Your Bedtime Routine (1)

Do you remember the old fire safety advert on television called 'Your Bedtime Routine' Where a couple did a singing and dancing act around their home closing doors and turning off electrical appliances before retiring for the night. The idea being to forestall any untoward incidences and risk of an electrical fire. 

Almost every month, the inland waterways media has a boat fire to report. This started me thinking about things on the boat. Most people should know where the battery isolators are located. (Ours are in the engine room) But what about other appliance and equipment isolators. On Rosie for instance we have a gas central heating boiler. Until I started thinking about this as a blog topic, I had no idea if it also had its own gas supply isolator. (It has but more worryingly it took me quite a while to locate it) 

So many bits of electrical equipment like television sets have a standby more. Initiated when turned off with a button on the controller. Mobile phone chargers are often left plugged into a socket. Where contrary to what you might think, they continue to operate and consume electrical power.

However on a boat, there are going to be more unique 'features' than we might have in our bricks and mortar homes. There are certainly many more reasons for making ourselves aware of the risks. 

I think the issues fall into three main categories. Every day things, leaving the boat for extended period and annual events.  An everyday thing might be to turn off any unwanted appliances at night. When leaving the boat for an extended period would be to turn off the water pump and isolate the diesel and gas supply. An annual event might be to change the battery in a smoke alarm.

A Poll Tax for the Inland Waterways (2)

A Poll Tax for the Inland Waterways

Governments of all colours have from time to time come up with various bits of stupid legislation, that has eventually created the pit for their own downfall. 

• For Thatcher is was the Poll Tax. 
• For Major it was Family Values. 
• For Cameron it was Big Society. 
• For the Railways it was the wrong kind of Snow. 
• For the Canal and River Trust its the wrong kind of Trustee.

There has been chapter and verse written over the last decade and longer, highlighting the distrust that many hold for the way that the waterways are being managed. What has become plain to see with the 20:20 vision provided by a decade or more of hindsight. Is that the quango charged to manage the waterways, was ill equipped with the right kind of personnel for the job. I'm not talking about the skill set of the general staff. The finger of responsibility has to be pointed much higher up the command structure.

Charitable Status

As a charitable trust, it seems strange that CaRT has deliberately taken on a stance that has put it even more at odds with its clientèle both on and off the bankside. CaRT needs the public and its direct paying customers to provide the money for the future. Rather than create a trust membership where people with a genuine interest in the canals can feel some ownership. The trust chose to ignore the advice given by the government minister and his adviser's and chose to go another route. The trust made the strange choice to only have a vague collection of 'friends'!

So how were this loose collection of waterways friends to be recruited. At a time when local authorities were clamping down on 'charity muggers' confronting people in the high streets. The trust chose to go that same confrontational route. Investing a significant portion of money into high street chugging. Friends were there few and the chuggers organisation soon went out of business. The fast dwindling resources like a leaking lock were drained further.  The trust seems to see its few friends as some sort of 'loss leader' for the future.

So where is the responsibility element?
Where was the oversight by the trustees?

Scottish Canals

While you might have thought that anything to do with the promotion of UK canals - especially if organised at an international level - would have been in the remit of the Canal and River Trust. After all - Birmingham is promoted as being the Venice of the UK. Birmingham also has several large venues where an International event intended to showcase the International canal network could easily be hosted.

However it seems that while CaRT has been concentrating on creating a map of places on the English canals. Scottish Canals has quietly got on with it and secured an international event in Inverness. Scottish Canals  will be hosting the prestigious international event on canals in September 2016.

Scottish Canals  says 'It will be a chance to promote Scotland's canal network and features. More than 150 canal Organisations, Societies and operators from across the world are expected to attend.' The World Canals Conference has previously been held in Montreal and also in New York and now Inverness will be added to the illustrious list of international locations. Scottish Canals has said.

I rather like the look and feel of the Scottish Canal website. It really does promote Scottish Canals very well. It is very easy to navigate and contains a great deal of interesting information.

A Poll Tax for the Inland Waterways (1)

A Poll Tax for the Inland Waterways

Governments of all colours have from time to time come up with various bits of stupid legislation, that has eventually created the pit for their own downfall. 

• For Thatcher is was the Poll Tax. 
• For Major it was Family Values. 
• For Cameron it was Big Society. 
• For the Railways it was the wrong kind of Snow. 
• For the Canal and River Trust its the wrong kind of Trustee.

There has been chapter and verse written over the last decade and longer, highlighting the distrust that many hold for the way that the waterways are being managed. What has become plain to see with the 20:20 vision provided by a decade or more of hindsight. Is that the quango charged to manage the waterways, was ill equipped with the right kind of personnel for the job. I'm not talking about the skill set of the general staff. The finger of responsibility has to be pointed much higher up the command structure.

Ill fated Investments

Stories of tens of millions of pounds squandered on ill-fated 'investments' in canal side pubs. The ill fated 'Titanic' that was the Gloucester Docks development. Such issues and the resultant dire consequences called into question again and again the whole ethos about the way that the waterways were being managed. We all knew that the waterways were deteriorating. seemingly so that money could be used for investments. It can only be imagined where we might be today. If only the millions of pounds that were lost, on pubs and Gloucester Docks had been ploughed back into the maintenance budget.

