American boater newbie

Reporting in. The American newbies ended up as a party of three boats carrying 12 people from Wrenbury to Llangollen and back. All your advice was really helpful and reassuring, but I will confess to have bumped into more than a few bridges and one or two other boats. Others were definitely more skilled on the tiller. We had the most wonderful relaxed time, mooring up in unbelievably beautiful places and loved the whole "out of touch" experience. Thinking that we didn't want to trigger any discussions about politics I asked my fellow boaters to bring state flags rather than the Stars and Stripes. These were a big hit since they are colorful and no-one had a clue what they represented. The Arizona flag got pulled off and is in the bushes somewhere near Ellesmere... We really appreciated the canal ethos, with everyone at the lock wielding a windlass and offering help. I did get barked at by a man complaining that I was present on a lock and wasn't carrying a windlass, but he calmed down after I explained that having delivered two sons into this world, both of whom were now present as windlass-wielding adults, I felt I had already done my part, especially since there were no more windlasses left on our boat. But that was just a moment of grumpiness. Much more to the point was the time I pulled off to the side to let a boat through a narrow spot, and got stuck on a mudbank. The passing boater asked so gently, "Would you like some advice?" and of course I readily accepted. He calmly coached me off the mud bank and stuck around until my thrashing about had produced the right result, and I was afloat again. Such a gentleman. The aqueduct was nothing less than spectacular. My husband lost his hat to the stiff breeze - it's 126 feet down in the valley somewhere. And the meres and the mosses, the goose eggs we bought and turned into dinner; the Elvis impersonator festival at the Cotton Arms; we have so many great memories, but somehow, it's not enough and we are already planning/dreaming of another trip. So here we are, back in the US, still blissed out by the beauty of the Llangollen canal, and dreaming of more.

and yes, we'll be enjoying ourselves too! OK, you have been warned. We'll be a party of 11 in three boats on the Llangollen, leaving from Wrenbury 11-18 June. Can't wait...

What a joy to wake up to all these helpful, kind, funny and practical answers. To summarize so far (in no particular order) 1. Slow down, especially when passing moored boats. Slow down to enjoy the canal. Slow down (this is my goal for the trip) 2. Read the Nicholson guide (downloaded and read it last night) 3. Don't waste the water in the locks by emptying without a boat in it, unless there is no-one in sight 4. Don't moor in places where others need to go - such as water stops, winding holes 5. Take turns at bridges and tunnels (notify waiting boats if you have a boat immediately following) 6. Be prepared for some humiliation on keeping the boat going straight (I've read the zigzag thread) 7. Do the homework - watch the canal trust videos https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/a-guide-to-boating/boaters-handbook (done) 8. Learn how to use and protect the locks - paddles etc. 9. "Drive" on the right 10. Pay Mike the Boilerman 10 Pounds per lock + 20% VAT and hope that he buys everyone some warm beer when he gets back from the Seychelles Thanks again - can't wait to get out there in June 2018. We'll warn you before we get going

What a joy to wake up to all these helpful, kind, funny and practical answers. To summarize so far (in no particular order) 1. Slow down, especially when passing moored boats. Slow down to enjoy the canal. Slow down (this is my goal for the trip) 2. Read the Nicholson guide (downloaded and read it last night) 3. Don't waste the water in the locks by emptying without a boat in it, unless there is no-one in sight 4. Don't moor in places where others need to go - such as water stops, winding holes 5. Take turns at bridges and tunnels (notify waiting boats if you have a boat immediately following) 6. Be prepared for some humiliation on keeping the boat going straight (I've read the zigzag thread) 7. Do the homework - watch the canal trust videos https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/a-guide-to-boating/boaters-handbook (done) 8. Learn how to use and protect the locks - paddles etc. 9. "Drive" on the right 10. Pay Mike the Boilerman 10 Pounds per lock + 20% VAT and hope that he buys everyone some warm beer when he gets back from the Seychelles Thanks again - can't wait to get out there in June 2018. We'll warn you before we get going

Thanks to all and especially Mike - do you accept prepayment in depreciating USD?

For many years we have dreamed of renting a canal boat, and just maybe, in June 2018, we will be able to do just that with family and friends (6 in total probably). Thinking of Llangollen canal, of course! We are reasonably quick learners, can watch You Tubes of how to manage the boat, and will listen carefully at the orientation lesson. We are mechanically savvy and despite being Americans, we always want to be polite, but we don't know the canal boat world, its culture and traditions. Please help us and your fellow boaters with some pointers. What it is that you wish that total beginners would do, or not do, say or not say, or what should we understand before we get out there and annoy everyone with our ignorance? When you see a boat full of beginners, what are the signs that make you grit your teeth and prepare for the worst? What is that "worst"? All advice welcome - you will be doing us and the canal world a big favor. Horror stories are good tools for learning....thanks!