1.
The Boat Licence does not give you any priority of passage on the waterway.
You must follow the directions of our local people who may decide which boats have priority.
2.
You are responsible for assessing whether it is safe to use the Waterway in flood or strong stream conditions. Our Waterway offices may be able to assist. The most recent flood warnings can be obtained from the Environment Agency, either on the internet at
http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/or by telephone on 0845 988 1188
(minicom 0845 602 6340).
3.
You must share locks up to their capacity.
There is no right to the exclusive use of a lock.
4.
Whilst the Boat is on the Waterway, you must behave considerately towards others (boaters and non-boaters alike) and in particular, you must not:
(a)
do anything which will cause damage or nuisance to any other person or their property;
(b)
use any electricity generator, including the Boat's engine, at any mooring along the Waterway between 8pm and 8am, unless you are moored in isolation, out of earshot of other people. We do not intend this Rule to stop you moving the Boat from the mooring;
(c)
run the Boat’s engine in gear when it is moored as this can damage the Waterway walls and cause a nuisance to other people;
(d)
discharge anything into the Waterway from the Boat except unpolluted surface water that
drains naturally or water from sinks or showers, washing machines and dishwashers.
We request that only phosphate-free detergents are used on board the Boat, particularly in washing machines and dish washers;
(e)
obstruct the towpath or use our land for storing items from your Boat;
(f)
take a vehicle on to our towpaths or land or park on them unless we have already given our permission;
(g)
Exceed the speed limit. Creating waves causes expensive damage to the Waterways
.
Regardless of speed, if the Boat is making waves or the wash is hitting the bank, you should slow down. The speed limit is four miles per hour on almost all Waterways. There are variations, particularly for rivers, which are locally signed;
We did not appreciate the engine still running at 8.45pm especially as the person in question had his stern right on our bow button. Could hardly hear the TV it was that loud. In the end, Ian walked over and knocked on the cabin side. It worked as the engine was switched off. But it was with some reluctance as they couldn't understand why we had complained!
And paragraph G. Time and time again I see boaters ignoring the fact they are creating a wash by going to fast. Don't you care about the canals? Come on folks...banks get eroded, silt is the result, we then moan about not enough dredging and also the environment is damaged. It's time we all played our part in trying to keep the waterways open, and why rush when you can enjoy your surroundings, we all want to get the benefit from them after all.
Sunday 1st October
So this morning we left really early and tried not to make to much noise as we crept past that boat. The destination was Stow Hill. First, we had to do the Braunston flight and Buckby flight.
To see the church spire is to know we have about a mile left till we arrive at Braunston. Gosh, the place was busy and glad we didn't have any oncoming boats at bridge 90. This is another of those blind corners.
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| Braunston church |
We had a locking partner at the Braunston flight, funnily enough, it was that grey boat that had been at Hilmorton locks and had the hire boat take their lock. His wife and daughter were brilliant and we couldn't have wished for better locking partners. With six in this flight and boats ahead of us their help was exceptional.
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| Low pound between lock 4 and 5 |
Next was Braunston tunnel and here we met three boats. The first was met at that bendy bit and all we could do was hug the wall and keep fingers crossed we didn't hit. We didn't thank goodness. The second had a right go about our headlight. Said it was too bright. Bit concerned now as we had already adjusted it down and to the right, maybe we should angle it even more. The third thanked us for stopping as this was the first time through a tunnel and they were very nervous. I assumed it was a hire boat.
Out the tunnel and suddenly another boat we knew well. In fact, it wasn't so much the boat as the Collie that grabbed my attention. None other than Monty with his mum and dad, Jennie and Chris Nb Tentarice. Talk about stopping the boat quick. We had to say hello as it must have been at least two years since our paths crossed at Milton Keynes Marina. The briefest of chats as an oncoming boat meant they would have a locking partner. Still, it was lovely to meet again after all this time.
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| That's Monty still keeping watch. |
Turned right at Norton Junction. Left is the Leicester Arm Grand Union section. Had hoped to return to Langley Mill via the river Soar but seems there are water problems through Leicester and this bit is now shut indefinitely. All due to low water in the reservoir and not enough flow to keep the levels up. So it will be the long way around back for us in a few weeks.
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| Looking back and to the right is the Leicester Arm |
They moored by Whilton Marina and we carried on to finally reach Stow Hill by 3.30 pm, a long day for us and very glad to get inside FS. The wind had picked up and parts of the journey were done crab fashion. Tomorrow we hope to make Stoke Bruerne and welcome a visit by Son, daughter in law and grandchildren.
And seen on route,
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| Looking menacing on the Long Buckby Flight |
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