With the creation of the trust, which could be argued was not a well researched and thought through change. In reality, when based on the knowledge of its success with investments in the past. This was going to be little more than another money wasting quango on steroids. But it should be remembered that BW at that time was intended to be thrown onto the conflagration that was the governments bonfire of the quangos. It could also be speculated what might have happened if 'British Waterways' had been transferred into the Environment Agency. We could have been much better off in the long run. But speculation based upon what if, will only create a great deal of inward looking angst and certainly not deliver any tangible worth.

There will be those who say - that was in the bad old days of British Waterways. To a point I agree with them. Things in the past should remain in the past. But there is one old thing to remember. Foresight for the future is based upon learning lessons from the past. We should be able to learn from our mistakes and move on.

Has anything changed for the better, well to be frank - its a resounding NO! Especially when it comes to loosing money. The trust has carried on upholding the traditional British Waterways proliferate line of wasting even more money. Proof if proof be needed came when the Trust hit the national headlines with the 'Knostrop Wharf' and 'Goole Docks' fiasco. Once more millions of pounds have been wasted that could have gone into the maintenance budget. I'm at a loss to understand the logic behind the way that the trust conducts business. How can the same old management consistently get it wrong, time and again. With what seems unerring accuracy and complete ease. 

Where was the responsibility element and where exactly was the oversight. One more upholding the traditional British Waterways line. It was clothed in denial, obfuscation and economy with the truth.

So where is the responsibility element?
Where was the oversight by the trustees?

Odd Trip ❹

Trent and Mersey Canal.

Horninglow Basin to Bullys Footbridge.

Overnight the weather was cold, overcast and windy.

Morning: A leisurely breakfast. Under way just before noon. Mags walked the dog for an hour along the towpath.

Afternoon: Steady cruise with a few hire and private boats on the move. Very windy giving problems mooring up.

Evening: An evening watching TV.

Wildlife: House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Dunnock, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Starling, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Waterhen, Cormorant, Grey Lag Goose, Canadian Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Kestrel, Buzzard, Thrush, Greater Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Pheasant and Tufted Duck.

Bats: Pipistrelle,  Daubentons,

 

Today's Total.

Miles: 4.9
Locks: 0
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 5.5
Solar Panels: 70Ah

 

Accumulated Total.

Miles: 2139.6
Locks: 1319
Swing / Lift Bridges: 299
Tunnels: 37
Pump Outs: 21
Engine Hours: 3082.6
Solar Panels: 18,699 Ah

Veteran and the Vet (3)

Many of you will remember the saga we had with finding a Vet on a Sunday. Veteran and the Vet (1) and Veteran and the Vet (2) The problems were eventually resolved and Abbey was given excellent care by us and first class treatment by the Veterinary practice. So first of all we think that Glenthorne Veterinary Group (Burton upon Trent and Uttoxeter) as a practice are wonderful. Our opinion is from the first moment when we arrived with a very sick dog in arms. They were outstanding. They ticked every box both for Abbey and for us. 

Me and Abbey

Abbey who was deaf and at best only partially sighted had an undiminished sense of smell allied with an indomitable spirit. She recovered well, but being an old dog it had taken its toll. She had a few more good walks where we would leave her to follow her nose and like dutiful staff we would just follow on behind her.

However, a few days ago (12th of October) she suddenly appeared to be unwell again and gave the impression of being quite frail. So another trip to the Vets who once again provided sterling service. In a consultation and various test that took about half an hour to conduct. It was thought that she had suffered a stroke. Medication and advice to us was given. For a couple of days she seemed to gradually improve and appeared as stalwart as ever. She would only pee and poo outside, even when we had to help her to stand.

As was her habit she waited a month until another Sunday morning arrived. This time she had gone down hill once again. We were soon on our way to Glenthorne but this time in Uttoxeter. It was a heartbreaking moment for us, but it was the last kindness that we could do for our old companion. Abbey was put to sleep and we held her for our final moments together. We asked for her remains to be cremated and her ashes to be put in a casket so that she can continue her travels with us on the boat.

On our way back to the boat with our hearts full of sadness we saw the most amazing sunset. There is an old story about the rainbow bridge and our pets waiting at the other side for us to arrive. I don't know that I believe in such stories. But I do know that Abbey has left an Abbey sized hole in our lives.

I just thought that everyone who followed her story and had wished her well, would like to know the last chapter in her eventful life. If you would like to know a bit more about her, and her staff. You will find it here.

Odd Trip ❸

Trent and Mersey Canal.

Branston Water Park to Horninglow Basin.

Overnight the weather was cold, overcast and windy.

Morning: A leisurely breakfast and another couple of hours walking the dog around the water park. Under way just before noon.

Afternoon: Steady cruise with a few hire and private boats on the move. Lunch in the Navigation at Horninglow.

Evening: An evening watching TV.

Wildlife: House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Dunnock, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Starling, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Waterhen, Cormorant, Grey Lag Goose, Canadian Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Kestrel, Buzzard, Thrush, Greater Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Pheasant and Tufted Duck.

