Greg K
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Posts posted by Greg K
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9 minutes ago, frangar said:
You need to try the dark side….milds/porters/old ale!
Did a fair bit of brewing at home using an all grain system about 10 years ago. Used the old 5 gallon soda fountain syrup cans and made a four tap "keggerator", w/ four styles on tap at all times. It got rather out of control (always brewing and drinking beer), that gave it up. Still think about getting back to it again on a smaller scale.
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3 minutes ago, Machpoint005 said:
Tends to be a Belgian practice: there are a lot of things they get right in Belgium, including beer.
Oof....wheat beers aren't my favorite style.
Gimme a good ole' Pale Ale anytime.
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8 hours ago, pomkitanner said:
Iced Tea is like cold chips . yuk ! But not a tea drinker generally as by and large its past its use by date . In India, Tea, ( Chai ) is fresh and flavoursome , unlike anything i have yet to experience in UK.
Chips w/ mayo....the Dutch taught me that marvel. No vinegar.
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Is this so?
Iced tea is generally regarded, in Britain, as almost incontrovertible proof of the existence of Satan. As a nation, we have greater faith in proper tea than we do in any particular god (or deity collective), however even tea has its demonic counterpart and it's iced tea.
No way you'd ever produce enough ice on board most narrowboats for proper iced tea and I'm thinking there's not a lot of bulk ice sold in the UK as here in America, but is iced tea truly so horrid? It's something I drink year round (yes, I use the dreaded tea "dust" as most Americans do), yet I really like my iced tea. Use this contraption to make it. Refrigerator has auto ice maker, so never a shortage of ice in my American kitchen.
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9 hours ago, Alan de Enfield said:
That's a sloop, right? Which body of water?
I miss me sailing days on the Great Lakes. Raced from Grand Haven Michigan to Milwaukee Wisconsin across Lake Michigan in late June on a 32 ft racing sloop...at night...during a tremendous thunderstorm. (Sailmakers race, several craft de-masted, lots and lots of torn sails, no sinkings and no deaths fortunately.)
Three days later we raced back from Milwaukee to Grand Haven. Now they sail from Milwaukee to Muskegon, Michigan.
https://www.ssyc.org/queen-s-cup-race/queen-s-cup-home
The "feeder race" is the Tripp Cup from Muskegon to Milwaukee a few days before, just as I did...back in 2005.
https://yachtscoring.com/event_documents/14442/2021_Tripp_Cup_NOR Final.pdf
Man....... I miss sailing on a fine sloop.
Then, two days later, we raced from Milwaukee back to
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13 hours ago, David Mack said:
An American view of Brits taking to the cut post pandemic:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/20/world/europe/england-canal-boats-permanent-homes.html
I wonder if there will be glut of canal boats on the market in a few years after all the folks who jumped in during the pandemic find out it's not for them.
Seems rather inevitable; sorta' like the pet adoptions that SKYROCKETED here in the States, now the poor animals are being returned to shelters in record numbers.
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1 minute ago, Heartland said:
There is a long list of candidates for great engineering feats on waterways in this country and abroad.
But the Canal age is often considered from the 1770's to the 1840s in the UK, but there were some engineering marvels such as the Anderton Boat Lift which was later and then there id the modern Falkirk Wheel.
Foxton Locks.
Quite impressive. I know nothing of the canals save the video documentaries & writings of the history I've consumed these last four years or so.
Imagine the Pandemic has increased interest in canal living as much as it has increased interest in remote country living here in America. People leaving cities for the "idyllic life" in the country or the canal boat or whatever............woe be to them, right?
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On 29/07/2021 at 11:40, IanD said:
Canal navigation is *exceptionally* easy, rather like steering is on a train... 😉
Having said that, I did once meet a boater coming the other way who asked me how far it was to [xxx] because they thought they should have been there by now. As they would have been, if they'd set off from the hire base in the right direction...
What was the look on their poor faces when you broke the news?
But then there's always canal guides....and maps....and sign posts along the canal. Those always come in handy.
