Monday, 31 August 2015

WAEFRTFM (3)

I bet you are like me - you have a Smartphone in your pocket and the phone is much smarter than you think. I would also be willing to bet you’ve never read the manual. Which leads to the old time worn acronym WAEFRTFM which is based on an the old anecdotal  'When All Else Fails - Read The Frigging Manual'.

But what is it about kids, you know the generation we see hanging around a lock, just chilling under their hoodies. Well give any one of those kids a controller and they can reprogram a video recorder, satellite box or the television set in a matter of seconds. So now when you see them stood around 'texting each other' on their smartphones. They are in reality probably just doing a Snowden at MI6 and adjusting the DEFCOM settings at GCHQ.

So I set off on a mission, I was going to teach myself something new about my Android  (Samsung Galaxy S5) Smartphone everyday. So I enlisted the help of Poppy the wonder dog - she is young, pretty smart for a mutt and gets on well with the 'lock landing kids' we come across in the towns as we pass through. She is very good at breaking the ice (age gulf) between the old wrinklies (us) and the Daily Mail bone idle, work shy, benefit scroungers. (us and them)

Ever thought what you might do to get a better level of security on your smartphone. Today I learned how to set a real password on my Android Samsung Galaxy S5

On Android setting a real security password is easy. All Android versions default to a 4-digit PIN for unlocking the phone. That's OK as long as you don't use something simple like 0000 or 1234. However, if you want even more security. Go to Settings and touch 'Lock Screen' and then tap Screen Lock. You can set what level of security you want, from a simple swipe to a password. Select Password and type in the password that you want. It should have a mix of letters, numbers and special characters to be really safe.

Saturday, 29 August 2015

WAEFRTFM (2)

I bet you are like me - you have a smartphone in your pocket and the phone is much smarter than you think. I would also be willing to bet you’ve never read the manual. Which leads to the old time worn anecdote WAEFRTFM (When All Else Fails - Read The Frigging Manual)

But what is it about kids, you know the generation we see hanging around a lock, just chilling under their hoodies. Well give any one of those kids a controller and they can reprogram a video recorder, satellite box or the television set in a matter of seconds. So now when you see them stood around 'texting each other' They are in reality probably just doing a Snowden at MI6 and adjusting the DEFCOM settings at GCHQ.

So I set off on a mission, I was going to teach myself something new about my Android  (Samsung Galaxy S5) Smartphone everyday. So enlisted the help of Poppy the wonder dog - she is young, pretty smart for a mutt and gets on well with the 'lock landing kids' we come across in the towns we pass through. She is very good at breaking the ice (age gulf) between the old wrinklies (us) and the Daily Mail bone idle, work shy, benefit scroungers. (us and them)

Ever had some 'annoying nurk' continuously ringing you and thought. I wonder if there is a way to stop them from ringing my number and disturbing me.

So today I learned how to block calls and texts on my Android Samsung Galaxy S5!

On Android, Press the icon that says 'Phone' on your Home Screen. Next, touch the entry for the number you want to block under 'Logs.' Next, tap the menu button on your Samsung Galaxy Ace. Finally, select add to 'reject list.'

Friday, 28 August 2015

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❻❻

Fenny Stratford Basin to Stoke Bruerne

Date 28 Aug 2015

Overnight the weather was overcast but remained dry.

Morning: Up early for breakfast, gave Pops a good run before getting under way. Met up with the hire boaters from yesterday and shared the lock. Cruising the 11 mile pound took up all the morning. Large flock of house sparrows spotted eating blackberries.

Afternoon: Lunch eaten on the move and it was a steady plod. All the way to Stoke bruerne where we moored up for the day. Huge gangs of Starlings eating the fruit of the elderberry, don't moor near elderberry bushes.

Evening:  The Navigation for a beer followed by 'MoTD' Match of the day.


Wildlife:

Birds: House Sparrow, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Starling, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Great Tit, Coot, Moorhen, Grey Lag Goose, Canadian Goose, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Kestrel, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Sedge Warbler, Swallow, House Martin and Green Woodpecker.


Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Common White, Small White.
Bats: Pipistrelle,  Daubentons,
Damselfly: Beautiful Damselfly
Dragonflies: Four Spot Chaser.
 
Today's Total.
Miles: 16.9
Locks: 2
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 6.7
Solar Panels: 4Ah


Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2551.7
Locks: 1607
Swing / Lift Bridges: 359
Tunnels: 49
Pump Outs: 24
Engine Hours: 3439.0

Solar Panels: 23743 Ah

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❻❺

Lower Ickneld Way Bridge to Fenny Stratford Basin

Date 28 Aug 2015

Overnight the weather was overcast but remained dry.

