tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67835748980872239442024-03-13T10:42:22.429+00:00alafloat Cruise with BuggerlugsAlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.comBlogger438125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-60246926671117042732022-08-12T16:49:00.004+01:002022-08-12T16:53:07.926+01:00<p><br />Hi </p><p>it was hard work but we all arrived in Liverpool safe and sound is not a little hot and bothered we could complain about the heat but then I think when boating rain Monday, Rain Tuesday, Windy Wednesday, Rain Thursday and Friday Rain with Gale force wind. Sat Sun cloudy and Cold So now I just accept what God sends us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>We arrived in Salthouse Dock Liverpool thats the one opposite the Police station at Liverpool 1 and in front of Albert Dock. Nice pontoon with free electric although today we have a black out as all the electric went out at 09.30 morning and has only just come back on 14.57 But thats OK Mat Lorraine and Thomas turned up and taken them all off to West Kirby by train, They have Gone Crabbing and we(thats Noreen and I have the whole afternoon to clean up, tidy up, Stow everything away in its rightful place as a boat that is untidy is a dangerous boat. </p><p>When we arrived we were just in time to get to the evening session at the indoor Fair Ground Its really good ,not cheep but good value once in every ride was free for as many goes as you want and it wasn't packed out we didn't queue for any rides we started at 18.00 and ended at 21.00 the kids were knackered and went to bed quietly? Yesterday it was New Brighton the beach was packed I have never seen so many people on New Brighton beach so so hot but what a great time the kids had and today as I said Mat has taken them all to West Kirby so we have the afternoon off I think tonight is all you can eat Chinese Banquette se haw that goes down with a 7,,5,, 3,,year old I think the mop and Buckets will be Out But who cares its soon cleaned up. Talking of that I had a pump out booked this morning for 09.15 they arrived at 11.15 the excuse was a man fell in the Marina and was retrieved Dead so everything was shut down for the police to carry out their work. So I let them off for their tardiness </p><p>No Idea about Tomorrow and Sunday though we will go to Mass but early I think I will be told whats happening after that </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcAxUR8bRadqQoHkA2kLzmzRzd-1yOqzJjEHfC6cNQuSQ_v54tG9FMEDqtSEi2pwLbUP9CbIKhEA7MNPWVgZVCf2muZZspwgWCgPeTjhSP24HZFzFg2kg2YxncAkD9nd6ZD34dX3kcc6PVqi9Vx3CSWZk-WMx-0bRHAbePCOSRrNZETtcW915I_ZdBA/s4032/IMG_2806.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcAxUR8bRadqQoHkA2kLzmzRzd-1yOqzJjEHfC6cNQuSQ_v54tG9FMEDqtSEi2pwLbUP9CbIKhEA7MNPWVgZVCf2muZZspwgWCgPeTjhSP24HZFzFg2kg2YxncAkD9nd6ZD34dX3kcc6PVqi9Vx3CSWZk-WMx-0bRHAbePCOSRrNZETtcW915I_ZdBA/s320/IMG_2806.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life in the fast lane </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQ2eh8T4DOKD93S29EHSZqKMEk_ynhYY-phCCG0uvKiQPExZINu6gFa6ZZ5Oa1aCbmuXXIdhGeJINHDmHo4v2zjeiQSEnl6l9t7sn77Vs1aG5GIRyVO5nB0UGiz_3dw2TJiaKR0aRKqqIpnncqeBbFdb2iRKjMwOeHrks0_o1tN98aXCxBYJMhdwjbA/s4032/IMG_2844.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQ2eh8T4DOKD93S29EHSZqKMEk_ynhYY-phCCG0uvKiQPExZINu6gFa6ZZ5Oa1aCbmuXXIdhGeJINHDmHo4v2zjeiQSEnl6l9t7sn77Vs1aG5GIRyVO5nB0UGiz_3dw2TJiaKR0aRKqqIpnncqeBbFdb2iRKjMwOeHrks0_o1tN98aXCxBYJMhdwjbA/s320/IMG_2844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a wonderful back drop from New Brighton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQiRIxEnsamXP1oLNiy32BV9VKkY6B22AtlM2sMeAkQi7s6Z5VUd5EJbBiQqqiawWy4JWEBdv-5FZW8QuzAcC-J0N69Xy4GQDPEzod_xzVQrrSeszJa20HACg9FWTdaLU4myeR-zLDlaUAsEtL-tRfUpMb8_mNiPHG4afA5WHYO__2Ge-aWh0_wPN5g/s4032/IMG_2809.