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I've been doing a fairly deep dive into all the online canal history I can come by. Will be looking for some hard copy books at the local public library (YIKES! Books? Libraries? They still exist?!) on the subject as well. Pretty fascinating stuff. Great engineering feats for that time, or any time really.
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-history/the-canal-age
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On 27/07/2021 at 08:04, John Wareing said:
One thing to bear in mind is that if you select the 4 Counties are that area in general and Chas Hardern in particular is that you should plan on flying into Manchester not London - it will be much more convenient and the boatyard may well organise a direct transfer for you.
Under normal times there were a number of direct flights from the US into MAN and they may well be back by next September. But, even if not, a one stop through Dublin would work very well with the added advantage of pre-clearance for the US at Dublin on the way back.
Dunno if Birmingham is in the realm of possible airports; I can get a flight from Detroit to Birmingham w/ a 2 hr layover in either Paris or Amsterdam for a reasonable rate. Haven't checked flying in to Heathrow; could probably score a direct flight, Detroit to Heathrow, on Delta Airlines BUT American air carriers, well.....not the best. I go for non-American carrier any day of the week first choice.
On 27/07/2021 at 09:14, zenataomm said:Don't forget to pack your cases with chocolate and chewing gum to throw to the urchins. Silk stockings and parachute silk still goes down well with the local wenches too.
Finally, even if only talking to yourself try and lose the word "quaint!
Good luck, enjoy and have a happy time.
Zenataomm
English humor escapes me.......
🥰
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As I'm not a boat owner, I'm a bit sheepish to post questions to satisfy my general curiosity. However I'm a curious about a few things and appreciate any replies.
So...let's talk refrigerators. Dug through this forum on equipment, good information on refrigeration. There are a few ways to power them from the very little I know. 12V seems popular. How about propane gas, not so much? Those w/ shore power hook ups can enjoy a standard 240v I suppose.
And w/ anything narrow boat, I'm beginning to understand that HOW you will be using the boat will dictate a bit about mechanicals and the like. Such as, are you doing short jaunts of a week or so, extended cruising, or simply enjoying your slip at the boatyard?
Thanks in advance for the replies.
Cheers!
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10 minutes ago, David Mack said:
Narrowboats generally spend 12 months of the year in the water, so you don't need to worry about cranage costs. Boats are docked every 3 years or so for reblacking and to replace anodes if necessary. If the boat is older than about 25 years, many insurers also require an out-of-water survey every 5 years or so, which you would normally do when out for blacking anyway.
There's been a few overseas folk on the forum who own a boat here and spend half the year on it and leave it in the care of a local boatyard for the other half of the year. You just need somewhere that will keep an eye on it, check batteries are charged, bilges are dry etc. from time to time, do any necessary maintenance while you are away, and perhaps open up the boat for your return.
Thanks!
This is why a message forum such as Canal World and its great community is SUCH an asset.
Sure, I won't be buying a narrowboat anytime soon, yet it's good to learns basics such as how the boats are stored year round. I simply assumed it was like it is around these parts; in the winter, the boats come out of the water lest the hard freezing water cracks the hulls. After all, ice on the Great Lakes can reach several feet thick as you know, and would shatter pleasure boat hulls like eggshells.
Makes sense if affordable space is available not to pull the boat out. I can see long term narrowboat storage, many boats rafted out at long term dockings.....
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14 minutes ago, David Mack said:
In my experience any boating experience helps. It is knowing how a boat steers, and accelerates and stops (i.e. not like a car), that helps you, even if all your boating has been on other types of boat. My American daughter-in-law grew up with boats - canoes, dinghies, waterski towboat, fast cruisers (also on Lake Michigan, out of Port Washington, WI) but had never been on a narrowboat. Yet within minutes of taking the tiller of a 70 ft ex-working boat, and with minimal instruction, she was doing fine. She messed up her first tight bend (and it was a pig of a bend), learnt from her mistake and took the next bend beautifully. A couple of days later she was steering into narrow locks without touching the sides.
Forgot to mention canoes, rowboats, and kayaks, done them too.
And yes, it's knowing how a watercraft responds (or doesn't). Think two or three steps ahead at all times.