Morning: Early breakfast and and early start. Paired up with another narrowboat (Lola) to share the locks. Ate lunch on the move.

Afternoon: It was changeover day at Wyvern Shipping Co boatyard in Linslade. It was manic with boats pointing every which way. The boatyard were working the boats through the first lock and giving some hands on training at the same time.

Evening
We shared a few locks with a newbie crew and gave them a few hints and tips. It was a late finish for us. Ripper Street on TV being the favourite choice.

Wildlife:

Birds: House Sparrow, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Starling, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Robin, Moorhen, Cormorant, Grey Lag Goose, Canadian Goose, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Buzzard, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Swallow, House Martin and Green Woodpecker.


Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Common White, Small White
Bats: Pipistrelle,  Daubentons,
Damselfly: 
Dragonflies:
 
Today's Total.
Miles: 16.2
Locks: 16
Swing / Lift Bridges: 1
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 9.1
Solar Panels: 10 Ah


Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2555.7
Locks: 1614
Swing / Lift Bridges: 359
Tunnels: 49
Pump Outs: 24
Engine Hours: 3432.3

Solar Panels: 23738 Ah

Thursday, 27 August 2015

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❻❹

Winkwell Swing Bridge to Lower Ickneld Way Bridge.

Date 27 Aug 2015

Overnight the weather was overcast with a little light rain.

Morning: Early breakfast and an early start, there were a few boats on the move. After yesterdays downpour most people seemed to be having a day off. So most of the boats that passed us yesterday we passed today.

Afternoon: Stopped for lunch, but the weather was holding up and the occasional boats coming the other way were setting the locks in our favour. It was a steady plod until 5pm when we decided to moor up for the day.

Evening:  Television watching after a visit to the nearby pub.


Wildlife:

Birds: Wren, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Long Tailed Tit, Coot, Moorhen, Cormorant, Canadian Goose, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Buzzard, Black Headed Gull, Swallow, House Martin, Jay and Green Woodpecker.


Butterflies: Common White, Small White.
Bats: Pipistrelle,  Daubentons,
Damselfly:
Dragonflies: Four Spot Chaser.
 
Today's Total.
Miles: 9.1
Locks: 22
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 6.1
Solar Panels: 11 Ah


Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2537.5
Locks: 1598
Swing / Lift Bridges: 358
Tunnels: 49
Pump Outs: 24
Engine Hours: 3417.1 23.2

Solar Panels: 23728 Ah

WAEFRTFM (1)

I bet you are like me - you have a Smartphone in your pocket and the phone is much smarter than you think. I would also be willing to bet you’ve never read the manual. Which leads to the old time worn acronym WAEFRTFM which is based on an the old anecdotal  'When All Else Fails - Read The Frigging Manual'.

But what is it about kids, you know the generation we see hanging around a lock - just chilling under their hoods. Well give any one of those kids a controller and they can reprogram a video recorder, satellite box or the television set in a matter of seconds. So now when you see them stood around 'texting each other' on their smartphones. They are in reality probably just doing a Snowden at MI6 and adjusting the DEFCOM settings at GCHQ.

So I set off on a mission, I was going to teach myself something new about my Android  (Samsung Galaxy S5) Smartphone everyday. So I enlisted the help of Poppy the wonder dog - she is young, pretty smart for a mutt and gets on well with the 'lock landing kids' we come across in the towns we pass through. She is very good at breaking the ice (age gulf) between the old wrinklies (us) and the Daily Mail bone idle, work shy, benefit scroungers. (us and them)

Ever had something come up on your smartphone screen and thought - I ought to write that down. But you never have pen and paper to hands. By the time you find pen and paper the screen saver will have come on. Then swiping your finger across the screen clears the wanted image!

So today I learned how to take a screen shot (picture of the screen) on my Android Samsung Galaxy S5
 

To capture a screen shot press and hold the Home key and the Power key simultaneously. The screen shot will be copied to the clipboard and saved to the Screen shots folder in the Gallery app.

To open a screen shot immediately after you capture it. Open the Notification Panel by swiping your finger from the top of the screen to the bottom. Touch Screenshot captured. Touch the desired screenshot.


Wednesday, 26 August 2015

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❻❸

Nash Mills Lock to Winkwell Swing Bridge.

Date 26 Aug 2015

Overnight the weather was mainly dry with odd heavy showers.

Morning: The rain was running down the windows - even the dog did not want to go for a walk. Decided to sit out the rain and relax.

Afternoon: Mags went shopping. Just after she left the rain was coming down in torrents.  Late afternoon and the weather is clearing. So we pulled pins and set off at 5pm.

