Quick note on schedule - hopefully setting off in a week's time (8th), assuming I've got a few jobs on the boat done (new instrument panel, currently sitting prefabricated on my sofa, for a start), an also the sound system (which won't be on the boat, fear not). I'll be off the cut from around the 24th July to the 4th Aug, due to other commitments, then back more or less solidly until the end of the month. I don't intend to be back by then, but will work my way back in long weekends through the autumn

It's difficult to say exactly where I'll be when, as that's the idea, to see how things go - but if you do weant to come along, chose some dates and be prepared to be a little flexible over location, but I'll do my best to be near a station or accessible point by arrangement. Some bits follow train routes anyway, so it shouldn't be too difficult.

the grand plan

(click map for bigger version)



Map above stolen wholesale* from Jim Shead's excellent site, which I suggest you go straight over to, as the original version is clickable and goes straight to a guide for each individual canal. Yellow is the intended route up, orange the way home (dots are possibilities, depending on how the time goes). It's moderately ambitious for a dawdleathon, but I'll see how the time goes.

Speaking of useful websites, also look at Canalplan - looks a bt daunting, but just put in a start & end point (say 'Iver' to 'Llangollen', hit 'plan journey' (if asked to set your options, just press 'continue') and it'll give you an itemised list of the route blow by blow. More fun is then pressing 'virtual journey', which gives you a slideshow of the route. I hardly need to bother going in reality. ;-)

* with retrospective permission - with thanks.

thoughts

I've got July & August off work (tee hee), for an extended trip, as well as a few other engagments wioth the sound system (see above). Map to follow, but initial plan is up grand union, quick foray up to Leamington/Warwick before North Oxford Canal, Coventry (and possibly Ashby) Canal, Trent & Mersey (inc Caldon), Then a bit of the Shropshire before the Llangollen. Route back will depend on how much dawdling I've done in the mean time (lots, hopefully) but may well include the rest of the Shropshire Union, bit of Brum and Evesham for a course for work late September.

Boat - new engine temperature gauge (that works) from Calcutt - the fuel gauge sender has failed, too, it's like a cistern float. I know what's wrong with it - the sensor resistance wire is broken at one end, and is currently in my work bag for a sneaky look later... lots of misc woodwork, sorting out storage & the like.

Also new(ish) batts via Mike - great to have a pair of domestics. I'm not sure if the donated starter is holding charge that well, but if not my 'old' domestic will replace it.

Currently waiting for for the official go-ahead from Corgi for my Morco to be re-installed - every other boat I see has the same one if not an ancient Paloma, but I know these things aren't as easy as they could be some times.

Other than that, just looking forward to getting out there & travelling, although I must admit the Iver moorings are just getting nicely socialable again - once everyone's outside moor I've spent a lot more time nattering, being vegetarian at barbecues and all that kind of stuff. I suspect every time I leave the boat I shoudl carry some alcohol, just in case, as I keep drinking other people's with nothing to contribute. Also met Neil from Herbie - despite being at opposite ends of the same mooring and heckling by internet, we hadn't actually met before.

Well, post done, although all words and no pictures make Simon a dull boy. I'll try to remedy that soon. ;-)