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2003 - at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/ukpga...6#pt4-pb1-l1g80 The only way to have a law removed is to have it repealed...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Your Freedom website and give your support to my proposal that the drink-drive limit for non-professional boaters be repealed: http://yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk/repealing-un...iners/idea-view Thank you.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

Hello again, everyone! It's been a while since I last posted but I have a question for any forum users currently out on the Oxford/ GU Canal between Wigrams Turn and Stretton Stop, including Braunston. We're due to take the boat out on Sunday but note the deep frosts forecast and the presence of ice in the canal on the one recent photo we have seen taken along our route. As she's just had her hull freshly blacked, there's no way we want to play "ice breaker" to any extent. Observations whether navigation is possible in the current conditions and the degree to which these waterways are affected by ice would be very helpful to us when deciding whether or not to abandon cruising plans. I see it's going down to -6C overnight at Rugby on Wednesday! Keep warm, people! gardencoaster

The ones to be most wary of, in my experience, are the very low railway bridges in Stoke-on-Trent itself... Definitely had to use ESP to steer the boat under them! gardencoaster

Preferred footwear here is a pair of Johnscliffe Jontex waterproof hiking boots - light, waterproof, ankle-length lace-ups and with a good tread pattern to cope with the muddier towpath. They're not cumbersome along a gunwale either. "Let me stop the boat first!" is my mantra to the eager locking crew... gardencoaster

The Southern Oxford route to Banbury and back would get my vote. Bear in mind that there'll be lots of traffic during this peak season. I recommend you programme in an overnight stop at Cropredy and book a dinner before 8pm at the Brasenose pub where the food is extremely good. Beautiful scenery and, if you can get in on the limited visitor moorings, you may be able to attract a shoal of mirror carp to the boat to be fed by hand! (Old loaf required). Banbury town centre moorings are excellent - no licensed premises nearby to disturb your sleep yet only 15-20 mins walk to find a decent restaurant for dinner. You can get a 'full English' breakfast in the department store ( is it BHS?) almost next to the towpath. Between Braunston and Napton is the rural retreat of Flecknoe - a bit of a hike from the canal but, again, the grub at the Old Olive Bush is worth it (book in advance if possible). You'll find a potentially useful feature on cruising the Oxford Canal at http://www.canalboatmag.co.uk/Editorial.as...3A103&page=1003 Hope this helps - have a lovely week (I'm sure you will ). gardencoaster

Any information on mooring at Chester gratefully received - we're heading that way in a few weeks and would like a safe overnight stop near the city centre if possible. The guides make reference to a basin but I haven't yet found out more about it and what it's likely to be like in mid-season. Hope you haven't boiled at the helm this week (phew! what a scorcher!). Cheers, gardencoaster

Our narrowboating began with Clifton Cruisers. In more recent times we have used Challenger and hired their 62' semi-trad which is of the same spec as the shared ownership boats (very nice and comfortable). They also have an impressive tug with a beautiful fit-out and award-winning galley if you prefer this type of boat. One pays a premium of course for boats this good but I reckon it's worth it. gardencoaster

I have thought about getting one of these magnets for emergencies (and evening 'fishing' in the cut to see what can be dredged up, as long as it isn't a bed frame or worse!). However, I did wonder what effect all that magnetism might have on the computerised bits and pieces in a modern car... Are there any hazards associated with transporting the things around? Has anyone accidentally wiped their credit cards?? gardencoaster

We shall look out for you, Yamanx, if you're afloat in August as we're currently intending to head down from Nantwich and explore more of the Staffs & Worcs. We have crew problems again this summer, though we have more notice of the non-availability than we got last year (ever try finding replacements in ten days in peak holiday season??). So, we're going to take a gentle fortnight and leave Heartbreak Hill and the T&M alone. Researching places of interest along the way, I've found the nuclear bunker at Hack Green which seems to be worth a couple of hours before a relished return to the Shroppie Fly for lunch. Keep an eye out for the Pavarotti lookalike with an aircraft carrier hat on the helm! (I maintain a suitable ale stock so you won't be thirsty if we meet!) gardencoaster

As far as I'm concerned, one should tie dear old Dobbin to the front and haul the boat around. Carrots are a darned sight cheaper than diesel (especially if the tax goes up)! These new-fangled engines are just killing off the old boating skills. Come to think of it, why should we use the pump-out toilets when a bucket did perfectly well in the 19th century? Central heating? For wimps! The lucky ones get to know their boats by living on them and moving them every day. Unlucky ones like me get four weeks tops per annum so I shall use each and every gadget, gizmo and device at my disposal to put my boat where I want it. If the traditionalists wish to stand and tut-tut in disgust when I don't hit anything, let them... I'd rant further but the horse needs feeding... gardencoaster (aka Shoddy The Helmsman)