Evening:  Six locks and one swing bridge later we stopped for the night. Red Lion in Winkwell for a beer.


Wildlife:

Birds: House Sparrow, Wren, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Black Headed Gull, Swallow and House Martin.
 
Butterflies:
Bats: Pipistrelle,  Daubentons,
Damselfly:
Dragonflies:
 
Today's Total.
Miles: 3.0
Locks: 6
Swing / Lift Bridges: 1
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 5.0
Solar Panels: 7 Ah


Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2537.5
Locks: 1598
Swing / Lift Bridges: 358
Tunnels: 49
Pump Outs: 24
Engine Hours: 3417.1

Solar Panels: 23817 Ah

Weather, Self Awareness and Ideas.

Well as the weather has entered the usual and predictable bank holiday rainstorms. These are the weather systems that come to us on the 'Atlantic Conveyor Belt' and are the left over remnants from our cousins in North America. Which to be fair are beloved of all right minded 'Webb Footed' English folk. 

So, I have been keeping myself amused by watching the drops run down the windows and I have been following the advice in a book on 'self awareness'. Its a bit hard going even in the early chapters.  But the one thing that has come to the fore. If you don’t understand what introspection is. You need to go away and take a long, hard look at yourself first.

I have had yet another great idea, it came to me when I was sitting in the (Benghazi Khazi) smallest room. Its to print a sudoku square on each sheet of toilet paper. Just so you can give yourself a mental boost while doing your own thing. A bit better than using the Daily Mail which is another form of toilet paper that is already full of shit. 

But I digress.

I have worked out how to fill it in by using number 1s and number 2s. But I'm not sure about the other numbers. However, its better than working it out with a pencil, so to speak as I am busy working on a marketing strategy for the dragons den. I do hope its not going to be a flash in the pan.

Like all couples we have had our ups and we have had a fair few downs. We have even had a few side by sides come to think about it. But I digress, we went today to consult with one of those 'relate marriage guidance counsellors'. To be honest, she took me by surprise, because she was extremely forthright in offering her advice. To cut a long story short. I could not believe my ears when she suggested that we should both go away and enjoy a dirty weekend. She said it would help to add a bit of spice to what had become something of a sedentary lifestyle. Whilst on further reflection I think its a very nice idea. However, I had to turn down the suggestion. She really shouldn't have propositioned me in front of the Memsahib.

Tuesday, 25 August 2015

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❻❷

Common Moor Lock to Hunton Bridge Lock

Date 25 Aug 2015

Overnight the weather was light showers of rain and cooler than it has been for some time.

Morning: Early breakfast and an early start. We soon caught up with a widebeam who was single handing. After a while we passed and then caught up with another narrowboat. We worked through several locks together. We were setting the locks to empty for the widebeam. 

Afternoon: Just after 1 pm the rains started once again and we found a bit of armco and moored up for the day.  Later the weather improved and we did a further three locks before the rain started again.

Evening:  Television once more.


Wildlife:

Birds: Mallard, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Song Thrush, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Sedge Warbler, Swallow, House Martin, Green Woodpecker.

Butterflies:
Bats:
Damselfly:
Dragonflies:
 
Today's Total.
Miles: 3.6
Locks: 7
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 6.1
Solar Panels: 97 Ah


Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2534.5
Locks: 1592
Swing / Lift Bridges: 357
Tunnels: 49
Pump Outs: 24
Engine Hours: 3412.1

Solar Panels: 23810 Ah

Conspiracy Theories

I have been musing again.
A conspiracy theory is an explanatory hypothesis that accuses an organization of having caused, through secret planning and deliberate action, an event or situation which is typically harmful. Although the term "conspiracy theory" has acquired a less than salubrious  meaning over time. It has also continued to be used by some to refer to actual conspiracies, such as the sexed up dodgy dossier used by Tony Blair and his aides to go to war in Iraq .
 I like conspiracy theories so here is mine.

Maybe the high speed, Spandex clad, cyclomaniacs are being encouraged to ride furiously on the towpath (Especially considering that the trust does not set sensible speed limits) After all a default speed limit is an obvious Health and Safety action to take. Maybe this is part of the Canal and River Trusts Baldric like cunning plan. To get the high speed cyclists to terrorise the old, deaf and disabled boaters into a marina and getting them to stay there.

Monday, 24 August 2015

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❻❶

Black Jack Lock  to Common Moor Lock (Croxley Green)

Date 24 Aug 2015

Overnight the weather was a continuous light shower of rain.