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQiRIxEnsamXP1oLNiy32BV9VKkY6B22AtlM2sMeAkQi7s6Z5VUd5EJbBiQqqiawWy4JWEBdv-5FZW8QuzAcC-J0N69Xy4GQDPEzod_xzVQrrSeszJa20HACg9FWTdaLU4myeR-zLDlaUAsEtL-tRfUpMb8_mNiPHG4afA5WHYO__2Ge-aWh0_wPN5g/s320/IMG_2809.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> She only ran him over twice I told him not to stand there <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiP0JsDPQTmLxGJEt8qqOn5aWyR-dkXyJ2cC07FP1ZJpl5TbrPrW5ff2JmkxjjxapJrx-ZYQVQPIBdUlz7UwZw3UCljzg6FX25Q97vlR-QY2DS5dgF5rg52fDbgtf9MY6kQqWoJzYTYa_FSEgfqUmDM-8hYDWmKJldDuTuqOmlKJevRcigB2GYqUsLw/s2048/BPCV0781.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiP0JsDPQTmLxGJEt8qqOn5aWyR-dkXyJ2cC07FP1ZJpl5TbrPrW5ff2JmkxjjxapJrx-ZYQVQPIBdUlz7UwZw3UCljzg6FX25Q97vlR-QY2DS5dgF5rg52fDbgtf9MY6kQqWoJzYTYa_FSEgfqUmDM-8hYDWmKJldDuTuqOmlKJevRcigB2GYqUsLw/s320/BPCV0781.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First time on a proper train not too bothered </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-54639580499563647902022-08-06T13:32:00.000+01:002022-08-06T13:32:51.101+01:00<p> Hi </p><p>Most of the Locks in the north west are still closed well closed as fat as we are concerned they open 2 days a week from 10am to 4 pm Now the majority of boats waiting in the queue are from the south and trying to return home so we have left them to it CRT could not run a raffle I would not let them look after my garden pond. Yesterday I was contacted by the BBC asking if I would like to join a debate on radio 4 about the lack of water in the canal the other guest would be Richard Parry head of CRT now you may not know but since my head injury when I get nervous I stutter I did as a young lad but the bump I had has started it off again so I declined instead they got a hire boat /marina owner from Skipton and he said all the things I wanted to say. That being CRT are useless at looking after waterways. I now regret saying no I should have just gone for it.</p><p>Noreen and I have just had a nice weeks R&R as we are still moored in Scarisbrick Marina I have had a good weeks fishing and Noreen has read about 4 books. However tomorrow the grand Children arrive and we embark on another trip into Liverpool (thats the only route open to us ) and that is only a three day cruise. We arrive in Liverpool on Weds and it will be full on from day one But we are so excited about having them on board it should be a load of fun the most demanding aspect is H&S its in the front of your mind 24 /7 However to have them here is well worth the stress </p><p>Today the Marina is very busy with this morning a cycle ride formed up and then a model boat club arrived (Boys with there Toys ) some very nice looking model boats there not just a model boat with and engine these are works of art I have a 3ft Narrow Boat hanging in my shed just needs the interior finishing off I just don't seem to get the time I will try again in the winter .</p><p>We are looking at getting back to our home mooring the weekend of the 20/21 Aug </p><p>Keep smiling Stay Safe </p><p>God Bless </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhge8tyfn77k-y_kK2RWgVMRRwEOwTKUILkRUUFmfcHgICfSWpP0sEygZMRpHyfmxgl5V8AxypZFi0uQBlkTHFlQfm-FCTJk1kZjHlrlVOP71et81Te02voavFy7kgvZ3tvJ-yxibYBb1zy0ZKgsZzOLNYxaajZNLi_-FrCnQ6L6wQIXP5bqzJIcg9f3g/s4032/IMG_2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhge8tyfn77k-y_kK2RWgVMRRwEOwTKUILkRUUFmfcHgICfSWpP0sEygZMRpHyfmxgl5V8AxypZFi0uQBlkTHFlQfm-FCTJk1kZjHlrlVOP71et81Te02voavFy7kgvZ3tvJ-yxibYBb1zy0ZKgsZzOLNYxaajZNLi_-FrCnQ6L6wQIXP5bqzJIcg9f3g/s320/IMG_2763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boys and their Toys</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-52364965652540424952022-08-01T15:12:00.000+01:002022-08-01T15:12:02.174+01:00<p> IT IS EASY TO REPLY ONLY TAKES 30 SECONDS. I KNOW ITS NOT GROUND BREAKING NEWS BUT IT DOES HAVE PICTURES ?????????????????????????????