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2 minutes ago, Lily Rose said:
We've had our boat (which matches your description right down to the 45' length!) for 6 years. Before Covid we spent between 90 and 120 nights per year on the boat. Would probably have been more but for grandparenting commitments. Due to lockdown etc that dropped to 50 last year and has just passed 50 for this year. With many months left, and being on it at the moment, I hope to get to about 75 by the end of the year.
It sounds like I might have the boat you want. I would say make me an offer but I suspect Mrs LR would kill me!
Would enjoy it if you posted a few pics of the fine Lily Rose. Thanks for the reply!
Right, I figured folks who owned and didn't have day jobs would spend a lot of time on the boat, but perhaps not 180 nights. So being a Yankee narrow boat owner might not be that far out of the realm of possibilities. One thing that is CLEAR to me about owning a boat (being born and raised in Michigan you cannot help but learn and know boating in some small way) is the cost of a slip. Boat in, boat out, and dry storage at the boatyard isn't so bad, it's the slip that'll cost you. So if my mind ever did escape me and I did purchase a narrow boat, I don't see myself leasing a slip; simply arrive, put the boat in the water, do the P.M. tasks, and off we go for many months, up to six if I wanted. And the window of those six months could slide allowing me experience just about any period encompassing that time. April - September, May-October, whatever. With a proper stove and enough solid fuel I don't mind chilly weather, rather prefer it to the blazing heat of summer.
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Just now, IanD said:
I meant navigation as in "steer 270 degrees for 3nm, then turn onto 200 degrees" 😉
From experience, tunnels aren't the only place where errant boats coming the other way might collide with you...
Understood.
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To those of you fortunate enough to own your own narrow boat and have all the time available to spend of her, how much time would you say out of 12 months you're actually on the boat? Give it to me in weeks, months, whatever you'd like.
Because I had this absolutely barmy notion that when my day job ends in a few years, I buy myself a narrow boat. Small, 45ft max, nothing fancy, nothing elaborate. Good hull, decent engine, toilet lavatory shower, solar power, boatman's stove, gas stove/oven/, that's about it. Doesn't need radiator heat. Just another system to maintain and repair.
Maximum amount of time the UK will tolerate a Yank like me is 6 months out of 12 on a tourist visa, so I pick my 6 month window. The rest of the time the boat is up on blocks in a boatyard. So THAT for a several seasons, then sell the boat.
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7 minutes ago, IanD said:
If you tell all that to Armada it might be enough to convince them. If not I think the relevant RYA course can be done in a day (don't know the cost -- does anybody know?) and that might persuade them.
Armanda also offer a "tutorial" of various lengths of time for the hirer to demonstrate competency.
So perhaps I could do THAT; may take a half days time and a few extra pounds but well worth both. I reckon if I can single handedly cast off, navigate, demonstrate knowledge of "rules of the road", navigate a lock, execute a full 180 turn and tie up a canal side berth that will be sufficient.
Also joining the NBT after a generous offer to do so. Barry from NBT, the sporting chap that he is, even offered me a berth on either the 2022 spring or autumn solid fuel runs which I am seriously considering. A great group to support, and a fine way to learn a bit about narrow boats. And what fun ! ! Like taking a step back in time 90 years or more. And I'm one who's more for a working holiday; not into cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts. When I visit another land I rather enjoy the local experience.
It's just a matter of getting time for a holiday. We Americans get FAR too little holiday time.
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5 hours ago, IanD said:
I think you need to provide a black pudding as proof, you can't eat a postcode... 😉
Plenty of options from the Armada base, including your suggestion 😉
https://armadaboathire.co.uk/routes.html
A question for Greg -- do you have *any* boat experience? If you do it might be easier to persuade Armada to hire to you single-handed, especially if you do the appropriate RYA course first -- there are various places which will do this, including ones near Rugby:
https://www.rya.org.uk/training/courses/inland-waterways-helmsman's-course-iwhcc
I've got a fair amount of sailing experience in and around Michigan. Small craft like Sunfish and Lasers to 16ft. sloops and even crewed a 32ft racing yacht on Lake Michigan. We did the buoy racing every Wednesday (boring!) and a few offshore races. Best one was racing across Lake Michigan...at night....from Grand Haven MI to Milwaukee WI.
