Magpie Val

Thanks for sharing the photos, peeps! Many thanks to lovely Sue and Richard for putting us up on their boat and general good hospitality. I did feel a lot better for my sleep in the car on the way home. Was a superb banter well organised - looking forward to meeting up with forum members again - maybe on the BCN Challenge, maybe on another board banter. That Black Rat cider was delicious but deadly! I did feel a lot better for my sleep in the car on the way home PS does anyone know why they are called banters?

I love this - and Magpie Patrick has pointed the "station" names out to me as well

What a great weekend, and not just because of the weather! The BSN canals were lovely - the Curly Whirley and Rushall could have been in the middle of the countryside - twas like another world. Feeling remarkably fit after working 55 locks:) Many thanks to John (Black Beauty) for organising the route and letting us stay on his boat (which drew many admiring remarks - especially from little girls!)

Yes we are going clockwise. Magpie Patrick is getting anxious as it continues to rain in the South West. Will we be able to navigate the River Severn? Rain, rain, go away...

On Thursday Magpie Pat and I are off on the Avon Ring, my first 2 week holiday on Ripple We are stopping off at Upton Folk Festival along the way, and we're also hoping to do a few walks from the canal or river, depending on where we are. Can anyone recommend any good ones? Yes we know Tardebigge locks will get us fit - but we need to get walking practise in for a weekend in Snowdonia almost directly after we get back!!

Seems Ripple's 1.8 litre BMC engine was struggling with trying to push a 62ft narrowboat with a full tank of water against the tides and especially the wind, which was against us all the way up the Ribble. Should there be some kind of engine guidelines or boat inspection perhaps? Otherwise you don't know whether your boat can cope until you try (and possibly fail). Turning the hot water taps on proved surprisingly effective in cooling the engine - a good tip from someone. In fact the hot water is only lukewarm this morning! Weather is fine so I'm facing the trip down the Ribble with a lot less trepidation

Edited it because I didn't know if the Farnham bit was navigable

I've never boated down the River Wey but I've walked it a few times as I live near Guildford. Can tell you all the best pubs and some beauty spots nearby...I don't know what you're into but here are some of the things I've enjoyed... Must-booze pubs: White House in Guildford, the New Inn in Send, the Talbot Hotel in Ripley, the Cricketers in Farncombe and the Red Lion and the Star in Godalming. Must-sees: Guildford itself is great for shopping and has a museum, castle, cinema, 2 theatres, good live music scene - and there's a 17th Centrury treadmill crane at Town wharf. Dapdune Wharf has a visitor centre - very interesting place and good to take the kids. St Martha's Hill is a good walk near Guildford - magnificent views, a very special place. The Godalming Navigation is very beautiful - Catteshall Lock, Farncombe Boat House (with horse-drawn boat Iona), Godalming museum and the beautiful medieval streets of Godalming are well worth a visit. Good website: http://www.weyriver.co.uk/theriver/ Enjoy!

Magpie Patrick isn't gay - but he IS a socialist LOL. I'm more of an anarchist me (not of the bomb-throwing variety). I'm all for freedom - to love whoever you want and to live the lifestyle you choose, as long as you consider others too. Those living 'alternative' lifestyles such as living on a narrowboat almost always have the same attitude as me.