</p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-51837755978361460062022-08-01T14:54:00.002+01:002022-08-01T14:54:31.408+01:00Catch up <p> Hi Everyone </p><p><br /></p><p>Sorry I have been off the air for a week but in my defence its been a busy one,and really Im only doing it now because its to hot to do anything else even the fishing has had to take a back seat.</p><p>Last week we all went to Blackpool that is three grandchildren Maryanne Noreen and me I only did Monday and Wednesday we had Matthew Lorraine and grandson Thomas a real good family DO I only did Mon Tue as I had to get back to the boat there was a few repairs to do the solenoid was sticking and she wasn't starting to good the grand children are coming again at the weekend for a historical (hysterical) cruise into Liverpool with and extra 4 on board the accommodation had to be sorted and it was a good excuse to escape for a few days. they will arrive on Sunday lets hope the weather stays dry.</p><p>the two days in Blackpool were really good those days when bed time couldn't come quick enough But as a wise man once said " Grandchildren are Gods compensation for getting Old"</p><p>We are still moored in Scarisbrick because the canal is still blocked to go North and East so we are virtually maroon here in west Lancashire but I can think of worse places to be maroon, our permanent mooring Fettlers Wharf is only a days sail away BUT it entails 7 of the worst locks in the country and then we would have to do that twice by keeping in easy and staying here our trip into Liverpool will be much shorter. As I Celebrated my 75th last week I have been told I should start taking it easy I say Sod Off Im quite happy as I am age is just a number we all know it means nothing as long as you wake up in the morning and can not feel any wood around you get up and enjoy another day God has given you for free.</p><p>However when I returned here last Tue another boat was moored along side us I realised it was a friend of mine Ronnie I did some painting for him last year. As I didnt see any one aboard I ask the marina staff was Ronnie ok. the look was enough " sorry Alan he died last week. he came home one night made a brew it was still in the cup went to be but never got up" he was a chauffeur for Liverpool council they tried to contact him couldn't so rang his daughter she came over and found him. RIP Ronnie.</p><p>Im just glad he paid me for all the work I had done for him some of my clients still owe me from 2020 thas not being disrespectful Ronnie would laugh or kick himself for paying to soon.</p><p>Thanks for Listening it means a lot </p><p>God Bless Stay Safe </p><p>Alan</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrQNW4kYuepT86ugFC7pr6tgFhAlk2AfkSLI8cu_1nmuh5pPKLgUOCkaW8PGivMJG54UnbsKlfdcviJWeisPzGJnZMvYTK2dl8GA41DRdW_0D02ISpwFoApBCdSuicsHO_fIyK5tnzkAtwalPo6x4vAmMYDY2ugN3dIKuP1AAYTML1bTOKCIE4uCbRQ/s4032/IMG_2743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrQNW4kYuepT86ugFC7pr6tgFhAlk2AfkSLI8cu_1nmuh5pPKLgUOCkaW8PGivMJG54UnbsKlfdcviJWeisPzGJnZMvYTK2dl8GA41DRdW_0D02ISpwFoApBCdSuicsHO_fIyK5tnzkAtwalPo6x4vAmMYDY2ugN3dIKuP1AAYTML1bTOKCIE4uCbRQ/s320/IMG_2743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sun down eight bells and all is quiet</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuFcUoDZ8egnb6OMkG90Q5rqLYWx2bAZ2KF96CKhBatYH1n4iBTNT6E3u3AwCwFaaZuWUENVxLgWspYme4q3stsM9SMn-n2JfCsaZNnSeahPe_hQXNGmSq1mcgbBjQoTPswAH8rDVKLB0hV7cnGDn7uOMvtfJRG67Tdfv1_xBaO3rTd1JkOK72oSTYQ/s1334/VPSX3586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuFcUoDZ8egnb6OMkG90Q5rqLYWx2bAZ2KF96CKhBatYH1n4iBTNT6E3u3AwCwFaaZuWUENVxLgWspYme4q3stsM9SMn-n2JfCsaZNnSeahPe_hQXNGmSq1mcgbBjQoTPswAH8rDVKLB0hV7cnGDn7uOMvtfJRG67Tdfv1_xBaO3rTd1JkOK72oSTYQ/s320/VPSX3586.