kremmen

I have just returned from a generally great month on my boat and I have finally determined that my water pump will operate randomly when the engine has been running and has heated my hot water supply never when I have taken a day off and my water has cooled. The whole calorifier unit is well hidden behind built in wardrobe. Should I try and fit some sort of pressure / temperature control? Paul

Its a shame that no one has supplied anything like the OP described. I found some bicycle led clip ons in green and red on Clas Ohlsen in Reading which I purchased as emergency standby. They were cheap and bright. I am sure they won't comply but they are sitting ready for use Paul Ps. I suppose I should buy a clear one for the rear.

Thanks PJ. I phoned and they were up towards Thrupp. Paul

At the moment I would probably prefer the Level of service as I have a glass back and nearly did it in moving 20k bag from back of boat to front. Probably just try and get a few bags from a garage on the way back. Maybe Tesco at reading. .. at least I can use a trolley there plus I get a discount. Paul

On the cut. I will look it up thanks. Paul

I am just North of Osney on the Thames. I would like to get some coal before I make a return run to Newbury. Can anybody advise of somewhere I can get a few bags of coal near my planned journey? Paul

Tony, I do normally but am on a trip and wont return till November. PM me if you get no response before that with some details and I will do that. Paul. PS...I feel sure the Derek offers a winterising service. It may cost money but could be cheaper than the frozen pipes etc.

I wasn't aware of that. The Thames was mostly running with all weirs fully in recently. I was very grateful for the nod from the lenghtsman (or maybe lenghtswoman ) for the nod last night. I made haste today and will now turn left and visit Oxford instead. Paul

Boards put up this morning at Pyrford. An hour or so ago at the Thames lock ( cruiser was turned round ). Just got on to the Thames. It's official. ITS WET Paul

Boards put up this morning at Pyrford. An hour or so ago at the Thames lock ( cruiser was turned round ). Just got on to the Thames. It's official. ITS WET Paul

I have to agree with Paul G2 that this won't be closure. I know that some people never get over the loss of a child. I know that the best thing that can happen is for the family to be left in peace by the press abd I hope they get all the help available. In sympathy. Paul

Thanks. I found a way of doing it but the process isn't intuitive. In fact the download comes down as a blank on my mobile and it isn't formatted that well on my laptop. EA at least has a list. Paul

Just to make it easy... not... There isn't one list. You have to search each canal with dates. Awful. Paul

The last two posts highlights my dilemma :- I have to work and cant get on the boat any earlier so although on paper I have plenty of time I know I could get stuck . ( I feel sure that my colleagues would not be too happy if I rocked up at a closed lock and said.....see you in a few months although I know it happens during red boards ). It might be nice to add an extra dimension on the tidal but maybe not with my perceived timetable and the fact this is my 1st long distance single handed tour. Also got closure at Newbury on 3rd November adds to my thoughts. Paul

Yes it appears that I am talking about the Thames ring. Didn't know that it had an official name. The whole point was not to have to push it. Good news. Paul

Hi. I have recently asked opinions about doing a loop which would be effectively a ring going down the Thames and up the Gu returning down the Oxford. I can't do this until my seasonal job finishes so I can't leave Newbury until the 5th October. Due to closures I would need to be back by 2nd of November so I need to be reasonably swift. I have been talking to boaters on the Thames and most seem to agree I should go down the Thames but I have had some warnings that due to the fact that many bottom gates on the GU need to be left open and I am single handed it will take quite a bit longer. Can anyone advise of their experiences? Thanks Paul

I would second Peter as in post No 6 Paul

Thanks all. I just need to get to the GU. I am currently working as a temporary relief further up river but know little of the tidal stretch. Maybe I should ring Teddington and get some advice. Going down stream seems to be the favourite. If I am looking at the advice I should plan my trip to the GU on a rising tide ? Paul

Hi. Subject to the water conditions. Just mulling over the idea of a 3 or 4 week trip starting in October . Starting in Newbury I thought I would pop up to Braunston and then make a ring of it and return. My question is mainly to ask opinions on whether to go clockwise or anti? I know little about the tidal stretch of the Thames and wonder if it might be preferable to go upstream or down. Plus and general advice on this route gratefully accepted. Paul

I have just looked at the EA provided ready reckoner for narrowboats and all craft with a 2 meter beam and 57 foot is classed by them as 34 square metre . Don't whatever you do go for a 3 day as its £77 . I am given to understand that this is to encourage visits to the Thames rather than just a rat run. Paul

Depends on training given by lockie. Most volunteers are just told to send boat to next lock. Some will phone to advise next lock that an offer to pay was made some won't. Paul