Having just experienced time on board a 50ft narrowboat, I must say that it has confirmed my plan to join the ranks of boat owners upon my retirement from full time employment in just a few years time. The time was thoroughly enjoyable and very educational with regards to learning to handle a narrowboat and to which style boat and equipment that may be required once the decision is finally made to purchase.
The first day of the maiden cruise was spent accustoming oneself to the boat controls and zigzagging along the canal from Stretton-Under-Fosse to Sutton Stop where we moored for the night. A restless night then ensued worrying if my knot tying was up to scratch and dreaming that the boat was adrift mid canal. With daylight came the realisation that we were indeed still attached to the mooring pins and were able to step ashore.
Onwards then, towards yet more trepidation at the stop lock. Despite only having a drop of a foot or so it was the first time to navigate a lock. Safely through the lock, a tight right hander (or is it a tight left tiller) onto the Coventry Canal towards my intended destination of the Ashby Canal.
By this stage I was able to maintain a relatively straight course when required, but now a new challenge ensues. Another narrowboat bearing down upon me from behind at what seems to be a closing speed of several hundreds of miles per hour just as I approach the Marsden Junction. I make a complete pigs ear turning right onto the Ashby Canal where I have to reverse and take a second attempt, eventually rattling side to side through the narrow bridge hole.
Since the sun is shining and I am getting into my stride, progress is made without further mishap. I do note however that a large number of folk do seem to prefer to moor on tight bends, especially when the bend is next to a bridge hole. I began to realise that this is all done to rapidly increase the boat handling skills of beginners like myself. The wind has now decided to increase by some factor and despite the thrill of travelling crab-wise it would seem appropriate to moor up for the night which was managed without mishap just short of bridge 33 in the middle of nowhere.
Having remained tied to the pins once more overnight we aim to top up with water and wind at Market Bosworth bridge 42. My question, is it wind?, as in the wind blows, or is it wind?, as in to wind up ones watch. I have heard both terms used, which is correct? Can someone enlighten me please. Anyhow, my wind turned into something akin to a 7 point turn and progress made back to bridge 15 where we moored up and a pint at The Limekilns.
Time now to retrace our route back to Stretton-Under-Fosse, a steady drizzle all day. Negotiated the bridge hole at Marsden Junction without rattling the sides and successfully turned left without mishap. Halfway along the Coventry Canal stretch towards Hawkesbury Junction / Stretton Stop the sun made a welcome appearance. Again navigated the narrow section at Hawkesbury Junction near the engine house without rattling the sides and made the tight left into the stop lock. I must have appeared pretty accomplished by this time as another beginner to narrowboating asked my advice how to progress through the locks. If only he knew!
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable experience to be repeated over, hopefully in my own narrowboat in the not too distant future. Highly recommended to anyone thinking of giving a canal break a try.
On a lighter note, I know boaters tend to have a need for discussing the merits of varying toilet types. Well, Gongoozlers sometimes have a need too!!!.
April 12th, 2009 | Category: News | Comments (2)