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the England ladies did so well in fact Brilliantly this is Pippa who has been selected to play next season for Howarden Rangers (would you take her on ???) 7 and ready to take on the world (whens the world cup for Ladies ? </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4iwXhkgxPLbBFDJsgb-fstC5g3_U-gsqm3qXcTFrNZmbLoIThic0OilQXBFy2HCbtW_L7wrpoUzwYg3jkWIujGCLyiEgaZGV1ypbw0lmwo3WaLRrTwksZdXOIN9qGBod1dny7rTnJVMhm2QOOY1FkyN6kFDNDr5qVBIkNGW8IDOLcFL3A_fLn6V15A/s1600/SLZM0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4iwXhkgxPLbBFDJsgb-fstC5g3_U-gsqm3qXcTFrNZmbLoIThic0OilQXBFy2HCbtW_L7wrpoUzwYg3jkWIujGCLyiEgaZGV1ypbw0lmwo3WaLRrTwksZdXOIN9qGBod1dny7rTnJVMhm2QOOY1FkyN6kFDNDr5qVBIkNGW8IDOLcFL3A_fLn6V15A/s320/SLZM0148.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Evie Southport Beach it took half a mile walk to find the sea but she insisted </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCi1ejfAMmceA3wjY4GRZuOExkUG0PfwCPp-x6fSx_ahNfEGEXIItCkhmh9jI5LtakuhEYy0-xIfRSYt2kLyGUwHc5vEN8Hjb0fD0iYR6y24rGo0e07x6L5wakk3zb5QI1z0GBDbNHL3QYxZZIhLcl65tel70ji8gcPC_N1rYIZnrynhbjlMNT2NB_A/s4032/IMG_2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCi1ejfAMmceA3wjY4GRZuOExkUG0PfwCPp-x6fSx_ahNfEGEXIItCkhmh9jI5LtakuhEYy0-xIfRSYt2kLyGUwHc5vEN8Hjb0fD0iYR6y24rGo0e07x6L5wakk3zb5QI1z0GBDbNHL3QYxZZIhLcl65tel70ji8gcPC_N1rYIZnrynhbjlMNT2NB_A/s320/IMG_2715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sports Day in Blackpool with Shaun the sheep</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm-cesb5elIh3KEHCNObQRLeP3VDlef7f7VhZL7d1tq_fSQkBQaEr8LoHtt3LDtZmgOCl767i7Xzmg14R-2o5N6-3_QKSSIkV24pflac1S7HcAW1iLiSftNGrmv5jr2cOTobbFAmLRAt4YMXSpt9_RRPUp71OUAAm_--adHgdVohl33C9ZsSy9rHB2g/s2048/RNNS3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm-cesb5elIh3KEHCNObQRLeP3VDlef7f7VhZL7d1tq_fSQkBQaEr8LoHtt3LDtZmgOCl767i7Xzmg14R-2o5N6-3_QKSSIkV24pflac1S7HcAW1iLiSftNGrmv5jr2cOTobbFAmLRAt4YMXSpt9_RRPUp71OUAAm_--adHgdVohl33C9ZsSy9rHB2g/s320/RNNS3765.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE THREE MUSCATIERS </div><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <p></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-43070051596416278242022-07-20T08:57:00.000+01:002022-07-20T08:57:13.580+01:00<p> Good morning campers </p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> Yesterday was quite an
exciting day though it could have turned out quite differently ??</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">One of our friends came
for a days fishing and every thing was going fine sun was a little
hot but hey you cant complain can you
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">As the sun was so
strong I thought why waste it so I disconnected the electric land
line and switched on the solar panels (free electric ) everything was
going well until I went down to the engine room and noticed a very
strange smell now one thing you do not want on a boat or at least an
engine room is a strange smell it always indicates something wrong.
So I spent a good frantic 10 min tracking down this smell that was
getting steadily worse. I eventually found the fault it was a battery
that was over heating steam was coming out of the breather hole. Now
this is serious as batteries that over heat can blow up so speed was
now the imperative that battery had to be isolated and removed.
