nina

I received this update today in my email inbox from what seems to be a reliable, experienced narrowboat enthusiast/liveaboard based at Napton marina (I think) so thought I'd post. Obviously you have to be careful with Ebay anyway but this article gives explains some of the pitfalls that might be out there if you're not careful. http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bc3bb91ed36c434251aabfbf4&id=76946f330c&e=1f65e285b4

Thankyou. You went out of your way to be helpful when we called in. I'm sure you will be greatly missed at Whilton. I will contact you to discuss further the colours we need. Nothing urgent. Thankyou again. Nina.

Hello Grannykins Not to decry our fellow females but I think understanding all the mechanics is a lot easier for most men. I get some of it but it baffles me too. I leave most of it to my husband. Practical experience is always a good way to learn. Same as learning how to drive a car really, reading books on the theory helps but it's not till you get behind the wheel that you really start to learn. Could you go on several boating holidays between now and when you plan to own your own boat? If it's not for 5 years, you've got plenty of time. It's not as hard to learn as it sounds once you're in a practical situation and going on a hire boat will teach you a lot.

Glad to hear you've got another bike. I own a retail business. In 25 years, I have never seen as much theft as we're seeing now. The only response to dealing with it, (by law we're not allowed to touch them and by the time they've stepped outside the premises, they're off), is to be more self protective of what's yours. You can sign up to your local Neighbourhood Watch and get email alerts direct to your inbox. If you register, there is a section on boats & canals. This means if there is a spate of thefts in your area, you'll get notified. Does help you to be more on your guard. Sign of the times unfortunately.

One of the things that perhaps some of us don't realise is that forums are trawled by all kinds of people including opportunists looking to possibly steal. That's why I don't post my boat's name or location on this forum. I know it makes me invisible and some forum members think it's unfriendly, but especially if you are a female living on your boat on your own in a particular location, it's probably wise not to give too many details away. Same goes for anyone really, men too. Thefts are on the increase so we all need to be make sure we don't unwittingly provide an easy opportunity without realising.

Thankyou so much Roger, I'm really grateful for the advice. Can finish a project now hopefully.

When we bought our boat, the previous owner had meticulously maintained a documented file of everything including paint codes, colours & brands. We bought some of the paints for touch up jobs from Whilton Chandlery just before Christmas but he helpful as he was, he didn't have all the colours. It's proving not so easy getting a good match on one of the colours. I realise paint fades so applying a new colour will obviously look fresher until fades too but does anyone know of a paint company or manufacturer where I might be able to get a better match or at least some more information? Thankyou.

You have not lived until you have had Fish & Chips(Whiting) from The Colour Patch, Augusta, Western Australia. I have heard about the famous Fish & Chips from England. Sorry to tell you this but they don't come close to ours. Not to mention the Barramundi and Snapper! Enjoy your trip around our lovely waterways. Pubs are closing pretty quickly at the moment due to the economy so it's a good idea to stock up the boat with plenty of food basics and perhaps moor in walking distance of the local supermarkets too. Just in case.

Harleyj, husband is an Aussie. We came back from living on the Gold Coast 2 years ago. Business reasons. Hope you enjoy boating and cruising the waterways. We miss the multi cultural cuisine that Australia is famed for thanks to it being so diverse, Thai, Vienamese, Mexican, Greek, Italian, Polish, German etc. Our best memories are of the celebration of different cultures and how this made food over there such good quality. Try a good steak here though. Our steak is sometimes better, we think it's because of the grass, (more rain). If they have 'assured quality sirloin, fillet, or rump, or Aberdeen Angus, give it a go. Not cheap but worth it. Have a great time!

That's very sad. I hope your son is able to get another bike to replace the one he's lost. Looks like it's time to chain and padlock anything that's left outside these days.

I think one of the positive lessons of the economy is that many people are learning that less is more. I realise it's painful and it may be a very harsh way to learn but I am seeing a lot more people waking upto the reality that 'the happiness trap' ie big house, new car, holidays 2 or 3 times a year, mortgage, everything brand new out of the showroom, etc, etc, makes them a slave to work & debt. I grew up in a permanent recession, there was never any money when I was a child. Although I have since done well in career and life, in some ways, that early learning of having to work for everything and only buying things when I could afford them, means I know exactly what to do when times get tough. I don't find them hard at all because I know how to live through them. I'm really quite grateful that I grew up with nothing. Everything is a bonus now. I think the best lesson you can give a child today is the value of their own efforts. Whether this means they learn to thrive in the material world by saving up for something themselves or teaching them more is less, both are good lessons. I really empathise with you Jimbo, I think you're very brave. Not sure if it's the best idea to grow your family on a narrowboat. It's quite a reclusive lifestyle and they will need to interact with modern day life on many levels if they are to survive and thrive. Couldn't you look at moving into cheaper bricks and mortar and just living life on simpler terms? That way it's not such a huge compromise and your children get to stay connected to the real world. Unpalatable as it seems. I wish you luck in whatever you decide.

Oh I think he got told what to do by the lock keeper:-) We've seen the lock keeper at Foxton having to deal with some difficult people too. Makes you wonder why they choose a narrowboat holiday if they're in such a rush.

They didn't mention the likely abuse lock keepers may face from some boaters. Only last year one of the Watford lock keepers was threatened with being thrown in the canal by an irate Italian boater who didn't want to join the queue.

It was just plain old Silver :-) Best joke ever. Asleep in the dessert the Lone Ranger awakes, looks up and notices the stars glaring above him. In wonder and amazement, he shakes Tonto, who is sleeping next to him, awake, and asks him to describe the wonder above them. Tonto isn't very impressed and tells the Lone Ranger he is a fool. It's obvious that if they can see the night stars above them, someone has obviously nicked their tent! Welcome to the forum :-)