Bats: Pipistrelle,  Daubentons,

 

Today's Total.

Miles: 2.1
Locks: 2
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 5.0
Solar Panels: 70Ah

 

Accumulated Total.

Miles: 2134.7
Locks: 1319
Swing / Lift Bridges: 299
Tunnels: 37
Pump Outs: 21
Engine Hours: 3082.6
Solar Panels: 18,699 Ah

Learning from the past.

OK I admit it, I am a 'Grumpy Old Git' and like milk, I'm not improving with age. I know that I could easily be the 'Altar Ego' for Victor Meldrew. But that's only one of my more endearing features. The other endearing feature is that I tend to be conservative in diplomacy and outspoken on issues. I say it as I see it. But I'm also happy to be corrected because that's the way we live and learn. I'm also happy to listen as long as the conversation is meaningful. I'm also happy to share my opinion whether its needed or not. But my biggest failure in life is that I have a low tolerance threshold to bullshit.

Recently, I have spent some of my leisure time researching the history of the inland waterways. There are many books written about various aspects of planning, design and the lives of the key engineers and owners. I have read most of them. The problem being that in most cases the books were written some time afterwards and were based upon a particular theme. You have to read many such books to pull together a deeper underlying understanding.

However, I have concentrated upon a specific set of 'old records' mainly gleaned from newspapers of the day. I did this for two reasons. One was for the variety of perspectives gained from the many different writers. Many who actually had their feet on the towpath at the time. The other was because the issues that were being aired were topical for the age.

There are several generalisations that can be made about the history of the Inland Waterways. It's extensively recorded that our Inland Waterways were a significant player in bringing about the industrial revolution. But in reality the Inland Waterways were only one piece in a very complex jigsaw. The other is that the owners - and there have been many. Generally starved the canals of maintenance funding as pressures were placed upon operational costs, capacity and speed of delivery.

Coming more up-to-date and we can learn much from a study of the past. Looking at the previous ten years, before the creation of CaRT. The Canal and River Trust is an improvement of what went before. I am quite clear and unequivocal on that. That does not mean that the trust is the best thing since sliced bread – far from it. The best metaphor for trust at the moment is sliced toast.

It seems to me that the Canal and River Trust is unable to come to terms with the times. Because it still operated with a 'silo mentality' which is a hang over from the worst of the BW days. (You will have to go along with me on this, but all will become clear later.) Every now and then I see another of the 'old director or manager' leave the trust and this revives within me some hope for the future. As I have pointed out again and again. Boaters have to work with the trust because currently there is no other alternative. It's sometimes said that getting things off your chest can be very therapeutic. Well if that's the case stand-by for some more of my therapy.

Criticism whether friendly or otherwise will still persist about the trust. Its not going to stop any time soon. However in a change from what was commonplace in the past when highlighting the shortcomings of BW. The general tenor of the criticism does not have to be destructive. However, the trust has a great deal to learn about motivation of people supporting charities. The trust is seemingly unable to grasp the concept of taking positive action without fear of favour. It wants to be everything to everyone and in that endeavour it will always fail. Every group has a different perspective. Boaters, Fishermen Walkers and Cyclists all have their own agenda. They are all different. Pandering and fawning to one group only ensures that the trust will cause displeasure in the others.

Have you seen the 5/10/20 year plan for the future. Do you know how your licence money is spent. Does the trust have a mission statement. Have you seen a rational for creating the Waterways Partnerships. There are many questions that remain unanswered. As for the trust. I am sure that its biggest failing is that it has a 'fear of failure' itself.

Let me give some examples.

Take the Waterways Partnerships. Who are they accountable to, I still don't understand their real function, I have seen a Santa's wish list of blue sky ideas. I now believe that since their inception the partnerships will still continue to contribute nothing and are a recipe for disaster. Like the albatross of old. The partnerships have failed to even get to the first rung on the ladder. That rung is to be totally self funding by the end of this year. Who knows when the partnerships will reach the second rung which is to raise funding for the canals. 

The partnerships are not working as intended. The partnerships appear to be providing a hobby and pastime for retired megalomaniacs. The remit for their devolved functions requires reigning in and bringing back in house. - Fund raising is a deadly serious issue for the life blood on the canals. - Can we afford to let such canal 'play groups' be responsible for gathering funding?

This will be seen as a failure and the knee jerk reaction to a fear of failure then kicks in. This means that the trust will like a rabbit in the headlights will freeze and do nothing. The partnerships will continue to be a significant drain on ever dwindling resources.

The fact that the trust has had to be given a reminder by the Parliamentary All Parties Waterways Group that in their opinion the partnerships are failing. In a typical moment of fear and knee jerk non action - no one from CaRT had the intestinal fortitude to admit to the group that it was not going to happen any time soon. This heads up nudge, will be seen once again as a notice of failure and the fear of failure then kicks in. Which will ensure that the dysfunctional partnerships will continue for years to come. This will in turn provide years of criticism by all and sundry as the canals continue to deteriorate.

