MaryP

I saw Margherita Taylor interviewing Jamal Jones Thomas from CRT at City Road Lock a week or so ago. Looking forward to it!

I've cruised the Soar, once in each direction, several years apart. Absolutely loved it, no problems with mooring or water etc, but used the Pearsons book, so knew where to look. Be careful though, as the river can get high quickly in wet weather. Enjoy yourselves!

I do intend to return, as I was sad to about turn!

Yes, the Nene gets my vote too, although we only went as far as Irthlingborough due to time constraints. Just to see where the earthlings live...... I'll get my hat.....

I'll PM you.

I agree, but would add Willowbridge in Milton Keynes. They crane out though, people can stay. We did our own blacking there. Langley Mill is great though, and Dan is helpful and friendly!!! Erewash was worth the trip too!

Snap, but got further than that with our V bottom. Plus the Avon and then the Severn until we could see the bottom with all the reeds and fishes. Top of the Ashby to touch the very end.

I renewed as I have a 30+ year old boat with it's original engine, I cruise all year round when allowed, and they have got me out of many spots in the past! I think they're worth it.

This is exactly what we have done. Before the boat is touched, hands are sanitised. Cuts on hands etc are an entry point for Weil's disease, also known as Leptospirosis. It is found in the urine of rats and cattle, so you have to be unlucky to get water containing the urine in a cut in your skin. However, it can give flu like symptoms, but it can also kill if it attacks the organs in your body. Handling ropes, splashes of water. Hand hygiene always important when boating, covid or not!

5 minutes! Just joking, but they loved it straight away. I forgot to say, they go inside at locks, as they would be a trip hazard if not. We have a Springer, and so a wide gunnel. They can just get their front paws on it for the best view and smells. They often dash from one side to the other whilst we're underway, depending on where the ducks are.... Have fun!

We have cheeky cockers. They have always been attached by keeping their leads on and tying a rope through the handles which is attached to the boat. As someone said above, the combination is only long enough to keep them within the profile of the boat. They are therefore free to move about and choose whether to be with me on the back or in their bed. Again, we've never lost one. We do have doggie life jackets, but only use them when the dog gets old and infirm as an extra precaution.

As far as I understand from medical friends, they are accounted for locally, so if they expect a certain number of people in a particular health authority, then they plan for those people and not any extras.

I started the survey, but as soon as I put CC it was the end with a reminder to move every 14 days.

I really enjoyed the last one, so will make an effort to watch. Thanks!

I have had my boat craned out and blacked at both Willowbridge and Saul, and had a good experience at both, for what it's worth.

We had a great experience there recently too!

I agree about the Basingstoke, but also the railway bridge at Roydon on the Stort. At Roydon there was a widebeam, beautifully painted in cream. The water level was high, and he couldn't get under the bridge, so started hacking of the roof rails. I made a comment, and he said he'd just sold it, was delivering it, and if he gave it another lick of paint, the new owner would never notice!!!!!

It was about a year ago.

Last time I came through that lock I was single handed. You have to leave the boat at the other side of the road bridge, walk up a lane, cross the road bridge then set the lock. This I did, but when I got back to the boat and pootled to the lock, a helpful person had closed the gate, presumably thinking that some idiot had left it open. Well I had, but on purpose! The boat and I were of course hidden under the bridge! I called out to people, and eventually someone noticed me and re opened the gate.....

I've just filled in the form. Such a good idea!

Ian, you can come in mine when we finally get there! x

I have a friend who grew up in Camden quite near to the canal. He tells me that in the 60's it was fenced of, and full of bricks, old tyres and dead dogs. I cruised through that area 2-3 years ago, and it was a delight! I have too often wondered when were these good old days?

There was a very similar looking boat at Hungerford on Sunday which had just been painted white very messily. The brass mushroom vents also painted. The paint was so fresh that you could smell it as you walked the towpath. It was still there on Monday morning when I left. I have a photo of the boat, but from a distance. The stern certainly looks similar. If it is the same boat it's heading away from the Thames.

I have had no problems finding mooring - lots of towpath. If you want to be on visitor moorings with rings etc, then you will have a lot less choice. I use a combination of Pearson's and satellite mapping on line to plan ahead - especially where to stop near easy parking. Many people use a plank with a hole in each end so you can pin it to the bank and tie it to your boat. Saves it floating away - there is a flow of water on much of the canal as the rivers join the canal often. Have fun!

The lock keeper at Caen Hill on the K&A has been the same chap for years and years he told us.