FRESH FIELDS INDEED and I had forgotten that the Lancaster is a broad canal, very wide so easy bridges for navigating.
This is the first hire boat we have taken on since 31 years ago when our log shows it was the Kennet & Avon Canal, as we eventually hoped to get to Bristol, but alas those then swing bridges filled with old railway rails proved too much so only made it to Bath.
Absolutely everything
Anyway, about our new hire boat, from Crabtree Narrowboat Hire and one thing that hit me was the difference between then and now. This time we had a list sent of its contents, and it included absolutely everything and enough provisions to last a couple of days. And even the proper food for the ducks—someone actually knowing that the usual feed of bread does them more harm than good.
Another thing was how hire craft had progressed, with even instant hot water on tap, and something most useful—a small tap giving filtered water for drinking. And everything gone more technical as to heating, appliances and even the toilet. With the microwave having us pondering as we could not cope!
But then we discovered the handbook, making life a damn site easer with everything explained.
Nicholson's better for us
There was also a most informative book concerning the waterway, with loads of detail and the fella telling us to forget Nicholson's when he saw we had a copy. Sorry Rob but your choice wasn't very good for us, as extensive as it was, for it did not show either footpaths or bridleways that we need to take our dog for a run—yet Nicholson's showed them all.
But back to the boat. It was by Liverpool Boats that turned them out on a production line, but eventually went bust.
The first thing I noticed was that there was something missing—there was no hatch! So there were steps in the stern deck then a rather steep one inside. This was okay for the nimble but certainly not for our Thomas who is getting on a bit. And these boats were well known for their wide gunwhales, which together with the protrusion on the handrail that you hold on to made it safer to move along, but the negative was that it gave less space inside the boat, with the corridor somewhat awkward to negotiate.
We were told to cruise at 10,000 revs—which is about 'tickover'—then we found out why. Over this number of revs the tiller was too bloody hard to move. To go at 4mph was really hard work, as the canal is somewhat twisty and needs the tiller being often moved, so we slowed down.
Of course, as a much shorter boat it could not have the things that were used to, but that was expected.
Complaints
Jan had two things to complain about. That the radiators did not get warm when cruising. One would have thought connecting the engine water to the diesel heater and so the radiators would be essential as it then would not need so much power from the batteries to get them hot—they already would be. We found this most convenient in our own boat, as it of course saved battery loss.
Her other complaint was she missed her wet room as we have. There was nowhere to hang wet clothes.
That's all about the boat.
In the meantime a couple of comments from our contributors that have been passed on.
Keeping our sanity
First from Michael Daine:
Hi, how the hell do you keep your sanity? I lost my faith in the Canal & River trust years ago. Much preferred the old days when boaters worked with the waterways guys and we both recognised each others value. I am always reminded of many conversations and debates in the seventies and eighties where we old boaters predicted what was to come!
Sadly most have passed away now, but must be turning in their graves to know, they were so spot on with their predictions, unless you telling your life on you tube!
Salter Lode Lock
And from our regular contributor K Alexander-Duggan:
The control panel is now working again at Salter Lode Lock allowing the tidal link between the Great Ouse and Well Creek on the Middle Levels to reopen. The first boats (five) for some time made the crossing on Saturday 25th April.
The Mechanical & Electrical team of MLC and the specialist contractor who made the control panel have put in many hours to fix the panel. But a close watch will be kept on the control panel in case things go pear shaped again.
So for now that's it for now I'll tell you about the cruise next time.
Stoppages
Our Keith tells of four stoppages reported on Monday 27th and a further four stoppages reported Tuesday 28th.
So it looks like we are better off where we are as we only have fallen trees and we can get past them.
Victor Swift—telling tales for 26 years