gardencoaster

So British waterways has it wrong too then... http://www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/can...ing-and-driving

I refer any doubters to the following: http://www.narrowboatworld.com/index.php?o...h&Itemid=38 You will find the relevant law - section 80 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 - at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/ukpga...6#pt4-pb1-l1g80 The only way to have a law removed is to have it repealed...

I invite you to visit HM Government's Your Freedom website and give your support to my proposal that the drink-drive limit for non-professional boaters be repealed: http://yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk/repealing-un...iners/idea-view Thank you.

I've been weighing up the pros and cons of this forthcoming centralised NHS record scheme that they have written to us about, with a similar future lifestyle possible for me and the First Mate. The significant pro is that wherever one is, the practitioner would have access to a summary of ones condition, any medication taken etc. and that has to be helpful for a CCer. The con is enduring concern about the security of such a system and who would have access to it. gardencoaster

Thank you, all, for your kind responses that have provided some extra ideas. I should be able to free the First Mate from the galley... gardencoaster

We've just had to alter our itinerary for the forthcoming week afloat and would be grateful for recent reviews of pubs along the intended course and suggestions for any of which we have not thought. I read on here a while back that the Millhouse at Braunston had been taken over by Marston's - has anyone been in there recently who could comment on beer and food service? Is the Rising Sun at Shackerstone on the Ashby as good as it would appear? It has a website but there's no indication how old the data on it is. Any other gems along the Ashby? On the way back, we expect to stop somewhere near Hawkesbury Junction. Is the Greyhound worth a visit? Thanks for any responses and info.

We also have a Cobb and extensive set of accessories - rarely used, as I have found whenever I take it on board it rains all week! In the unlikely event we suffer a drought, this year, I'll take it out of the bag to put matters right... gardencoaster

Spoke to the marina, this morning, after seeing forecast for midweek (down to -8C at Rugby). Christmas afloat cancelled - canals already icing up and I was told a boat at Hillmorton was having difficulty getting through.

As an "occasional" boater, I'm always interested to learn from those who have more experience so this thread is particularly interesting to me. A recent cruise along the GU between Warwick and Napton in a 62-footer demonstrated, however, that it didn't matter which of the paddles was raised as the water seemed to enter the lock from the left side no matter what. I was glad of a rope around a bollard as the bow began to swing towards the opposite side of the lock. It certainly stabilised the boat and prevented any violent movement or collision with the infrastructure. I've read the advice about keeping the boat towards the back of the lock, too, with interest. Yes, I can see the logic with a shorter craft, but am always mindful of the health of rudder and prop so tend to keep a distance between the boat and gates. We were happy to pass on the wisdom to the "whack up the paddles brigade", with whom we shared one or two locks, that it's a lot safer and smoother to do things with less haste, preventing a dramatic "kiss" between narrowboats. I am relieved that we didn't share with GRP/ wooden boats! Back to the Oxford singles next time for us! gardencoaster

He clearly hasn't visited to sample the food and beer recently... (We last did so, last month.) Had he done so, he would be rubbing his hands with glee! The draught Bass had turned to vinegar and we hadn't eaten so badly in a long time. The hoodie-clad "chef" didn't excel and, indeed, a nearby party were so affronted by what was served to them, they walked! I hope the new owners turn the place around as it is greatly convenient for canal users who don't fancy climbing the hill. I'll be interested to read any reviews on the place before our likely return to Braunston in October. gardencoaster

According to a notice in the Braunston Marina office/ shop, the pub shut because not enough people were coming in through the doors. Let's hope the forthcoming season is a good one for the new landlord. gardencoaster

We had a couple of nights at Sherborne Wharf in 2007. Safe, quiet and with electricity and water. Ideal for a stroll to Gas Street. If you're after a Balti, I suggest you do not use the nearest option - it was disappointing. Great Italian food at Don Salvo (though not cheap) - a 10 minute walk away. Plenty of opportunities for retail therapy (I managed to steer us away from the Jewellery Quarter!). gardencoaster

Very welcome news, Peter - thank you so much! More rain forecast for the weekend so one hopes that'll sort out any persisting floes. Looks like I may get my Gongoozler's Rest breakfast after all! gardencoaster If you are able to post whilst on the move and are north of Braunston on Saturday, I'd be especially interested in what it's like between Hillmorton and Newbold-on-Avon as we're looking to head up that way ourselves from Monday. Cheers. gardencoaster

Many thanks to all who have responded so far. Further updates would be most welcome. gardencoaster

The problem we faced on the last trip was that the marina's pump-out machine had frozen up... gardencoaster