But the trust is not alone. Another example is the Inland Waterways Association. An association that claims to represent the interests of all waterways users. The IWA had something of an auspicious beginning but went on to do good work in many areas and especially around canal restoration. Once is was peopled by those with a bit of fire in their belly like David Huchings and some real intestinal fortitude like Robert Aickman. It had a mandate to represent without fear or favour. We owe it to those visionary pioneers to stand up for the future of the Inland Waterways.

In recent times the IWA has seen a decline in membership. Recently it has capitulated, taken the shilling and gone over to become the provisional arm of the trust. Along with its home grown network of moorings spies. I also believe that its day as a campaigning group standing up for the rights and the future of the Inland Waterways has also been and gone. There will be those who still hang on to bask in the past glories but we cannot rest upon the  laurels gathering dust from the past. I predict there will be much 'mutual back slapping' and calls of 'pass the port Rodney old boy' for a while yet. Until such time as the old buffers move on to more ethereal pursuits.

Like parliament has its opposition parties and second chamber. The trust needs a group who will question its activities.  If only to ensure the more outlandish activities come under scrutiny. So who is the replacement for campaigning group for the continued well being of the Inland Waterways. There are niche groups who represent those with specific interests. Such as boating and restoration, volunteering and angling. The oversight is not going to come from such groups. 

But there is one huge Elephant in the room. Welcome to the whole new world of social media. Welcome to the world of national campaign groups. Nothing happens today upon the Inland Waterways that is not reported on social media. Nothing happens on the Inland Waterways that is not discussed in fine detail on social media. The day of the boat club newsletter has been and gone.

There is an old saying 'a week in politics' is like today's news it becomes tomorrows chip paper. But the internet has a long memory. Like the old newspaper reports that I have been reading. The outpourings on various web pages, blogs and other social media sites will provide the insight. The 20:20 vision in the future. The rapporteur sharing opinions and criticisms on the issues of the day will be you!

Odd Trip ❷

Trent and Mersey Canal.

Branston Water Park to Barton Turns Marina to to wind and then back to Branston Water Park

Overnight the weather was cold, overcast and windy.

Morning: Most of the morning was taken up with a leisurely breakfast and walking the dog around the water park. Under way just before noon.

Afternoon: Steady cruise with a few hire and private boats on the move. Found a canal side outlet selling red diesel at 79p a litre.

Evening:

Wildlife: House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Dunnock, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Starling, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Waterhen, Cormorant, Grey Lag Goose, Canadian Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Kestrel, Buzzard, Thrush, Greater Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Pheasant and Tufted Duck.

Bats: Pipistrelle,  Daubentons,

 

Today's Total.

Miles: 2.7
Locks: 4
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 5.0
Solar Panels: 50Ah

 

Accumulated Total.

Miles: 2132.6
Locks: 1317
Swing / Lift Bridges: 299
Tunnels: 37
Pump Outs: 21
Engine Hours: 3077.6
Solar Panels: 18,699 Ah

Veteran and the Vet (2)

Continued from Veteran and the Vet (1) 

Abbey is at a low ebb, once again. The recent bout of sickness has certainly taken its toll. So we looked on line and found a vet close by to where we are moored at Burton upon Trent. We rang them and got an emergency appointment.  We described her symptoms and what we had been doing - re dosing her with Pepto Bismol and getting regular amounts fluids into her.  The vet said that we had done the right thing and that her fluid level was not to bad.    

Test for fluids by pinching the skin on the back of the neck and pull it up, it should quickly settle back in place when let go.)  

Does my bum look big in this?

So it was an anti-biotic injection - plus a five day course of anti-biotic tablets. A rehydration pack and a course of steroids were also prescribed. Cost £41 which when compared to the other veterinary practice estimate of (£320) we thought very reasonable. Since the visit to the Glenthorne practice, she has improved once again.  She is much more lively and alert in a lazy, laid-back sort of way. I'm pleased to say that she is back to enjoying her walks and maintaining a set level of mayhem aboard the boat. So we think that Glenthorne Veterinary Group (Burton upon Trent) as a practice are wonderful.

Update (3) Click Here 

Odd Trip ❶

Trent and Mersey Canal.

Bully'sFootbridge 22 to Branston Water Park

Overnight the weather was cold, wet and windy.

Morning: Most of the morning was taken up with preparation. Under way just before noon.

Afternoon: Steady cruise with a fair number of hire and private boats on the move.

Evening:

Wildlife: House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Dunnock, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Starling, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Waterhen, Cormorant, Grey Lag Goose, Canadian Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Kestrel, Buzzard, Thrush, Greater Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Pheasant and Tufted Duck.

Bats: Pipistrelle,  Daubentons,

 

Today's Total.

Miles: 7.0
Locks: 2
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 7.0
Solar Panels: 0 Ah

 

Accumulated Total.

Miles: 2129.9
Locks: 1313
Swing / Lift Bridges: 299
Tunnels: 37
Pump Outs: 21
Engine Hours: 3072.6  - 3088.1
Solar Panels: 18,000 Ah -m 18699

Hobby Horse (2)

Continued from part 1

Should we as pedestrians be taking more care walking on the towpath and does he have a valid point. I don't know about you, but I never seem to hear cycles arriving behind me.  I always make sure that if a cycle passes from the front, it has to go past on the water side of me.  I find that cyclist slow when they realise that they are going to have to go closer to the edge. If we moor up on a bit of towpath that is being used as a velodrome - I put out a couple of folding chairs where we step on and off as a first line of defence.

