Rob-M

We had to turn back at Barbridge junction year before last, I think, as one of the unpaired locks failed. There was level problems but can't recall which year as we cancelled a Harecastle booking as they closed due to low water.

I like sharing wide locks with hirers as they are usually happy to enter the lock alongside when asked rather than having to go in the lock and get a line off to hold the boat against the wall.

On our last trip up the Llangollen we just planned to get to expected busy points early morning or early evening. On the way up Grindley Brook after 6pm was deserted and New Marton we probably did around 7:30am. Coming back down, we left Llangollen just after lunch and nothing else was going in our direction so again new queue at the New Marton locks and we over nighted above Grindley so straight through first thing before the queues started.

Today Filling Portishead lock

When working from the boat I can easily use 100Gb in a week especially if it includes patch Tuesday and I have to update a few Windows laptops.

I find sleeping in the motor on the cross bed is ok on my own but I have to sleep diagonally across it as unable to lie out straight across the boat.

I've always assumed there is an air cooled engine under the boards so vents are for providing suitable air flow.

I usually find any volunteer assistant causes delays.

We didn't go this year but from what I have seen online it looked like there were times when a boat appeared to be the only one moving. It needed improving from last year where we sat near the turn for at least 30 mins waiting to move but I think spectators want to see a line of boats moving and as a steerer it is fun to have to do a bit of holding and manoeuvring for other boats.

The Saturn fly boat web site states that the fly boats could get up to 10 mph by rising there own bow wave. They were worked continuously without stopping overnight.

Yes, it goes very well. Winding it on along the Birmingham main line goes well.

3 cylinder Lister, I can't recall what it came from.

On our recent trip I've found the NR5103E has not been as good as my B818 was at similar locations. The B818 I never bothered with an external antenna but the NR5103E seems to mostly require using external antenna to get any sort of usable signal.

Today, Below Tyrley Locks

Last year the parade had a massive hold up for some reason which meant we all just sat waiting, drifting around. The boat behind us even refueled whilst they were waiting alongside one of the fuel boats.