Morning: Not to early a start as the sky looked ominous and brooding. After a light breakfast we decided to pull the pins and cruise along for a while. Almost as soon as we moved off the rain returned. We arrived at the first lock where we stopped to take on water.  By the time we came to the second lock the rain was getting heavier. We passed through and began to look for a mooring.

Afternoon: Late afternoon the rain blew over and a bit of weak sunshine encouraged us to move on a bit further.  Two more locks and what seemed like miles of moored boats later the rain started to threaten again. Time to look for a mooring for the day.

Evening:  Television watching again.


Wildlife:

Birds: Mallard, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Cormorant, Canadian Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Swallow and House Martin.

Butterflies:
Bats:
Damselfly:
Dragonflies:
 
Today's Total.
Miles: 4.7
Locks: 6
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 5.5
Solar Panels: 8 Ah


Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2530.9
Locks: 1585
Swing / Lift Bridges: 357
Tunnels: 49
Pump Outs: 24
Engine Hours: 3406.2

Solar Panels: 23713 Ah

Photo (12)

Throughout the last few years of boat ownership. I have been taking a number of photographs around the canals and rivers system. Obviously the subject would vary depending on where we were and what we were doing.  The photographic images are taken using a Canon 550d DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) which is my camera of choice. I use Coral Paintshop Pro X6 photo editing software for adding the logo and creating a smaller thumbnail image.

There is no particular theme, other than most of my photography is waterways inspired. It's whatever that caught my attention at the time. So I thought I might include a few of my photographs into the blog. I am looking for titles to give to the images, you might like to suggest one of your own.

 
The sunset on the Grand Union Canal with Black Jack lock in the background. This is an image made up from three individual pictures that have been merged together.

The first image took in the rather dramatic sky and the top of the tree line. The second image overlapped the sky image and covered the lock and most of the towpath. The third image  was mostly the reflections on the water surface. Reflection on the water have the same effect as using a neutral density filter.

I use Microsoft Image Composite Editor (ICE) to merge the images together into a single frame. The raw image is very large, the view here is just a thumbnail.

I take photographs for my own personal pleasure. Whilst I reserve copyright ownership of the photographic image. You are free to use the image for your own purposes as long as the logo is not removed and you give credit to where the photograph came from. The image provided on the blog is a thumbnail of the original photographic image. 

Sunday, 23 August 2015

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❻⓿

Benbow bridge to  Black Jack Lock

Date 23 Aug 2015

Overnight the weather was quite warm and sultry.

Morning: Met up with our friends and wished them farewell before enjoying a cooked breakfast and then setting off for the first lock. Steady cruising day with lots of sunshine. Quite a few boats on the move.

Afternoon: After lunch the rain set in and so we moored up at the first opportunity.  Settled down to watch a bit of Formula One. Louis Hamilton won again - Go Louis.

Evening:  The usual Sunday night television.


Wildlife:

Birds: House Sparrow, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Buzzard, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Swallow, House Martin and the now usual Green Parakeets.

Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Common White, Small White.
 
Today's Total.
Miles: 5.5
Locks: 5
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 3.5
Solar Panels: 13 Ah


Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2526.2
Locks: 1579
Swing / Lift Bridges: 357
Tunnels: 49
Pump Outs: 24
Engine Hours: 3400.7

Solar Panels: 23705 Ah

Old Working Boats

We moored up a bit earlier than we had intended at 'Black Jack Lock' on the Grand Union canal. The weather was a returning to the typical British Summer. It started with bright sunshine, turned to light rain. Then it steadily became heavier. So the skipper decided to 'weigh anchor' and at 15kg minus the chain and warp, I thought its time to moor up.

No sooner had we moored up that the weather changed again for the better. But being somewhat sceptical of the British Weather gods and their propensity to be fickle. I did not throw off the ropes to go cruising a bit further. I decide to take the dog for a walk, we usually look for a bit of open grassland where we can throw the ball for her to fetch. It provides some good exercise.


I started walking up the towpath to meet with two young ladies.  They had a small white dog with them (Robin) who had been following them for a while. I took over control of him so that thye could get away. Looking at his coller - there was a tag with a phone number. Ringing the number it turns out that Robin is a boat dog. He was soon reunited with his owners who said they thought he was making his way back to Cassiobury Park where he had just spent the weekend chasing rabbits.



So me and Pops (Poppy) set off again for our walk along the towpath. We came to a foot path which we decided to take. Because the number of cyclists on the towpath splashing through rainwater filled, mud pits was proving to be a pain in the rectum.  We were following a watercourse and pops was checking out the wildlife. She is not bothered for ducks, but she has more interest in reducing the Rat and Mink population. 



