loner

Would 1,000 hours be an average CCer's engine use in a year? Doesn't seem to be enough.

We carry an extra bit of rope and flashlight batteries. It seems when we need them we are a long way from a store.

Thanks Barry Looks like we are going for it.

Blackrose and Les; Thank You very much. You have really helped my confidence. loner

60 views-no ideas????? Oh Well.

We have been offered a 60 ft widebeam for 6 weeks in August 2009. Although we are VERY EXCITED there is natural concern about handling it properly and safely. We had a week on a 40 ft narrowboat in 2007 and feel it went well. Are there any particular handling difficulties with a widebeam. The boat is located in Bath and we hope to visit London. Will there be readily available moorings etc? Any discussion or advice will be greatly appreciated. T-Y

How does a "flap rudder" work when reversing?

Are there any particular issue when going through a deep lock?

I noticed in a recent narrowboatworld article that bollards had been installed at the sides of locks. Why would you want to tie up any place where the water level rises and lowers, especially a lock? We have always been told to keep the engine running and maneuver to keep the boat centered. What is the best way to safely pass through a lock?

When she walks her NB through the tunnels I recommend she not wear a dress.

How about "Fuzzy 2" or "Still Fuzzy"

It was sad to see the boat treated so badly. Isn't there a company with experience to do such things? The roadway way close. Couldn't a long crane reach the boat and lift it back into the water? It does seem like a little preparation to seal the boat might have prevented a lot of damage. Lets hope it doesn't happen very often.

TAX TAX TAX......Their answer to everything. Sorry they are getting you this way. Will effect our 4 month trip next summer.

There have been several comments about fuel prices going up in November. Whats happening and how much?

How much are higher fees and fuel costs effecting traffic on the canals this year?

I have a pal who lives "under the radar". He uses my address for mail etc. Not that he gets much.. Although he occasionally gets credit card offers. I don't know if he ever actually applied for one. Years ago he put my electric bill in his name for a while. That established his address and credit. He carries an ID with my address on it. He won't be getting Social Security and doesn't want to vote. His comrads get post office boxes for mail etc. The trick according to them is establishing an address for a while, like a power bill. Don't you need somewhere to get bank statements and other important mail etc? A friend who lives traveling in a motorhome has an address at a camp ground. They get his mail and forward it to him occasionally. His social security is direct deposited to his bank account.

Hi; Lisa and I rented from Canaltime last October. They were great. We learned a few things about renting. Its important to rent in a good cruising area. That isn't to say they aren't all good but some are better if you only have a week. Start from an area that has a variety of things to do and see that are close like locks, tunnels and some city and country traveling. You might consider a different time of year when you will be more likely to have enough good weather to get in some miles. If its freezing cold you might not move much and get the wrong idea about NBing. We don't think a week is not long enough to see if its a way of life you want. Before you buy, another option is a long term rental like 3-4 months. Look at http://www.etrr.co.uk/. That will be a much truer test of the CCing life. Thats our next step. We love boating of all sorts and truely loved NBing but its a big step to live the life 24/7. Good luck and happy CCing. We will be watching for your stories. Try different types too.

There is a partial model of an incline plane at the Foxton Locks Museum.

I though only the cops in the states acted so silly .

They have a club:http://www.caraboat.com/main.php

Thanks Mike; Foxton was out first experience with locks. We came from Market Harborough on a hire boat. It would really be something if they can get the Incline Plane operating.

Thanks Alan. It would seem the 5 locks at Bingley would need to conserve water too??

Thanks for the link Cinimod. We were wondering what the 14 day rule. We are planning to rent a NB for 4 months next summer. We hope to keep moving but???

I am wondering why Foxton locks, with 10 steps, has lakes to store water for the next level yet the 5 step at Bingley doesn't. Is Bingley closer to a river or is water in shortage at Foxton? We got to go through Foxton locks late year. Lock technology is very ingenious and interesting.

Thanks for the pics. Its helping us decide what configuration we want. Side doors, Stern, windows etc. Colors and lettering. The long open bow has caught my eye. Loner