So yeah....a bit of boating experience, but nothing like narrow boats.
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2 hours ago, zenataomm said:
....... I'm reduced to someone 😕 Oh well, at least I'm that memorable eh? 🙄
Mate, I've been pleasantly overwhelmed w/ responses ! ! Too many to keep track of.
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6 hours ago, doratheexplorer said:
Toad in the Hole does not involve any suet pastry. It's batter.
RIGHT! Thanks.
The suet pastry was used in the steak & kidney pie, come to think of it.
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5 hours ago, cuthound said:
My first introduction to canalling was on a self drive ex-working boat converted into a camping boat (12 bunks in the hold under the canvas) hired from Union Canal Carriers of Braunston (who are still trading) in 1973.
Beware, it can be a slippery slope leading to boat ownership and eventually canalcoholicism! 😂
Totally depends on how long of a visa I can get. Buying isn't out of the question when I stop working the day job in about 5 years or so.
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5 hours ago, IanD said:
Good luck with Armada, Hector would suit you just fine. In case you hadn't realised it's also got a rare advantage for a narrowboat of being very quiet when cruising along because the engine is in the bows with hydraulic drive to the prop.
I did the Leicester ring last year with my wife in two weeks, by my standards (typically 7-8 hours a day cruising with 4 of us) it was relatively easy (five and a half hours per day average according to Canalplan), but actually it was quite hard work at times, especially with unexpected delays due to bad weather including a temporary closure on the Soar -- and some of the locks there are difficult for one person to operate even with another one on the boat, they'd be harder still for you, and there aren't many boats along there so the chances of regular lock sharing to help you would be slim. Given your experience and solo nature I really wouldn't recommend it -- here's a link to the kind of thing you'd need to do if you did:
If I can ever get my hands on a single hire, it would be the Hector. Notice straight away that the engine is in the bow. All canal boat videos I've viewed, shot from the helm position mostly, there's the definite sound of the engine.
And likely an "out 'n back" trip for me, first time solo on the canals. I can stop at some spots on the way out and mark other to see on the way back. Plus no stressing about making a definitive number of miles per day.
5 hours ago, BlueStringPudding said:Welcome, Greg. If you're looking forward to those classic British cuisines, I suggest buying the eggs, bacon, and sausages for your full English breakfast from a local farm shop you pass on your travels on the boat. It'll be all the more delicious than anything from a supermarket.
And if you're going to have Yorkshire Pudding, you gotta have a proper roast dinner to go with it, to really appreciate it. (Lots of decent pubs do a good roast beef with Yorkie puds dinner or carvery on a Sunday lunchtime, if you're not making your own. Lots of pubs are eateries too these days and you don't have to drink booze. There's always tea, coffee and soft drinks served in pubs. Although you might want to try a good British ale at least once while you're here - all my American friends think we drink warm lager on this country, until they come to the UK and actually try a nice cool glass of proper ale, which is totally different to lager. We have lager too, but that is served very cold, as it should be).
And don't forget desserts like Sticky Toffee Pudding and Apple Crumble for the full British weight-gain experience
Keep us posted how you get on.
Oh, for SURE, locally sourced foods would be highly sought after.
And of course I'll be frequenting the odd pub along the route. I used to brew me own beer in an all-grain system a few years ago so very familiar w/ beer style. MUCH prefer ales myself, and no, in the UK beer is NOT served at room temperature.
Cheers!
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Just now, noddyboater said:
Mmmm.. Greg K.
Somehow the name rings a bell, I'm sure we've met before. Maybe it was over a plate of tripe n mash somewhere quaint.
Unfortunately I've never stepped foot in the UK, mate.
That must change, which is part of this entire exercise. It was either one of those all-paid holidays to London or narrow boats on canals. I'm more of an "off the beaten path" tourist, so narrow boats then !
Iced Tea
in Living Afloat
Posted · Edited by Greg K
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