Access to my engine bay is about 2ft by 4ft with a marine engine sat
in the middle to get access to the batteries well I will just say its
difficult especially when limbs are not as flexible as they once
were. The isolation was easy enough but then it had to come out now
dont go imagining that these are normal batteries like your car these
are double the size and double the weight my first attempt was a
failure as the handles had almost melted and just slipped off so I
had to quickly make up a rope sling, this worked and I eventually
extracted the now very hot heavy smoking battery all the time
expecting it to explode. All this was in the space of about 45 min
waking this morning I have to back into the depths of the engine room
(it should be know as Engine No Room ) and rearrange the spare
battery and check that everything is still working I am sure it is as
there is no more smoke ? At least today's tidy up I wont be
expecting anything to blow up though Noreen will still be there with
her Fire extinguisher the last fire we had was again in the engine
room we used two extinguishers dry foam it took tow years to get rid
of the dust
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">If I write again
tomorrow you will know all was successful though I have no doubt it
will be
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Just to say how
exciting life afloat can be ???</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">God Bless Stay Safe
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Buggerlugs </p><p><br /></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-45911967951774724472022-07-19T09:54:00.001+01:002022-07-19T10:21:28.101+01:00<p> living the dream</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xsw2pnZCY1f0DQBIC0sjsmjCkXSGswP9F8_cVGnOzQ5RZ3x72SwgCPOWiLfzOLR30cjgpdsRDW2kzBXCORq508Fkxcrn4-hDHfjbPbGg-MgOJEIqYwAwvnzXy-PWvFsZ7DZZMQ43Aw_0uwu3YhNW8EC4hgS8QlcH0-y4s7hDXip7h842TFkHWjpYgg/s4032/IMG_2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xsw2pnZCY1f0DQBIC0sjsmjCkXSGswP9F8_cVGnOzQ5RZ3x72SwgCPOWiLfzOLR30cjgpdsRDW2kzBXCORq508Fkxcrn4-hDHfjbPbGg-MgOJEIqYwAwvnzXy-PWvFsZ7DZZMQ43Aw_0uwu3YhNW8EC4hgS8QlcH0-y4s7hDXip7h842TFkHWjpYgg/s320/IMG_2678.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I have to feed these every Morning just to shut the little beggars up at 06.30 you don't want that noise </p><p>However Noreen has named them all but so far we have lost 2 thats life </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>😊😊😊😊<br /></p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='24' height='20' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzSCzcOBhi1AOQs63uJ0yAuPld-I3IaC6dBm_Wek4SdHEhn6z_UTwNgDHEG_T3XFsGTCu3A6_UTutsrHbiqpA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-526670705309136132022-07-19T08:02:00.005+01:002022-07-19T08:06:24.250+01:00<p> </p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> Ding Dong Good
Morning campers
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Well it looks like
Canal River Trust (they are the people who look after and maintain
our waterways in England ) and what a terrible job they are making of
it very poor maintenance and lack of investment in what is needed has
left the North west cut off from the rest of England. Over the past
few years they have spent millions on to links that is the link to
get boats into the heart of Liverpool and the link to get boats
across the Ribble to join the Lancaster Canal now because of their
inapt management both these routes are now out of commission due to
lack of water or CRTs poor management of water levels. As we all know
water flows down hill now, the Leeds and Liverpool canal is the
longest canal in England 127and a half miles of most is down hill so
you would think that Wigan being the junction that connects the
Northwest to the rest of the country would have plenty of water
unfortunately due many factors that is not the case CRT have had to
take obscene measures by closing the locks into and out of Wigan.
Which in reality has left hundreds of boats with nowhere to go.