There was a small electronic gadget box on the handlebar of his bike. I thought it was some sort of a light at first. It turns out that it was some sort of GPS but only used for measuring his pace between set points. The route along the towpath was a sort of personal 'time trial' He could download the data out of the gadget when he got home to see how well he had done. Where well is measured in the speed of route completion and the elapsed time taken!  

I said that there were set speed limits on the towpath.  To which he says - 'There are no horses to worry about today, old rules are just ignored by everyone.' That's when it struck home, today cyclists look at the towpath in the same way that they look at bridleways. 

Off he went and was soon travelling at a good speed - obviously above the (lack of a signposted) speed limit. He will continue to pass people on foot without slowing down. Boaters will be grumpy and point the finger. But there is the rub, its a bit don't do as I do, just do as I say. I say can boaters as a group actually complain! Because its the same out on the water, we see boats travelling in excess of the speed limit. The inconsiderate don't slow down if they have a breaking wash. Many don't slow for moored boats. So it is a bit like the pot calling the kettle.

So is there a problem - well yes there is - its obvious that there is a growing safety issue mainly through lack of awareness. Is the trust proactive in addressing the issue - frankly the answer is no - I don't think so. Will the problem be resolved any-time soon - no - not before there is a fatality. Then at that point some coroner will set the agenda. (Earlier this year in Nottingham, when complaining about the speed of cyclists. A group of us were assured by a trust employee that nothing will be done unless there is a fatality)

I will be surprised if in this world of, no win - no fee litigation that the trust does not get embroiled in 'investing' maintenance money, in some more costly court cases. Defending a situation, entirely of its own making. One final but interesting point - CaRT does not have a 'requirement' for a warning device to be fitted to a cycle used on the towpath - but it does 'recommend' having one. So next time you hear a shouted 'coming through' its perfectly acceptable to the trust if cyclists don't have a warning device. I bet it was a cyclist who wrote those recommendations!

So what of the 'Waterways Partnerships' which a friend of mine refers to ironically as the 'brains trust of the inland waterways.'  Have they come up with a solution. Well from a cursory glance at various meeting notes published. I could not find one that was even aware of the issue. I could not find one that had any basic policy of addressing the issue on their own patch. 

The trust meanwhile has published a good selection of web pages for cyclists. Including hints and tips as well as the canal route of the month for cyclists. One towpath conversion project will see the eventual creation of four new 'cycleways' from towpaths along the canals leading into the Peak District. The project is being funded through the Government's National Park Cycle Fund, with the Peak District National Park receiving £5 million. An additional £2.5 million will be provided by local authorities.

Birmingham City Council was awarded £17 million from the Department for Transport, which has been topped up to £24million after their successful bid to the Cycle City Ambition Grant Fund which aims to make cycling easier and safer. The money will be used to improve around 15 miles of canal towpaths turning them from towpaths into cycleways. The work will take place along the Birmingham Main Line, Birmingham and Fazeley, Grand Union and Worcester and Birmingham canals. With all this conversion from towpath to cycleway, is the trust selling out the towpaths to cycling lobby - that's certainly a moot point.

Well we have done getting on for 500 miles cruising this year. I have seen one cyclists dismount sign. That was where some building works were being done and the towpath was temporarily narrowed at that point. Surprisingly, the upgrading of the towpath to cycleways does not appear to include signs for speed limits. I wonder why?

I have a couple of question for you: When was the last time you saw a cycle speed limit sign on an entry or exit point on the towpath. and When was the last time you saw a cyclist dismount sign on a narrow bridge hole?

The rest as they say is pure conjecture.

Hobby Horse (1)

Walking or cruising along the canals and rivers is a pleasurable pass time, much enjoyed but with a certain amount of risk attached to it.  A forgetful moment while stepping ashore from a boat can find you stepping into trouble.  Its the same for people walking the towpath the hazards are plentiful and are not limited to mud, hole or even the obligatory dog poo. 

There is one ever increasing danger which is starting to dominate the towpath. Its a danger that is being encouraged and at the same time ignored as an issue by CaRT in the search for ever increasing visitor numbers. This quest is being pursued relentlessly because continued funding is dependent upon reaching target numbers of visitors. To me this does not make any sense as a worthwhile and meaningful target. If the target has been set at reaching a certain level of 'customer satisfaction' then a whole new management ethos would prevail.

The real danger for anyone on foot started a while ago when the requirement to have a permit to cycle on the towpath was removed. Seemingly at the same time any no cycling and cyclists dismount signs were removed as were the few speed limit signs. More recently cyclists have been encouraged to use the towpath by the trust.  The trust boasts that canals and rivers attract over 21 million visits from cyclists. The trust appears to use the name 'greenway' for its designated towpath cycle route and also publishes a 'route of the month' for cyclists.

