in Newport if you catch the bus from Gnossall. Cheers Rog

Regular trains into Manchester and Sheffield. We also visited Buxton by train. The station is of course at Whaley Bridge which isn't much of a walk from the basin. We left our boat unattended for a few days without problem. We also overstayed the 48hrs. We spoke to staff in the cabin (it was open at weekends) who were clear that they could not give permission. I did purchase a couple of their history dvds. This was 2/3 years ago and the place was fairly empty when we arrived. We did try to book in at Furnace Vale but no room, which left us little option. Hope you enjoyed the museum. Regards Rog

We're moored in the museum grounds at present. Very secure and strangely satisfying to be moored amongst these echoes of the past. The town centre is a ten minute walk away. Not the prettiest but fine and has all you could need. Mooring costs £4 per night after the first night which is the £6.50 entrance fee each. Elsan, rubbish and water on site. We're off to look at Birkenhead by train tomorrow. There are two free 48hr moorings at the museum entrance if that's your choice. Mooring for the zoo was before and after bridge 134. Lovely rural and peaceful moorings (rings on the Ellesmere side of the bridge). Ten minute walk up a concrete footpath to the zoo. If you buy tickets online at least the day before your visit you can save quite a bit too. The canal upto Ellesmere Port is very peaceful and rural (but for occasional contact with motorways). Only the last half mile or so becomes a little urban with floating litter and bits of graffiti. No problems experienced however. The moorings in the basin in Chester are great, and there's a laundrette close by too. Recommend the trip...and no problems whatsoever with duckweed (the reason I was 'warned off' this stretch 10 years ago). Regards Rog

Sorry , but what's this 'greeny' thing I keep seeing ? I am new to all this. Regards Rog

The Blue Bell in Christleton is very nice. There's also The Old Trooper just beyond bridge 122, which is a Harvester if that's your preference. The moorings are 48hrs but there is room to moor off these if you wish to stay longer. There's also a park and ride just ten minutes walk away if you don't wish to cruise into the city. I'll keep you posted. Rog

We're outside the Cheshire Cat at Christleton at present. We'll head into Chester on Monday. Probably moor below the staircase in the basin but I'll let you know as the week progresses. Regards Rog

We've managed for ten years on the Aylesbury laundry list. Surprising how many good laundrettes there are wandering around the system. Why bother Rog

Moored overnight many times at the Caldon junction and outside the China Gardens pub, without ever experiencing any problems whatsoever. I have always thought it's best to trust your instincts, and as long as YOU feel happy then there is nothing more you can do. Strangely last week we were moored in an idylic spot at Little Bollington underbridge on the Bridgewater canal, with neighbouring moored boats, on a glorious sunny day. We visited Dunham Massey house, and our neighbours saw a passing cyclist nick our headlight. I wouldn't mind but it was over 20 years old and horrible white plastic. No accounting for taste. Regards Rog

Great stuff. You've sold it to us....we're on our way. Thanks again for the great info Rog

Thanks for the feedback, very useful. Rog

I am considering wandering to Chester and then continuing on to enjoy the heady delights of the above two visitor attractions. Many years ago I was dissuaded from this trip by a boater who strongly advised against, due to duck weed so thick it prevented navigation. Anyone been recently please ? Regards Rog

I didn't post with a view to causing anyone any issues, or to encourage complaints to Peel Holdings. I merely considered the information, which may be totally inaccurate, could be of interest to Dean. Rog

Whilst in Castlefield, I spoke to a very pleasant chap who lives on a cream narrow beam dutch barge, and works in the city. He has been moored in Castlefield for quite some time and says he is in negotiation with the enforcement team with a view to paying a licence and mooring fee combined, to cover his continued presence. His C&RT licence expired at the end of May, and he sought confirmation from the enforcement team that the combined mooring and licence scheme IS going to happen, before he allowed his C&RT licence to expire. He was so assured. He is awaiting developments, but clearly appears to have the 'ear' of enforcement. Perhaps Dean should have a chat with this fellow. Sorry for the delay in posting but this is the first day the signal has been up to it. Either way I hope Dean is able to quickly resolve a frustrating problem. Regards Rog

What a pity you cannot do that with Peel Holdings, for all our sakes. I fancied a theatre trip (Ghost Train at the Exchange) but no availability until after our 72 hours is up. Still, I save £50 on tickets Rog