Except for the route between Wigan and Liverpool which can be done in
a matter of 4 days but that does not cover a cruising season of 6
months as normally do. However we are the lucky ones for those
Boaters between the to of the Wigan flight and lets say Skipton have
a even shorter range locks are closed through Blackburn Colne Burnley
and Barrowford. Its very much like booking a holiday then finding out you FLIGHT HAS BEEN CANCELED </p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We have our
grandchildren joining us next week and we are sneaking back into
Liverpool Docks its a three days sail 5 days in Liverpool and 3 days
sail out. But that is all dependent on water levels which I am very
concerned about as the farms around here are extracting millions of
gallons of water out of the canal daily and I wonder if this extraction is
sustainable ?????</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">So you think Boating is
the idyllic life style believe me its not what you see on the TV it
maybe south of Birmingham but even the waterways see a north south
divide
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We are taking it easy
living the dream though we do get a few nightmares we still wake up
in some beautiful places meet some beautiful people and enjoy what we
have
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">God bless and thank you
for listening to my rant
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I will take some pics today of our location Scarisbrick west Lancs</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Buggerlugs
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRpeU95Q5MtYVjh0f2hVhKIDU1eSPp4L03eq4KVY0CNrwL6e79sbaFry9s0sOCKOvwi5MqakVk2DO2fiZRBJiAsEKARSENvc0cO-8cDJe-ABSgkpHsGkEaif-0eMaLvEyqQM2Fszz7hf5Yp7ICQUXCDeHbT6PJ40obKuRGfS7g3R7YZbuV53ppc8pFw/s4032/IMG_1517%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1742" data-original-width="4032" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRpeU95Q5MtYVjh0f2hVhKIDU1eSPp4L03eq4KVY0CNrwL6e79sbaFry9s0sOCKOvwi5MqakVk2DO2fiZRBJiAsEKARSENvc0cO-8cDJe-ABSgkpHsGkEaif-0eMaLvEyqQM2Fszz7hf5Yp7ICQUXCDeHbT6PJ40obKuRGfS7g3R7YZbuV53ppc8pFw/s320/IMG_1517%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buggerlugs at rest </div><br /></div><br /><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-74030972095205253562022-07-12T22:23:00.000+01:002022-07-12T22:23:22.639+01:00<p> Hi</p><p><br /></p><p>Very strange weather today </p><p>It has left us with a rather strange sunset 22.15 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmkJv0_ssVsKHIiclly9sTNElmDgP2141j1gJTKQU9anjkizGNARSmZP66DQdaA_aMFRmgKFZG6j3gyRNEN4j53tsPG0SoKYJpuyekJLQI1f8c0eXhrKtLiOJtch7xBRGlLGMEbEU-HxJ1DXfVcfzc-G7PQPg7tGpy-Cj_WfoPH3_ZdykaE39DxLTqg/s4032/IMG_2647%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmkJv0_ssVsKHIiclly9sTNElmDgP2141j1gJTKQU9anjkizGNARSmZP66DQdaA_aMFRmgKFZG6j3gyRNEN4j53tsPG0SoKYJpuyekJLQI1f8c0eXhrKtLiOJtch7xBRGlLGMEbEU-HxJ1DXfVcfzc-G7PQPg7tGpy-Cj_WfoPH3_ZdykaE39DxLTqg/s320/IMG_2647%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-75631454906751717852022-07-10T07:17:00.002+01:002022-07-10T07:17:42.880+01:00<p> </p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The leaving of
Li</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Pj9gRfOsG58ALIHV_7BYpLCn_HZtpr-y-vo_hJxoRQ2JcS8YoKbZDzjQHV3M3JNLcUFVlB86QmJqPlR_ZFYTwqoDqXdgE9nSuuKDF_Q89R0r4W4rbnLALk1mz_ySZ5t8GHjIBpxWkw0JlYlmAxi7njOYOIar23ErDeK2wZPBnvIoNnQ7SNXG5LKT1g/s4032/IMG_2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Pj9gRfOsG58ALIHV_7BYpLCn_HZtpr-y-vo_hJxoRQ2JcS8YoKbZDzjQHV3M3JNLcUFVlB86QmJqPlR_ZFYTwqoDqXdgE9nSuuKDF_Q89R0r4W4rbnLALk1mz_ySZ5t8GHjIBpxWkw0JlYlmAxi7njOYOIar23ErDeK2wZPBnvIoNnQ7SNXG5LKT1g/s320/IMG_2598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />verpool<p></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Tomorrow we leave
Liverpool, we have a 08.00 start actually it a 07,45 start as we have
to be at Mann island lock be 08.00. With much disruption along the
system with with canal closures and lock closures I am facing the the
trip with a little pessimism But as I keep telling people “thats
Boating”</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Last night we went to
mass at the Blessed Sacrament Shrine strange church the facade looks
like a government building DRAB no features no inclination of it
being a place of worship. I have no idea where the congregation come
from as the church is in the centre of town in St Johns and there is
no social housing as I have found for Miles. I would say a 1/3 of the
congregation at the Saturday vigil mass have shopping trolleys may be
as Aldi is just around the corner its a place to pop in after