Gone is the slightly compacted, foot worn, narrow path that joined canal side areas together. Which also provided a pleasant place to meander on a nice sunny day. Partnership with sustrans to bring funding for towpath upgrades also brings with it serious problems. Now the emphasis seems to be on creating all weather high speed cycle routes. Paved area are becoming more common place in towns and cities.  Gravel strips are starting provide rapid transit routes between adjacent areas. The towpath is fast becoming a cycle path where those on foot or fishing are barely tolerated by cyclists. The priority is turning into one for cyclist by cyclists.

Now you can encounter long sections of deep continuous wheel ruts which make excellent tripping hazards. Which in turn with the ever changing weather are rapidly turned into a quagmire of sloppy cloying mud when it rains. Gone is the traditional sit-up and beg cycle. Its been replaced by an 'all terrain' bike complete with a sophisticated suspension system. Which comes complete with tractor tread tyres, multi-geared and even disk braked, but apparently delivered without a bell. Now named 'Mountain Bike' this is the equivalent of a 4 by 4 on the towpath. Specially designed and built for speed and endurance.

Now, I'm not anti-bike we have a folding electric bike on board whenever we go out on on the boat. At 12mph the electrical assistance cuts out. So there is no way that I could keep up with the average speed of the cycling wizz kids along the towpath. The difference is created because these are specially designed and intended for hill climbing. Plus the 4 X 4 bikes need somewhere to go. It looks like the towpath is the designated place for the future. Because mountain bikes have already been banned on some footpath routes in national parks. This is because of the amount damage to the footpaths that this type of bike create. And as if on schedule, mountain bikes are making their way onto the towpath in ever increasing numbers.

I sometimes feel that boaters, walkers and fisher folk are expendable 'collateral damage' for the trust. Which is preoccupied in the headlong rush to worship at the alter of visitor numbers.  The reason for this is that the Canal and River Trust is funded by a combination of Government funding and its own revenue streams. The financial arrangements agreed by Government with CRT guarantee £800 million over a 15 year term. The condition on this funding is based on CRT's performance relating visitor numbers as well as asset condition, towpath condition and flood risk management. With regard to the canal infrastructure. The stand still figure, (no improvement and no  degeneration) as given in a statement to the high court was £130 million a year.  There is a big chasm between income and the much needed expenditure. 

I may have a few answers to the above imponderable and one or two observations of interest. A few days ago, I had a word with a pleasant young fellow who passed me at a good speed. He did not ring a bell. Afterwards I found out that he did not even have one on the bike. He shouted 'coming through' which was less of a warning and more the issuing of an order.  I eventually caught up with him, he was stood a bit further along the towpath consulting a Nicholson's boaters guide. Apparently, as he assures me, they are very good for cyclists as well. 

One of the things I enjoy most of all is to engage people on the towpath in conversation. It provides an endless source for the sort of stuff I write about. I learned a great deal from our short conversation with my new acquaintance. It started when I said with a smile - 'You were going at some speed when you passed me. 'No speed limits on here, no sign - no limit' he says a bit defensively. To which end he was factually correct as there were no signs.  'Why did you not ring your bell when you came up behind me.' I said. 'Bell! There are none of them on a bike now.' Seeing that I was not being hostile he added. 'Bells are for sissies and don't work very well, only add an extra bit of weight.' (The bikes are of amazing light weight construction and he let me try its weight, it was certainly a great deal lighter then the Raleigh blue streak 5 speed I had as a kid in 1960) I said 'Well it would save you shouting if you had a bell.' He says 'If I shout loud and startle people, they move aside and stand still. I'm past before they even know it.'  I said 'Not everyone has good hearing.'  His next comment made me think. He said 'Deaf people are more aware of cyclists, they are always looking round.'  

Continued in part 2 

Nanny Forums.

I participate in a facebook forum about boating issues. Its over managed and I don't understand the rational behind banning certain kinds of postings. Or entering into heated debates between consenting adults who choose to have a disagreement. People hate the 'nanny state' and it applies in any walk of life. When you have an outright ban it has to be implemented without exception, fear of favour. 

When I worked in academia I was involved in a research group called the Virtual Campus Project. Ultimately researching towards virtual Universities. Where virtual means on-line. The project was built around an integrated system whereby we could manage groups of up to 35,000 students. The theoretical limit was 300,000 students per system. The course work and appropriate lecture notes were delivered in this way. This was for students on and off campus. Encompassing distance, part time and full time learning.But the system had to fulfil lots of other functions that students enjoy as part of the university life experience.

As you might imagine the administration was quite intensive involving dozens of people. It soon became clear that we would need to manage the system much less proactive and to allow the systems to develop almost passively. So a second research project was developed to look at the social engineering of forums and shared work spaces. The initial period of the project was done to gather staff and students opinions and ideas on how the system should be developed. With each iteration things improved and support staff workloads reduced. Ultimately two members of staff managed the whole system from hardware/software and the staff student administration.

This helped to breakdown the very obvious barriers between student groups on full/part and distance learning. It also broke down barriers between the various disciplines. So that arts student for instance would interact with engineering students. Altogether it provided a very informative research project on social media. 