We were not having much joy in finding a bit of grass for me to exercise her on but we did come to an old boatyard called Troy Wharf. There was a refurbished old workboat and another one on the stocks being refurbished. So I took a few photographs.




 

Saturday, 22 August 2015

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❺❾

Teddington Lock to Benbow bridge

Date 22 Aug 2015

Overnight the weather was overcast and odd bit of light rain. Woke up to a mist and heavy dew.

Morning: Early start required,  at the lock at 7am, to be told we were early for the tide. We locked down anyway. Soon the air was warming up and so we set a leisurely pace down river. By 8:30 we turned in at Brentwood and locked up off the river. Now it was a steady cruise and climbing up through the Hanwell flight of seven locks.

Afternoon: We stopped for lunch at the top of the Hanwell Flight. Before a steady cruise to our destination at the park moorings near Benbow bridge.

Evening:  Television with Tim and Pru on the Rochdale Canal.


Wildlife:

Birds: House Sparrow, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Cormorant, Grey Lag Goose, Canadian Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Swallow, House Martin, Green Woodpecker and even more Green Parakeets.


Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Common White, Small White  Skipper.
Bats: Pipistrelle,  Daubentons,
Damselfly: Common Blue Damselfly, 
Dragonflies: Ruddy Darter, Four Spot Chaser.
 
Today's Total.
Miles: 15.2
Locks: 14
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 8.4
Solar Panels: 11 Ah


Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2520.7
Locks: 1574
Swing / Lift Bridges: 357
Tunnels: 49
Pump Outs: 24
Engine Hours: 3397.2

Solar Panels: 23692 Ah

Photo (11)

Throughout the last few years of boat ownership. I have been taking a number of photographs around the canals and rivers system. Obviously the subject would vary depending on where we were and what we were doing.  The photographic images are taken using a Canon 550d DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) which is my camera of choice. I use Coral Paintshop Pro X6 photo editing software for adding the logo and creating a smaller thumbnail image.

There is no particular theme, other than most of my photography is waterways inspired. It's whatever that caught my attention at the time. So I thought I might include a few of my photographs into the blog. I am looking for titles to give to the images, you might like to suggest one of your own.







The South Oxford Canal has much to offer with wide views and quiet places to moor. Wide vistas give plenty of opportunity for sunset and sunrise photographs.





I take photographs for my own personal pleasure. Whilst I reserve copyright ownership of the photographic image. You are free to use the image for your own purposes as long as the logo is not removed and you give credit to where the photograph came from. The image provided on the blog is a thumbnail of the original photographic image. 

Friday, 21 August 2015

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❺❽

Wey Junction to Teddington Lock

Date 21 Aug 2015

Overnight the weather was persistent showers of rain and warm.

Morning: Early start and an early breakfast, a few boats on the move. The weather was warm and the sun soon grew hotter.

Afternoon: Stopped for a bit of shopping in Kingston upon Thames. Before heading on towards Teddington lock.

Evening:  A quiet night of television.


Wildlife:

Birds: Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Mallard, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Cormorant, Grey Lag Goose, Canadian Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Kestrel, Buzzard, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Swallow and House Martin.
 
Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Common White and Small White.
Damselfly: Common Blue Damselfly, 
 
Today's Total.
Miles: 10.2
Locks: 2
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 0.0
Solar Panels: 46 Ah


Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2520.7
Locks: 1574
Swing / Lift Bridges: 357
Tunnels: 49
Pump Outs: 24
Engine Hours: 3388.8

Solar Panels: 23681 Ah

Battery Life

A lithium-ion battery, sometimes referred to as Li-ion battery or LIB, is a member of a family of rechargeable battery types. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are used in many tablets, smartphones and portable PCs. However they require very different care and feeding regime than their predecessors the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and nickel-metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries.

For example, lithium-ion batteries are becoming a common replacement for the lead acid batteries that have been used historically for golf carts and other vehicles. Instead of heavy lead plates and acid electrolyte, the trend is to use lightweight lithium-ion battery packs that can provide the same voltage as lead-acid batteries, so no modification to the vehicle is required. I expect that in time they will become common place in boats once the costs of production are reduced.

Chemistry, performance, cost and safety characteristics vary across LIB types. Hand held electronics mostly use LIBs based on lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), which offers high energy density, but presents safety risks, especially when damaged. 
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) offer lower energy density, but longer lives and inherent safety. Such batteries are widely used for electric tools, medical equipment and other roles. NMC in particular is a leading contender for automotive applications. 
Lithium nickel cobalt aluminium oxide (NCA) and lithium titanate (LTO) are special designs aimed at particular niche roles. The new lithium sulphur batteries promise the highest performance to weight ratio.

