A moorings ramble
RARELY is a visit to the ‘Tell it like it is' website a good laugh. I and many others have ‘popped in' for a look at the ‘latest' and most of us, I guess, would be expecting to read, mostly, of less than pleasant things said or done or happening, writes Geoff Smith.
I cried with laughter at the newly coined ‘dislocksia', it being, at once, completely descriptive, totally self explanatory and, if we're not all completely selfish(?), liable to generate immediate sympathy for the ‘sufferer'.
Do what they're supposed to
However, as my own ‘She who.....' rightly points out, one does have to be slightly disciplined with these terms. We, ourselves, are not, but we do know a number of continuous cruisers who are exactly that, continuous cruisers! These are much respected friends who do what they're supposed to as their licence requires.
In truth, we ‘softies' are a tad jealous of them, actually.
It is a shame, then, that we have to guard against the accidental use of ‘continuous moorer', when we meet them.
So, whilst ‘dislocksia' might be ‘crackable', with a bit of time for practice and tuition, we must, I argue, concentrate completely on mooring discipline. (Well, okay, dredging, too, but...)
The goal?
The rendering of the term ‘Continuous Moorer' to the significance of Button B in the old red telephone boxes! Somebody in China said the journey on the longest road starts with the first step.
The first step is obvious! Canal & River Trust needs to invest!
In enforcement!
Not evidence
Firstly, the fact that a rule has not been enforced for years is not evidence that the rule does not apply now, and should not be enforced now.
It is only evidence that enforcement has been neglected.
Despite squeals from ‘off', pointing at history is insufficient excuse for the repeating of it.
Secondly, one who has not complied with a rule for years does not acquire immunity from its enforcement in the future.
Of their own making
Any consequences to ‘rule-breakers' from enforcement are only of their own making!
In the meantime, I voted yes and I now ‘vote' we continue the campaign against them (and that includes CaRT itself, too, mind!) until the term ‘Continuous Moorer' decays to historical significance only!
Then, at last, we won't need to worry about guarding against hurting the real victims of this wantonly selfish bunch! Continuous cruisers!
Pam
I was sorry to read the comments regarding Pam. We all make mistakes, however.
I have differed with Pam (over dogs and imaginary friends) but was sorry, too, to learn when she was not well and still do miss the First Mate column, oh, and that urn, which won't be long in turning, I reckon!
Let's just hope the toe-rags doing the thieving from boaters, where-ever it is from, get their collars felt real, real soon.
They don't just cause hurt to the boaters they steal from!
Geoff Smith, Nb Minimo.