We thought that one of the simplest ways for staff and student to manage inappropriate content was to encourage the students to comment upon it, being the eyes and ears. Rather than the administration group having to seek, find and destroy. However, the anonymity that people who report items demand. This created more suspicion and discord. But we found that still proved to be a time consuming task. Then we decided to just leave it as is. A straw poll indicated that the vast majority of staff and students actually expressed the view that they would like to be able to make up their minds for themselves. They even agreed that there should be no anonymity when Item were subsequently flagged. What was very obvious what was deemed as inappropriate to one was perfectly acceptable to others. In retrospect when conducting a periodical review. There were less complaints, people just used common sense and ignored what had personally been deemed as inappropriate.

We also discovered that different administrators had different views. One admin would see an item as needing to be flagged for administration. While another thought it perfectly acceptable. This cause discord amongst the staff student body. Censorship of any kind is anathema to most people. There is usually considerably more discussion about the need for administrative action, creating angst between the three sides than the actual items posted. Some admin were seen as 'power crazy' thought to be flexing their muscles to frequently. This turned out to be a much bigger problem that might be imagined.

So we decided to revisit what we called 'the rules of engagement' Pruned them down to cover ethnic, bullying and pornography. (With 35,000 students most nationalities and religious persuasions were involved) The moment the rules were relaxed. The level of discord and discontent went away. What we thought were sensible precautions to protect the student body, turned out to be over zealous reaction by ourselves. We went on to create an 'Exchange and Mart' section which proved to be the most popular of all. What was clear was that as the shared workspace developed, individuals felt ownership. Trends and patterns would evolve flourish and fade over time. The whole system was dynamic and the users were in control.

If you need more than one admin person - you have operational problems.
If you have rules that cause discord between individuals - you have a bad set of rules.
If your system is not dynamic, evolving, flourishing and in a constant state of flux - then its time to rethink.

Forums are living breathing things that die if they are stifled.

If you system is not controlled by the wants and needs of its users - its broken.
If you need to operate a nanny knows best system - then its broken.

Veteran and the Vet

It's Sunday and the old girl Abbey is clearly not a well dog. Because she is profoundly deaf and almost blind its sometimes hard to tell. She is very lethargic which in itself is not unusual and she is not interested in food or drink. This is not unusual either as she is very picky over what and when she will eat or drink. I had to check her temperature using the hand on the belly technique, she seemed to be a bit warmer than usual. Then she started with the squirts. This leaves us with a dilemma, we can't let her out on the towpath because that risks every other passing dogs might be infected. As look would have it, we still had a bag of puppy training pads available from when the younger dog was a pup. It was all hands to the pumps so to speak.

We are moored out in the sticks and so finding a vet would be difficult. Compounded by the fact that it is Sunday and most practices would be closed. We were advised by a vet a long time ago to get a bottle of Pepto Bismol as a fast fix for us and the dogs when we were out on the boat. Medicines intended for humans are usually not good for a dog. However, Pepto is fine to use as long as a sensible dosage is used. 1ml per 5kg of dog. In Abbeys case, that would be 3.5 ml. So first I used the syringe to get some fluids directly into her mouth. I managed to get 20ml in followed by a dose of Pepto. Then I continued at a rate of 10ml of warm water every 30 mins.

Now it was time to move to somewhere where we might be able to summon a vet if needed. Both of our dogs are registered with a 'national vet group' and a look up on line showed that one vet in the group further along the waterway was open on a Sunday. Three hours later and we were moored up in close proximity to a main road and the  large nearby town. Information published on the internet might not be up-to-date. I gave the practice a call to establish that they were open, should we need them.

I explained that I was checking that they were open for business. That we had an old girl who was not well. The first question was 'Are you registered with us?' No I says, 'we are about seventy miles away from our own vet. But they are registered with the 'national vet group'. Through which I had found their address and information on the website. 'There is an £80 pound registration charge' I'm informed. 'Plus as you are not already registered with us there are additional weekend charges as well. There will be a consultation fee and then the costs of any treatment.' I said 'We would have difficulty in transporting the dog and we might actually want a vet to call on us.' Would you like to make an appointment?' enquires the voice on the phone. What will it cost I enquire - '£230 plus the treatment charges, inclusive of the call out charge, but excluding the consultation fee' I'm informed. So doing a bit of mental gymnastics I make that circa £320. I politely declined the offer.

I felt guilty, but felt I should make a point of principal. Later in the evening I gave her a second but reduced dose and more fluids. The squirts abated her tummy had stopped gurgling and she had a good night of unbroken sleep (though that did not extend to me) and  this morning she was clearly much better. She has been up and walking around but turned her nose up at her usual morning cup of tea - which in itself is not unusual.  But the indicator of general health, her tail was almost erect.  In fact she was very much herself.

The old girl is insured though we would stand the first £100 cost of treatment. To be honest the charges are the last thing I would be worried about. It was the daylight robbery being practised that got to me. Then we are a nation of dog lovers and easy targets for the rip off merchants.  So for the next few days I shall be out chatting to the local dog owners walking the towpath and telling them of our experience. I'm sure that will soon spread around the locality.

