johnmck

We have been on the Golly since late June. Combination of my partner Ali, working off the boat four days a week, then both of us getting covid in early July, we think at the Eistedfodd. As has been said, aim to hit Llangollen basin for the weekend. This avoids most of the hire boat schedules. We have found evening cruises work to avoid queues at pinch points such as New Marton locks and the aqueducts. It is at times busy, but not overly so and there is water a plenty. It has rained heavily at times and the Dee is full of fresh at the mo.

Been on the Golly since mid June. Had a lovely bumble and visited Llangollen basin thrice over a few weeks, winding at Brynn Howel and then spending a few days on rings near the lift bridge between visits. No dramas and worked out the hire boat patterns. Evening cruising has been bliss. But, we are in Covid recovery at the moment. Think we caught it at the Eistedfodd, so have spent ten days in and around Ellesmere, with Crts blessing, whilst we get over it. All being well, off down the Monty tomorrow.

For info. Winded without any problem. Back into the basin tomorrow. You cannot have too much of this section of the Golly.😋

We are on the Golly at the mo, bimbling. Having left the basin and moored for a few days near the lift bridge just out of town, our intention is to wind somewhere and return to the basin at Llangollen for the weekend. In all the times we have been up here, we have never seen or heard of anybody winding at Bryn Howel. Has anyone done this recently? The alternative is to wind at Trevor, or cross the aqueduct, but fancy a shortcut to use less fuel... We are 58'6" and unsure of just how well used/deep this hole is.

We have recently returned from a trip out with a tank consisting of roughly 60% HVO. Our Beta engine ran normally, as did our Webasto. One item which seems more intolerant of fuel difference, our Refleks stove, glowed merrily. So on the whole, impressed. Topping up with red diesel whilst on the south Oxford, saw no noticeable difference.

Christleton is fine, never had any problems with yoofs when moored there. Pleasant walk into the city via the towpath, and a good bus service, even more so if you walk down to the nearby park and ride.

Quite agree. Even more so when you look at bridge 6a and the none towpath side abutment to the bottom gates of lock 2. Both are slowly moving down towards the A5, the cracks in the brickwork now highlighted with measurements.

It is just below , but in reality, same void. Sorry about the carp photo. Nipped off the boat to take it as passing up the staircase today.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PXbTrhTjQKjuGk4F7 Meanwhile on the Leicester line... An extended closure of Watford locks looks extremely likely.

We love to Soar, likewise the run through Leicester, although challenging at times, mostly weather related. Having done the north Oxford and Coventry to death, for us, coming down the Leicester line beats it hands down. Do visit Market Harborough and Welford. But take care of river levels, stoppages and restrictions. Most of all, which ever way, enjoy.

We have a maxview omnimax. Replaced the connecting cable after eight or so years and that has improved reception. Saying that, it works over 90% of the time for us. When it doesn't, no TV, no big deal. Always available on catch up. Most of the programmes we want to watch are on the terrestrial channels anyway. Not getting a signal the odd time is no problem. Just get the kindle out and enjoy the peace and quiet and tonight, the drum of rain on the roof!

That start up sounds exactly like mine. Winds itself up like a jet engine, the ticking of the pump accelerates and it maintains this for ten minutes or so, then winds down to a steady rumble. Done this for the last ten years, so for us, the normal start up regime.

We are heading south towards Cropredy at the moment. Original plan was to wind above Somerton deep before heading home.