Waterway2go

Arthur Bray managed a bit of hopping on and off well into later years. Have Humans stopped evolving in recent years - or are we just more sensible?

And the Dalmuir drop lock - interesting solution but not recommended if you want a canal that is easy to use !

Not forgetting the Falkirk Wheel

Here's another mystery which I posted some time ago under the heading of horses and steam - but where could it be? It is many years since I was last cruising on English canals but I have a vague memory of this looking a bit like the Tring cutting of the GU. Any thoughts? The original post read-- "This painting dates from 1888 and, I think, depicts a boat with steam or smoke emitting plus a tow-rope in use - presumably with a horse. The painting is behind a glass frame so the picture is a bit confused with reflections. I read somewhere that Henry De Salis used a boat that looked a bit like a gondola when touring the canals to write his first guide book - could this be him?"

Has anyone seen photographs of the hire boats that were introduced by BW (or possible BTW) on the Union Canal in Scotland? I read one reference that described them as small sailing cruisers.

Photos of the coal elevator at Croxley reminded me of the day in 1969 when a conveyor belonging to Birmingham & Midland had to be taken back north to Charity Dock. For a few days Comet might have been described as a self-discharging narrowboat.

If Nicola ran this canal you'd have to apply (in gaelic) 2 moons in advance for passage then wait for 3 men in a white van to come and press the buttons for you

This painting dates from 1888 and, I think, depicts a boat with steam or smoke emitting plus a tow-rope in use - presumably with a horse. The painting is behind a glass frame so the picture is a bit confused with reflections. I read somewhere that Henry De Salis used a boat that looked a bit like a gondola when touring the canals to write his first guide book - could this be him? Was the boat steam powered, if so why the tow-rope? Any explanations appreciated.

We eventually got our act together and have now booked a boat on the Canal Du Nivernais from Locaboat, through Blue Water Holidays - who have been most helpful as described by others. As Nicholsons don't stretch that far, does anyone have a recommendation for the best cruising guide for France ?

What they lacked was a real sea dog

Use a battery, be a BAFI

The best defence against midges is a good Malt Whisky. Scotland produces the finest spirits, and if these are too strong for your taste just dilute with a little of this

Craneage facilities also available at the River Clyde boatyard, Rothesay Dock, Clydebank, which is just 5 miles upriver from the entrance to the canal at Bowling.

Thanks for the advice. Will have a look.

Does anyone have recent experience of hire companies in France?