As for the 'national vet group' where we have had experienced excellent service in several of their outlets while boating the system. A rather long letter of the contrasts in our experiences, amongst their members, will be landing on the doormat any day now. 

Update 2 Click Here
 
Update 3 Click Here

Solar printing

Solar panels are the future of energy, and the latest are printable solar panels, developed by Australian solar power scientists. Which are one step closer to making available a cheaper and faster way to print solar cells onto plastic. Senior research scientist Dr Fiona Scholes said the technology was almost at the commercialisation stage. 

The consortium behind the project have been working on printing solar cells since 2007. Dr Scholes said the team used commercial printers that were modified to take solar ink. The way in which it looks and works is quite different to conventional solar. It can be made to be semitransparent - we can use it for a tinted windows scenario. This allows for cells to be embedded into windows, effectively tinting them, to generate electricity. They can be printed in smaller sizes to be used to charge devices such as smartphones and laptops. 

Any plastic surface could be substituted for solar panels. We print them onto plastic in more or less the same way we print our plastic banknotes, connecting our solar panels is as simple as connecting a battery. The team is now working on a solar spray coating. We would like to improve the efficiency of solar panels - we need to develop solar inks to generate more energy from sunlight. We are confident we can push the technology further in the years to come.  Solar can also be printed onto steel panels, imagine the time when the windows and roofs of boats are actually solar generators.

Smartphone Apps for Boaters (32)

No matter which genre of smartphone you own or are thinking to buy. The apps that are available will have an influence on how happy you are with the phone. There are plenty of top quality apps that you can download. However for me There's always a remarkable sub-selection of apps that are totally free. 

The wonderfully named 'Android' phone seems to have cornered the market in the same way that VHS did with tape systems. Android's open source strategy is the main factor for its success. Being a free platform has expanded the Android device install base, which in turn has driven growth in the number of third party multi-platform and mobile operator apps available.

If you're going abroad travelling within the EU and intending to hire a vehicle the European Commission's free Going Abroad app provides handy information on speed limits and other legal requirements for each European country.

Use the European Road Safety App to find all important road safety rules applying to the roads in Europe.  



In addition, downloading a translation app like the free Google Translate can help you resolve a language hassle in most foreign languages.

If you are reading this posting the chances are that you do a bit of blog reading/creating and have a smartphone. I use a laptop on the boat, I use a PC when we are at home and now I have started to use a Blogger app for the smartphone everywhere else.

Black Country Ladies Plumbing Team

A lady boater asked a question on Facebook about unblocking a sink. I have been there and done this little task a few times. It can get messy if sufficient care is not taken to avoid any leaks and drips.  Unclogging a kitchen sink can be frustrating, and potentially messy fixes you’ll have to do. No matter how careful you are about the things you wash down the drain, it inevitably happens.

Here was the advice I offered.

Boating ladies, cleaning out a blocked sink plughole is an easy task - its achieved everyday by black country ladies and other homespun female DIY enthusiasts. The first task is to clear out the accumulated contents from under the sink. This is also a convenient time to dispose of the almost empty, infrequently used household cleaning products in various packet and bottles. After hoovering, washing and tidying the contents back into colour co-ordinated groups. Once it looks tidy, remove all the items again and place a large bowl or bucket beneath the U bend (water trap) to catch any spillages.

If the U bend does not have a drain plug at the bottom. Loosen the two pipe connections (coupling nuts) and allow the contents to slowly dribble out of the pipe and into the bucket. You may be surprised at the rich deep brown colour of the liquid contents. However, the solids can be equally as colourful.

If there is more content in the pipe than space available in the bucket. Tighten the connectors and then empty the

Black Country Ladies
Plumbing Team

bucket. Its advisable not to empty the bucket into the sink. You must then completely remove the U bend after the dribble has subsided. Then you can visually check the pipe between the water trap and the sink. It can easily be done by looking up the pipe from beneath. However, plumbers only do this one time. Usually while still an apprentice - before resorting on each subsequent occasion to view the pipework from above.

Using a finger, poke, shake and prod the solid contents out of the water trap. The water trap or U bend can now be washed clean with a solution of hot water and washing up liquid. However, there is one proviso. Never wash the U bend in the sink it has been removed from without placing the plug in the sink first. Never drain the sink by removing the plug without first replacing the U bend. Once again, plumbers only do this one time. Usually while still an apprentice - before resorting on each subsequent occasion to replacing the trap.

It is important to identify the contents, creating the blockage. So that it can be avoided in the future. Usually the blockage consists of toothpaste residue, hair, fat and other similar items that have been spat into the sink, or washed off plates after a meal. 

Now carefully examine the contents that you extracted with your fingers. You should do this carefully in case something of great or sentimental value has made its way down the plug hole before discarding the contents. Incidentally, you may be able to identify items from various meals over quite a long period in time. If you have problems identifying food items. Sniffing at the contents, carefully savouring the aroma may help in identifying the mystery ingredients. Alternatively the taste test usually works equally well in identification. 

Next time, you clean out the drain plug water trap, you might find a pair of marigold kitchen gloves are quite useful when doing this kind of work. Tomorrow, I shall describe the interesting process for cleaning out a toilet macerator.