magpie patrick

Looks like you can't spell aqueduct either

Ripple has a BMC engine (1.8), and while our engineer keeps telling us we will need to replace it soon, it keeps proving him wrong. They seem to be nigh on indestructible. One hire boat I had was prone to overheating, and on the Bow back rivers the engine stopped dead... it had run out of water and seized. We let it cool down for a few minutes, poured more water in (the first pint fizzed a bit) and then just turned the key and it started again. The engine was a BMC 1.8

repeat and amplify as a consultant on the matter, I was horrified and was tempted pull BW's funding (which I had the power to do) when I found that just 8 boats a week would be permitted through Standedge tunnel, and I still object in principle to the idea that you need to book to even approach the tunnel. Overly restricting capacity has an exaggerated effect, if you say "2000 boats only" you get 200. (note the dropped zero) I would have pulled the funding, but heart over-ruled head and said to me "this is the best you'll get"

Sadly a short lived victory, as it appears that Harleyford's, when it was wsuggested they might like to actually pay for the transport of gravel by barge, declined... It's now going by road for roughly the same price..

I don't know but if I was in charge BW (and all other navigation authorities) would be prohibited from parting with any land that has navigable water on it I also didn't like the 1980's habit of moving railway stations at the end of branchlines back 100 yards for development, or of putting the bypass between the railway station and the town (Welshpool and Chorley to name but two)

I think Sue was explaining how she would order her pint when we go to the Royal Oak "Third beer from the left end of the bar please..."

At the risk of being a bit controversial my ex used to say that about me... indeed all men and some women... Glad to see your still here JT, we would miss you, although I suspect you wouldn't miss us, or at least not the canals anyway

I'd agree, anyone mixing with large commercial craft needs to know the rules. I still feel that, if you go down the Humber, you should have VHF, I will admit I have changed my stance from when PoLA first introduced the requirement on the Thames through London, if you want to mix with the heavyweights, have the heavyweights tools. The Manchester Ship Canal Company changed their entire policy because of one twat, on a convoy, who steered too close to a ship going the other way. Thanks Mate, even the IWA wrote to you and told you (in more guarded terms) that you were a tosser. Why do narrow boaters insist that they are invincible? And before anyone cites Chris Coburn and Progress, or any other sea faring narrow boaters, it was being cautious that kept them alive

not sue how good an access you need or how disabled, nor for that matter exactly where Wincham Wharf is but... north end of Barnton Tunnel is good, I've got a wheelchair on there (but it's about the only place to get off again!) and there is a point, almost exactly half way between Anderton and Middlewich where a minor road is alongside with no fence edited to add, on the non-towpath side. Can't name it, but launched a car top dinghy there many times Also, if the permanent moorings near the old lion salt works have a vacancy for half an hour, there is level access there.

you down our way yet? offer of pint still stands...

I have to get home before three in term time to park anywhere near the house! Bloody stoodents Some people just don't get "congestion", that is demand outstrips supply.

No there aren't, but this time (and you know that I basically like you, I started the Phylis fan club) I am going to have a pop at you. I am not that familiar with the character of your mooring spots, but you do NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO DISTURB PEOPLE INTO THE SMALL HOURS, OR EVEN LARGE HOURS just because it's your chosen lifestyle. They arrived on a quiet mooring, they may well have planned bedtime for ten or eleven o'clock after a few drinks, or even have a recalicitrant child on board who sleeps fitfully. Unless you were already there showing the "we're having a party until 3 am signs" they got first pick, not you. Their right to sleep is as valid your right to party. IF you got there first and warned others who thought of stopping that a party was to be held fair enough, but you shouldn't go around commandeering a mooring for a party and suggesting that others who don't like it, but are already moored, move on. Of course it may be that you are such a dull lot that the only sound is corks popping because you don't talk/shout/sing, but that would be a unique experience for a party...

You should be okay, the horn will survive as it does on cars, to announce "I am here" But I rather like the vuvuzela idea

long days are easier with locks, the eight hour haul to Upton, with only two locks, both manned, takes it's toll on the eardrums (engine noise) and patience, yet 55 locks in twelve hours with Odana and Black Beauty was a breeze Carlt, my boat is a modern steel thingy but if you want a deal to make sure our "big" holiday is on a new bit of canal (by getting her up Tardebigge for us) then please say...