Meanwhile, back at the Li-ion battery. I have a Lenovo laptop which has an option that allows me to charge the battery pack to  60% capacity. As the laptop is permanently plugged into the boats 12v supply. This level is maintained and the capacity of the battery is also maintained. Proper care of a Li-ion battery can result in a much longer service life than with an improperly cared-for battery. 

Keep your lithium batteries cool:
I was surprised to learn that heat is the number-one enemy of Li-ion batteries. Heat caused by heavy usage and the speed and duration of battery charging and discharging. 


Li-ion batteries perform best at about normal room temperature. If the device warms to 86F/30C, its ability to hold a charge reduces by about 20 percent. If the battery is used at 113F/45C battery capacity can be reduced by half.

Unplug the charger to save the battery:

Overcharging, leaving a battery connected for too long can reduce a Li-ion battery's ability to hold a charge. Li-ion batteries have a very low rate of self-discharge. Its not necessary to leave a Li-ion device on charge. Unplug the charger when the device shows a full charge.

Do not deep-discharge your battery:

Like the battery on your boat not all discharge cycles exact the same toll on a battery. Long and heavy usage generates more heat, putting more stress on the battery. While smaller, more frequent discharges extend the overall life of lithium batteries.



Slow charge and discharge is best:

One source of low-output charging is the USB port on a standard PC. The low amperages offered by USB ports will usually provide cool, safe charging of almost any Li-ion device.

Use a spare battery:

When the in-use battery approaches 15–20 percent charge, simply swap out the drained battery for a fresh, cool one you get instant full power, with no heat worries. Having two batteries should also eliminate any need to use fast chargers — you can charge the spare at a safe, slow rate while the other is in use.

Photo (10)

Throughout the last few years of boat ownership. I have been taking a number of photographs around the canals and rivers system. Obviously the subject would vary depending on where we were and what we were doing.  The photographic images are taken using a Canon 550d DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) which is my camera of choice. I use Coral Paintshop Pro X6 photo editing software for adding the logo and creating a smaller thumbnail image.

There is no particular theme, other than most of my photography is waterways inspired. It's whatever that caught my attention at the time. So I thought I might include a few of my photographs into the blog. I am looking for titles to give to the images, you might like to suggest one of your own.







The South Oxford canal near to Upper Hayford. Its sunrise and the start of another beautiful day.










I take photographs for my own personal pleasure. Whilst I reserve copyright ownership of the photographic image. You are free to use the image for your own purposes as long as the logo is not removed and you give credit to where the photograph came from. The image provided on the blog is a thumbnail of the original photographic image. 

Thursday, 20 August 2015

Towpath Cycling Proposals

I have been musing again. This time its about a set of proposals for creating a more comprehensive set of Canal and River Trust, towpath cycling rules. Not loose guidelines, but an enforceable set of rules and requirements, that should be placed upon all cyclists.  The rules need to be balanced, proportionate and written in such a way as to not inconvenience the majority of cyclists who are both considerate and compliant.

The Canal and River Trust own 'satisfaction' survey suggests that the public and boaters perception of the trust and the trusts perception of them is dire. With the advent of 400 million visits to the towpath each year, a figure that is growing every day. The safety of pedestrians on the towpath has never been more important. Its time for a no nonsense look at what can be put in place and what should be done as a matter of urgency.


For the non boating readers I have started with a quick summery of the history of the canals. Why it is important to protect the infrastructure as a part of our 'Industrial Revolution' heritage.

Background: The rivers in the United Kingdom have been used over the millennia for transport of all kinds. Fast forward hundreds of years and the United Kingdoms various canal systems triggered a period in our history that is referred to around the world as the Industrial Revolution. As the industrial revolution took hold, alternative transport systems were being developed such as the railways and the improvements to the countries roads infrastructure. 

With each transport development the nature of the transport of freight on the canal changed. As the demands increased for the transport of goods and people. The canals and railways enjoyed a period where one ramped up its carrying capacity and the other gradually lost demand. But for a long period, both systems worked side by side. However, there then followed a second long drawn out period of industrial decline. The roads became the major transport system and the road transport infrastructure has continued to be developed. 

Improvements to the road transport systems even had an affect upon the railways. Which  went through a similar period to the canals with a gradual loss of freight. The whole railway infrastructure was assessed and like the abandoned canals before them. The railways were 'topped and tailed' by doctor Richard Beeching Axe. The railways have seen a change away from the bulk carriage of freight towards providing more inner city and inter city commuting for people.

