Sea Dog

That was last year - Elton John. Bought the tickets in 2018 and wasn't entirely certain he'd still be around even before COVID extended the wait to 5 years! It would possibly work if there's a space. My setting off time is a bit constrained, but I'd quite like to get there early enough to recce that and some of the earlier ideas - also to have time for a plan b if said places are filled.

Pretty much how I viewed it, but it's academic if they don't have visitor moorings. Some good advice above from the hive though, so we have avenues to explore.

I'd agree, but it seems a bit unlikey at 9 grand a year! Perhaps they're no longer visitor moorings, but they're still advertised as such and the "we're full" reply didn't suggest that. Shame, as it would suit my plan nicely, even at £25.

Ah ok, thanks - we just stayed inside the fence last time we moored there 3 or 4 years ago which was fine. I wonder if you can still do that? Of course, that won't work here. I'll have a look at that Peter, thanks. We are AWCC so it becomes a possibility if there's a metro nearby. Thanks. Again, that Metro link is probably the key to many options - I'll investigate, thanks. Well the Marple flight will still be closed, so our only option is up the Rochdale 9 where I'd then like to hang a left rather than go right and up the Ashton only to have to back down to carry on. Must needs though, so it's worth a look, thanks. Yeah, beyond a stone's throw would be nice! Is it a bona fide mooring? Tarmac cycle tracks with no rings are proliferating nowadays, so I don't want to go all the way there only to find that scenario. Otherwise, that option might be the best solution, thanks. Ah, that's a cracking bit of local knowledge, thank you. Thanks all, very useful. More input also appreciated. Also, what's occurring at New Islington marina? Visitor moorings, 7 in number, advertised at £25 per night and it's full now and it seems so through til June? Doesn't sound right to me.

Well, not actually the Etihad, but the new Coop arena opposite. We're off to a concert there in June and need a nice/safe mooring for the visit. The canal passes within yards the venue, but whether that means there's anywhere to moor is a different matter and I guess that might change when the place opens anyway. Anyone in the know? It's on the metro line, so further afield with metro nearby would also work. I'd thought of Piccadilly in the basin by the flats, but you need a friendly local for the code to exit and re-enter, which isn't guaranteed so a bit risky. I've also contacted New Islington marina (who's website lists having 7 visitor moorings) to see if I could book in for a night, but they say they're full at the moment (which if they're full at this range doesn't sound like visitor moorings to me, but perhaps someone with local knowledge can advise?). All ideas/suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance.

Too late - he's already gone and done it! However, if it helps you sleep better, I have three options you may like to choose from: 1. His lovely traditional brass tube has been replaced by racey chrome, the better to go with a new "go faster stripes" Nascar style boat livery. 2. He just got fed up of continually having black fingers from using Brasso. 3. His original was long enough to foul on a lock wall and got bent. (Of course, it is possible that none of the above apply but, if so, you'll just have to speculate until the mystery is finally revealed). ETA: Ooh! I see @David Mack has already suggested No3, so maybe there's the answer.

I'm guessing he means holes for the tiller pin.

Thanks Nick, that helps. You hear so many evangelists one way or the other, but it's hard to assess when their usage patterns are unknown and might be extra light or harsh. Got mine coming out for a blast and 2 pack with Norton Canes later this year.

This is encouraging! Have your cruising routes been relatively kind in that period or has it just stood up incredibly well to the scrapes and dings which are practically unavoidable in some areas?

Isn't that the Bibby Stockholm?

Not a good place to be! More seriously, isn't the "water" CRT's as it's connected to their system? If it wasn't, it may well be the land owners, but then it would be a lake. There are some exceptions such as Ashwood on the S&W where the water is classed as private - someone will know how that works - but they're few and far between.

As long as the boats are moored on that "land" I'd say you're correct. You might find it a different story for the water though...

Hard to get too annoyed with that sort of first response, isn't it.

I would always wish a tiller to not extend beyond the side of the boat when the rudder is hard over. This is particularly to avoid the hazard of it fouling a lock wall when hard over. Any tiller longer that that should have a hinge to prevent said hazard - not a rarity on the cut.

If you do go down the Severn, I'd chose to carry on to Worcester and up the B&W to Hanbury Junction. The Droitwich Barge Canal is ok, and the restoration effort is to be hugely applauded, but it's a long way and the locks can be a bit heavy going, so you wouldn't want to discover you can't get through the M5 culvert and have to double back to the Severn. The first time you tackle the culvert, do it from the Hanbury end when you can eyeball the level boards and it's not so far to go back if the water is up a bit and your air draught is too high.