Callunna

I've been clearing out the garage and futility room in readiness for the boat move and have amassed a large horde of good quality tools, from a hand-driven drill to clamps to, well, I don't know the names of them but they look pretty useful anyway. But can I find just one decent screwdriver anywhere? Nope.

I got my Web n Walk plus new Mac notebook last week in readiness for our move (which will surely happen soon - damn those slowcoach solicitors) and have tried it out in various locations from the L&L and even Bowness on Windermere this weekend. It was a no-brainer to install and T-Mobile's techies were on hand to quickly solve the minor problem I had with the set-up. All for £20 a month with no real download limit (not many people would manage to get through 3 gig). Cheaper than my home broadband which I've now cancelled. I also have WnW on my mobile for £7 a month which seemed like a good idea at the time, but in practice the phone's screen is so tiny and many (including CW) websites aren't geared up to small screens as regards page layout. I did manage to login (I think) but was unable to find out how to post in the forums.

With my usual impeccable timing, it's likely that we'll be taking possession of our new boat over that weekend. So that means we'll have to get it back home all on our own, without the Travis crew to hold our hand! And it's my 50th birthday... So while you're all having a good laugh, meal and drink, spare a thought for me - petrified at getting the boat home and depressed cos I'm half a century old!

It did, it wasn't and it was. Or summat...

And can you explain how the electrical system works on a boat? (Cally ducks for cover...) Seriously though, I've only just discovered this thread and I'm very heartened by most people's response. I think I've told this tale before elsewhere on the forum, but at the risk of boring you all I'll repeat it. My mother called in for a brew at our local marina and mentioned that I was hoping to get a place there soon. "Is she normal?" piped up one of the inmates. A bit flummoxed, my mum replied in the affirmative (even though it's not true). "Oh, she'll not fit in here, then," he replied. Me and my partner are possibly as off-the-wall as anyone, so I think we'll be very happy amongst the boating community.

Jill - there's me thinking that I'll have to sell one of my 3 guitars when we get afloat! Now I can justify keeping all our instruments (not as big or as unusual a list as yours) Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou As for running costs, the answer is quite simple for us. Given that we pay for lecky, gas, council tax and maintenance as homeowners, we expect to be paying roughly the same or even a bit more when we're liveaboards. What we WON'T be paying, however, is the £800pm mortgage for the next 20 years, as we're buying the boat outright from the house's equity. It's a no brainer for us, though I accept it's different for other people with other circumstances.

Greenberfield to East Marton is one of the most pleasant stretches of the L&L, IMHO. If you're interested in steam engines, Bancroft Mill in Barnoldswick has a museum. The engines "James" & "Mary Jane" (cross compound) were recued and restored when the cotton mill was closed in 1978. They are in steam about once a month. For more info, google Bancroft Mill. After a stroll or easy cycle ride from Barlick along a beautiful scenic towpath with views of the Yorkshire Dales you eventually end up at Wilkinson's Farm at East Marton (double-arched bridge) where you can visit Abbot's Harbour tearooms/restaurant (only open in the afternoons & not on Thursdays) or The Cross Keys pub (great beer and food).

There's a small mooring (23ft x 5ft 9in) up for auction at Greenberfield Bottom Lock near Barnoldswick but it's on the towpath side.

Oh!!! Old Peculier!!! It's grand tackle, is that. What a shame I won't be able to join you all

Yeah - the one near us (Greenberfield) is for a 23ft x 5ft 9in boat. Fan-bloody-tastic

Well, we're having to put any firm plans for ANYTHING on hold at present because we just don't know exactly when we'll take delivery of our boat (assuming nobody nips in and buys it before we get the house sale money). However, IF all went to plan, it looks like it could be the weekend of the 17th, so we wouldn't be able to make a banter on that date. Also, on the 25th it's my, er, my fif... fift... aaargh still can't bring myself to say it, but it's a significant birthday, so if we ARE installed on the boat we were planning a sort of boat warming/birthday open house, er, boat.

I had one of those a few years back. Totally useless. I was able to dry the bricks in the Aga we had at the time, but for all the effort involved, it's not worth buying one. You won't use it after a few goes. The bricks only lasted 5 minutes (albeit on an open fire, not a woodburning stove). The one mentioned above (from the gardeners website) does sound interesting though. I'd be keen to hear how people get on with it.

It's my Double 25th next month, so I'm going to vote quickly while I can still register 40s... Edited: Apparently I already voted. Short term memory loss has already kicked in.

I'm up for that! Skipton would be grand.