The decline in the canal system brought around a change of ethos. People with vision such as Tom Rolt and Robert Aickman realised that while the canals were being abandoned and allowed to fall into a very poor state of repair. (Mainly through lack of spending on maintenance the same as today.) They believed that what was still there, was worth saving for the nation. There followed years of conflict between those who wanted to conserve and improve the canals and those in power, who without a vision for the future, wanted to get rid. The visionaries many of who were boaters prevailed and today we have a system for leisure boating, fishing walking and cycling.  

Those who fought for the canal system to be retained and improved, now feel a keen 'ownership' of the system.  A place where boat owners can enjoy cruising from village, to town and city upon the canal system. A place where people of all ages can walk with their children and pets. A place of peace and even solitude. A place where the angler can enjoy a days fishing. The thing that binds all these together is a lack of  road traffic and the over whelming sense of a quiet, subdued and gentle pace to be enjoyed by everyone.

The canals and rivers should now be seen by many as a linear theme park, they are a national treasure. Providing a tactile, living breathing museum of the industrial revolution. The canals and rivers should now be seen by everyone as an important part of our fast disappearing industrial heritage and one to be shared by all.

Cycling: Cycling on the towpath has gone on for many years. To all intents and purposes. The construction of the cycle allied with the nature of the towpath was in the past a limiting factor with regards to the speed of people cycling. 

The Canal and River Trust already has a large amount of information available on line for cyclists. It has a 'strategic cycle routes co-ordinator' whatever that is. As well as promoting a cycle route of the month. So it is positively encouraging even more and more cyclist to come onto the towpath.

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/see-and-do/cycling# 

Now, there is a major change taking place on the towpath. The numbers of people using a cycle as soared and continues to grow. The very nature of the construction of the cycle itself has also changed. So that now a cycle is similar to off road, all terrain vehicle.  Add into the mix that the towpath is in places being upgraded to the equivalent of an all weather surface. 

This has directly created a new phenomenon, where a minority of cyclists are already treating the towpath as a competitive time trial venue. The numbers of such cyclists is growing. Data available on Strava already gives some insight into the growing numbers. There are GPS related applications available where cyclists with a competitive attitude can compete with others to set a fast time over a specific route. This is bringing boaters, fishermen, walkers and all other towpath users including the considerate cyclists into conflict. 

Now it would be easy to draw together and record some of the well documented incidents and accidents.  Many that are being reported on social media and in the popular press. Petitions are being organised by various people which is an indicator of the level of incidents and the frustrations of the towpath users.

The Canal and River Trust: (CaRT) The position of the trust in all of this is a complete mystery. The laughable 'Two Tings' to the mind boggling 'Duck Lanes' demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the whole issue. And a complete misunderstanding of the depth of feeling held by the vast majority of towpath users. 

The current way forward proposed by the trust is a single proposal of the 'education of cyclists'. This is not something new, education in the form of leafleting has been employed previously. It would seem that the education through leafleting, used so far has completely failed. Leafleting now joins the list of 'Drop your Pace and Share the Space' as well as the 'Two Ting's' and the mind boggling 'Duck Lanes' all of which seem to be failures.

Many people have reported near misses, incidents and accidents involving cyclists to the trust. But those reports seem to go unanswered. A patronising letter or phone call is not sufficient. This lack lustre response to what is after all a very serious issue. Is providing the popular impression that there is either a lack of will or an inability to manage the increasing danger and hostility being demonstrated towards towpath users.  Many believe that the name of the trust should be changed to the 'Cycling and Racing Trust'.  Boaters feel that they have been abandoned by the trust. The Canal and River Trust's own 'satisfaction' survey suggest they are possibly correct.

The trust is apparently unwilling to make some sensible and appropriate restrictions. And unwilling to put in place some real and effective measures to reduce the growing problem through sustainable and recognisable rules and regulations. In response to lack of action I am providing a set of towpath users proposals as a suggestion for the way forward.

Proposals: There needs to be a number of rules and regulations put in place which share  more than a passing resemblance to those to which fishermen and boat owners have to comply. There could be an on-line system put in place to manage the high speed cycling issue.

It is only a matter of time before a serious incident one which is possibly fatal happens on the towpath. With the huge surge from 10 million to 400 million visits in three years. A set of comprehensive rules for cyclists needs to be put in place.

(1) Cycling Permit: A return to the discontinued permit (a form of licensing) of all cycle users on the towpath. That the permit should be affixed and  clearly displayed on the cycle. 

A boat licence should also allow permission for the use of a cycle on the towpath. The permit charge should be inclusive of the boat licence charge for boaters. A licence to fish on the waterways should also act as a permit for fishermen using a trolley or cycle to carry equipment.