completing your shopping whatever it is packed though the body of the
church is very small it has a very friendly atmosphere.</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Walking up there at
17.30 you have the day trippers heading off home and the night
revellers just arriving the first road crossing is just outside the
the dock and standing there with another 100 souls waiting for the
little green man it was like standing with the seven seven tribes of
Israel, you get the feeling of togetherness obviously you get the
local idiot here they do not ride chariots they mow people down with
motorised scooters but there again you get the swearing and gesturing
in a dozen Languages all meaning the same and even that gives a sense
of togetherness, Around 19.00 the city and the waterfront take on a
new atmosphere changing from a city of museums, historic building,
and culture to a city of Stag parties, drunken revelry, and just
everyone standing having a good time as Buggerlugs is moored 15 yards
from Albert dock main gates (though 12 ft below on the water ) we
escape most of the screaming, shouting and attempted singing. And by
23.00 everyone is tucked up in bad but not always their own if the
crowds in the day time are like the seven tribes of Israel the the
night time must be Sodom and Gomorrah'
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Today we have the
Grandchildren arriving today its now 06.45 and I am just about ready
to start prepaing for the onslaught apparently Pippa wants to go go
for a girly shopping trip with Noreen so I will take Zac on a boys
trip on the ferry across the water to see the submarine. Maybe
Maryanne can get her head down whilst Evie has her nap, well thats
the plan but as we know children are never predictable and we have to
stay flexible.</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">By time our guests
depart it will be time to prepare Buggerlugs for an early start. I am
working on two days to get to Scarisbrick Marina which is our next
port of call the water levels look ok so it should be an uneventful
but maybe this time when negotiating the swing bridges through Magul
we can get through with taking and cars for a ride
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">God Bless </p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Stay Safe </p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">From the pen of Buggerlugs<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRrDJZHH3_Bk1rVlINf-5NHq3mB0pXwcCpPfWUxQOriDZT8JtPtdy-qm3vAUN4kl5NvpZ51s7UfH1IO2mP7jc3LtQmZwyzJQ-I7N-4RAHgFEbH52V7GHBF0-2rokwpk9wGeKs9BrKh7SwxLYWa9xdXAu4Q4gnumYLKw8AxGTIoCQVrsaUbXgmHfJXFA/s4032/IMG_2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRrDJZHH3_Bk1rVlINf-5NHq3mB0pXwcCpPfWUxQOriDZT8JtPtdy-qm3vAUN4kl5NvpZ51s7UfH1IO2mP7jc3LtQmZwyzJQ-I7N-4RAHgFEbH52V7GHBF0-2rokwpk9wGeKs9BrKh7SwxLYWa9xdXAu4Q4gnumYLKw8AxGTIoCQVrsaUbXgmHfJXFA/s320/IMG_2598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">22.00 from Buggerlugs Mooring</div><p></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-82065975259709848852022-07-07T21:47:00.001+01:002022-07-07T21:47:21.070+01:00<p> </p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Hi
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">After a night of ups
and downs the wind became quite blustery around 2.30 am we are moored
on floating pontoons they rise and fall on stanchions with the tide
the one nearest our boat was squeeking like a gang of Banshees so I
had to rise from my slumber get a tin of grease a long stick and
grease the stanchion, the water in the dock is a lot deeper than the
canal so the flat bottom Narrow boat tends to roll more even though
it was now quiet it was still rough
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> Liverpool is one of
the most vibrant interesting cities in the North. That may sound
strange coming from a true Mancunian however I tell things as they
are when Noreen and I stay in a City, Town, village we normally walk
everywhere read all the cenotaphs as you get a lot of information
from them. BUT today we took to the bus (we have oap passes ) as we
were crossing the water to New Brighton which is a Historically
fascinating place, especially areas like magazine place and
Magazine Road I could write a journal on riding Ariva buses.</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Though today's we had
a nice safe ride. I remember in the late 50s my dad taking me on the
ferry to New Brighton to go sea fishing we were on holiday in Talacre
North Wales so we must have come by train in them days that must have
been a big day out
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Now New Brighton is a
