Callunna

Hi Rob Give us a wave when you pass through Lower Park Marina, Barnoldswick. I'm the gormless looking one on an ex-Silsden Boats widebeam in need of a paint job (the boat, not me). LPM has pumpout facilities and a small shop/chandlery. Barnoldswick has a variety of shops to top up your food etc. The Anchor pub at Salterforth has new managers and sells some good ales. They're also doing food again now. Further on, The Cross Keys at East Marton is also a good pub, or visit Abbot's Harbour just down the lane for great food in picturesque surroundings. (Only open during the day and closed all day Thursday). I agree with Stonker - maybe Skipton is far enough? The countryside between Barrowford and Skipton is the best in the world (I might be slightly biased, though). I certainly wouldn't fancy doing the swing bridges or Bingley 5 rise locks on my own.

We bought our widebeam (11ft 6in x 55ft) from Silsden Boats. Ex-hire, built by Reeves, fitted out by SB. We liked the layout which gave us two cabins and therefore more privacy which was important to us as liveaboards. They also supply and fitout new boats. http://www.silsdenboats.co.uk/canal-narrow...nd-hire-UK.html If you want a more personal opinion, PM me.

I've got a redundant el cheapo webcam and an antique laptop ... run a 55ft USB cable along the gunwales? Being somewhat short in stature and having a 12ft wide boat makes it very difficult to see what's going on. Mind you, in any 'tense' situation I simply shut my eyes tight, hold my breath and whimper ... so I wouldn't be looking at a screen anyway.

No - just a couple of gentle swans where we are. They're very friendly and will graciously accept a slice of bread from your fingers. It's the ducks who cause most mayhem - they can spot when you're near the bread bin from about 20 metres up the cut and hang around the boat like a gang of hoodies. Yes, we've had tapping at 4am but I don't know whether it was swans or ducks. The first night I thought "Ah, how sweet! How exciting living so close to nature!" The second night I felt guilty at getting grumpy when I was woken up. The third night I retaliated by thumping under the gunwales like a woman possessed. The tapping stopped immediately and rarely happens now.

I'd love to have a discussion about on-boat recording studios - maybe start another dedicated topic? I use Garageband 3 on my MacBookPro - anything more meaty and I'm hopelessly lost. However, I'd be very interested to hear what other people are using. I play acoustic guitar and have a USB keyboard (the latter still in my mother's loft until we sort enough space on the boat) plus decent mic and various effects units etc.

Now is not the time to worry about the appearance of your varnished wood. Call 999 and evacuate the boat NOW.

Sounds like a plan!

This sounds like one shown to me by an ex-navy man and is the only one I can get my head around. It's simple, quick, effective and easy to untie. Does it have an official name? As you say, it doesn't seem to appear in any manuals. I also use a round turn & 2 half hitches. Up to now these two have been the only ones I've needed.

We're hoping to get along there this year, but we haven't time to take the boat so will stay with friends in Barnton. We're likely to be going to the sessions rather than the concerts, that's if dogs are allowed in the pubs.

Oops - stumbled on here by mistake, but quickly realised I was on CWDF by the tone of the discussion. Boiled sweets, anyone?

Yes - same here. We're at Barnoldswick (not far from Richard H). Stop for a brew etc at Lower Park Marina.

I got mine from Alan at www.energysave-eu.co.uk The first batch were 30-LED ones, cool white. Very bright but giving out 'pools' rather than a wash of light. I had a detailed discussion with him and he sent two samples which gave a broader spread (still 30-LED). Once I've fitted a regulator to my lighting circuit (which he doesn't supply) I'm planning to order 10 more for about £46 total. These will just replace my MR16 bulbs - i.e. I'm not buying a whole new light fitting. I don't have any commercial or professional interest in this company but I've been pleased with their attitude and response so far. I hope we're allowed to mention good companies in this forum as well as not-so-good ones - if not, please feel free to delete!