(2) Charge: That a charge should be made against all cyclists and the revenue raised be used to managing the permit system. That once the costs of supporting such a system is met. Any surplus revenue raised in this way should be used towards the provision of various speed calming measures. 

It would also allow the trust to issue a set of meaningful instructions. Which would be acknowledged by all (bona fide) cycle users on the towpath. Clearly setting out the rules, expectations and any specific regulations to be complied with as needed. 

(3) Cycle Bell: Many cycles do not come provided with a warning device. The trust should create a requirement that clearly states any cycle used on the towpath should have a mechanical warning device.

(4) Identification: All boats used on the inland waterways should be displaying an identity number and also hold and display a current licence.  Each cyclist authorised to use the towpath should be able to be easily recognised and carry some form of identity.

Presently there is no way of identifying any cycle/cyclist using the towpath. This would go some way to helping to reduce the number of hit and run incidents where the assailant is not known. It should be born in mind that a hit and run in a public space is a criminal act. 

(5) Insurance: Boat owners are required to have insurance. This should be a requirement of all cycle users on the towpath. It should be born in mind that almost all cycling organisations recommend that cyclists should have insurance. Many cycling organisations provide access to cheap individual and family cycle insurance against theft and third party incidents and accidents.
Those involved in accidents have a duty to stop at the scene, to identify themselves and to exchange personal details such as names, address, phone numbers and insurance details. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.

(6) Claims Against the Trust: The Trust should put in place provision for compensating pedestrians injured by hit and run cyclists. The Trust owe a duty of care that the law upholds. If you have been hurt as a pedestrian in a towpath accident - you might be entitled to compensation. Some solicitors are already offering a totally free 'Pedestrian Accident Service' where no costs are payable at any stage. All fees are paid by the responsible party's insurance company if they win your claim.

(7) Speed: The major problem on the towpath is the almost silent rate at which cyclists can approach towpath users. Often the first recognition of the presence of the cyclist(s) is when the pedestrian on the towpath is startled by a near miss encounter. The high speed user often deliberately does not give a warning of their presence, in case the towpath pedestrian steps asside and into their path. 

There should be default speed limits, applicable to the towpath which are after all common in parks and other public spaces. The whole ethos of the inland waterways is a leisurely pace. It is what makes the inland waterways attractive to many people. The trust should rigidly enforce such rules and regulations.

(8) Default Maximum Speed: The proposal is for a blanket speed limit of 10 mph.  Such a limit would be in keeping with the walking pace of pedestrians.  It is a typical speed restriction in many parks and other public spaces. It would help to limit the level of impact any injury experienced by a pedestrian and or cyclist in an accident.


(9) Benefits of a Default Speed limit: A limit of 10 mph is after all approximately two and a half time the speed of a pedestrian walking and the two and a half times the speed of a boat cruising on the water. As a default speed limit, there would be no need to sign the whole length of a towpath.  However, as the towpath is upgraded, modified restrictions could be considered and where the risk to pedestrians on the towpath is not compromised then alternative speed restrictions could be put in place.

There are many benefits to be gained from having a default speed limit. it would create an exhaustive task just to list them all. However, typically it would give time for a fisherman to be seen and to be able to move any equipment clear. Such as the long fishing rods which seem to be the vogue today.

There are certain places along the towpath where conflict is much more likely to arise. Typical of these are in restricted bridge holes where the towpath runs under the bridge. Because of restricted sighting lines cyclist and pedestrians are much more likely to come into conflict.  Another location is at a lock where people can be distracted from safely locking a boat due to the activities of high speed cyclists.


(10) Dismount at all Bridges:  If there is the requirement to dismount all bridges that cross the river or canal. The bridges will in themselves act as a speed calming measure. 

(11) Dismount at all Locks: If there is the requirement to dismount all Locks. The bridges will themselves act as a speed calming measure. 

Visitor moorings are another place where boaters in particular come into conflict with high speed cyclists. This is a place where people are distracted when mooring up. It is a place where people are constantly stepping on and off their boats. Visitor moorings are also a place where the children of boater families are more likely to be playing on the towpath and pets are more likely to be loose on the towpath.  

(12) Designated Visitor Moorings: There should be a full width towpath gate at each end of a visitor mooring. All cyclists should be required to dismount when passing visitor moorings.

This document is intended as a 'request for comment'. It is intended to start a meaningful dialogue amongst all of the 400,000,000 towpath visitors. It is not an exhaustive list of requirements but it does highlight some of the areas that need urgent attention. You might have comments and ideas of your own to add.