Big John

A search for "ice" on the Forum fails to find any. This cannot be true. How about we start posting when there is ice on the cut where we are, and when it melts, on this thread? Epiphany is moored at Cambrian Wharf in Birmingham and last night the temperature went down to -3.5 outside. Yet there is still no ice, presumably because we are in the city. I suspect that if we leave the city we will find part of the BCN has frozen over, but I would like to know where before we leave here. So, to start things off, can anyone report ice on the BCN at the moment? P.S.I suspect the lack of hits for "ice" is because it only has 3 letters

Agree with you there. Whereas Tony Hales mentions "people who live on the waterways", Benyon ignores boats and boaters completely.

Is a quick plug for the Richlow guide on the North Yorkshire Waterways in order? "Written by people who go there" - and updated on-line when necessary.

We only ever use brewers yeast tablets (from Holland & Barrett)- three on change of cassette and an extra one or two daily. Gets everything suitably mushy and non-smelly!

From BW: "...regarding the part of Paddington Basin at its “eastern end”. The area of water you refer to is leased out to Paddington Basin Business Barges Ltd, a company in which BW is a 505 shareholder. It is envisaged that this area will become an area for static boats and for use by a canoe club. One of the reasons that the area cannot be used at present is that the helix bridge is out of service and will cost a considerable sum of money to repair. Ultimately the developers of the new scheme in that part of the Basin, called Merchant Square will be replacing that bridge with a new lifting bridge will be capable of being opened, to allow boats to enter that area."

Just had an enquiry from someone at Langley - why is Uncle Ben's Bridge so named?

Is Nick's wondersite down today? How will we plan?

Neil said, "Well roll on the new charity- then they will have to work for free!" I asked him at Crick, if there would be a volunteer Chief Exec for the NWC. He did not answer in the affirmative

Why can't I get to watch it? "Sorry, this programme is not available to watch again."

No sign visible - it could have been hiding in the bushes which have been allowed to grow up in front of it. And as far as missing the turn is concerned, it's only when you are swept past the junction on the ebb that you see the lock. (Not that we had any trouble!)

Do either of these show where the sign was? We couldn't see one. More pictures if required.

Thanks for the interesting thread - especially as we are going down to Brentford on Monday evening. If you're in any doubt about finding somewhere on a waterway, and you have internet access (I assume you do, as you use the forum!), why not have a look at Google Maps satellite images and get the picture in your mind, or print it out. I have been planning ahead, using Google maps to refine the Water Explorer and Navvygator maps and last night did the stretch from Sunbury to Bulls Bridge via Brentford. So when we go downstream, I'll have my Nicholson map and Navvygator running with the GPS. Should be belt and braces!

You could have a look at our blog index for the North-East - we cruised that area this time last year, so you could see where we moored, and what happened etc. Enjoy!

So what is a standard height? - serious question - we reckon 6'1" is about the maximum - any advance on 6'1"?

Deadline now extended to 1st August

Seems like all licences are best bought as long-term rather than short term. Doesn't seem fair, but that's the way it goes. Perhaps something to lobby about? As for the Thames - we're loving it!

There is also a horse-drawn boat on the River Wey Godalming Navigation - Iona and one on the Grand Western Canal at Tiverton. For the former, the advice is keep your roof clear, as with the Kennet Valley on the K&A at Kintbury

Indeed he is. Hope George has a long and happy retirement

You didn't mention the cat falling in! What a great life, isn't it? Enjoy

I will do anything I can to persuade you to cross the Ribble Link and enjoy the Lancaster Canal. It is a "mustdo" in our opinion, and with all the guidance and help available, it shouldn't be a problem. You won't be allowed to go out if the weather is too poor. For a taster of what is in store have a look at our 2009 reports, beginning on May 24th with What a day to do the Ribble Link, and ending on June 29th with the Ribble Return report showing us coming back. Would we do it again? Yes tomorrow if we could, but as we're on the Thames at the moment (despite the blog title saying we're on a canal!), it will have to wait until 2012

The Satellite Finder widget as shown on our website saves a lot of hassle when trying to get the Skybox tuned in for our TV signal when we have moved moorings.