little run down but it still retains is sea side outlook luckily the
tide was out and the beaches looked pristine with not a sole in sight
absolutely beautiful The 2mile walk along the promenade from New
Brighton to Seacombe (where we were to get a bus back to Liverpool)
is a stress emptying walk as I said pristine beaches and wonderful
interesting buildings all with a great history. On reaching Seacombe
we discover that there is no bus to Liverpool only to Birkenhead
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">where we can get a bust
to Liverpool unfortunately this bus was Ariva I think all Ariva
drivers are trained on a race track and have lead in their boots
especially the breaking foot we sat at the back and 20 mins of hard
driving makes me quite aggressive Noreen had to remind of the
penalty for GBH so I walk off the bus quietly. The bus ride back to
Liverpool was quiet but just as fast we sat at the front on the top
which I found accentuates speed you would not believe I use to race
motor bikes. However other than crazy, blind, lead footed bus drivers
we had another interesting day out
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Tomorrow who knows Stay
Safe
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">God Bless
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6rpB2k1ncFGpY2Lzd8lVLvBH_SD9_dRF0WhLQM2Ixq3OzzT9Gye9874BpxlO36Tqed9ouhf36rp4-KYNb_mQpTJl5z28eBrWVx1EkANrp2VahhpDYClJq4m7HjC56jHNxuYaP3bN9bjXI6itqQ8MvLFDw9nDs5ccb9cSDks5KUhXf5GHVWM57gtjXg/s4032/IMG_2591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6rpB2k1ncFGpY2Lzd8lVLvBH_SD9_dRF0WhLQM2Ixq3OzzT9Gye9874BpxlO36Tqed9ouhf36rp4-KYNb_mQpTJl5z28eBrWVx1EkANrp2VahhpDYClJq4m7HjC56jHNxuYaP3bN9bjXI6itqQ8MvLFDw9nDs5ccb9cSDks5KUhXf5GHVWM57gtjXg/s320/IMG_2591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful clean beaches </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52-ssdrnjzjmErLg4fFnNKJepmm0EtaBP7PpnG8d8VMi0stifSsKm5qeH_MH9I4v_3SEMpFo3yigF2kZHuYB7SdTZh2LOb5tYfP2sisg_3kq2jRVRYhS397U1pYIu1cDjySak2iXevG4ipAK4byjJJxw6yDtYsDfVizri9-NgalEA5gbOdNyx0ImMkg/s4032/IMG_2594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52-ssdrnjzjmErLg4fFnNKJepmm0EtaBP7PpnG8d8VMi0stifSsKm5qeH_MH9I4v_3SEMpFo3yigF2kZHuYB7SdTZh2LOb5tYfP2sisg_3kq2jRVRYhS397U1pYIu1cDjySak2iXevG4ipAK4byjJJxw6yDtYsDfVizri9-NgalEA5gbOdNyx0ImMkg/s320/IMG_2594.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Encountering the tunnel top of the bus </div><br /><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-40884302640541480672022-07-04T21:11:00.003+01:002022-07-04T21:11:50.160+01:00<p> Hi Everyone </p><p><br /></p><p><span> <span> Well we made it into Liverpool. The last leg from Litherland is now part of our tradition its a no rush day so we start with a full English in Tesco move out about ten then its a cautious cruise through Bootle though these days the kids are board with throwing stones at passing boats The last leg is normally the easiest unless you have hail and a 25mph Blowing and swirling wind then it becomes "uncomfortable BUT thats boating and we were along for the ride. its only a 2 hour sail from Litherland to Stanley lock This lock connects the canal to Liverpool docks system. Here you meet the volunteers who take you down the first flight and then on you are on your own to Salthouse Dock. As we have done this trip a few times before and know most of the work force and volunteers its like a little reunion. They all warned us of the problems with the wind and the fact that they almost lost a wide beam coming out this morning so I had be extremely careful. another boat was going down with us called Leo a 54ft Narrow, as they had never done the run before so it suggested that I lead ( not my suggestion ) everything was going well through the first stage though by the time we hit Princess Dock the wind had really kicked up. the big problem is when you cross the open water through Albert Dock and the Salthouse this is only awkward because you have couple of hundred people watching your every move However we gave the Gongoozlers (look that word up) something to remember as we crabbed our boats across two locks and one bridge GREAT FUN and people ask why do I go boating its boring ? anyway we are here now moored up 5 mins from Liverpool One and settled in for the week</span></span></p><p><span><span>They dont show you days like today on the TV canal Programmes </span></span></p><p>God Bless </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddQz9SFBeS9XWiDYD4hx55zIIicAKi7zge4pVJoQ1eM5tKTfjQ8RHySoSiDa1oNQkAF_ScwXHPjlXTD0-vhGIe3UUiQDsj8Yh7B5TF-kCOwjxwXtJTwmSHhFG5N-cry2URabJL4Cx6Uf5hQl1ImmlCdglUK4c3xBi2hg0WnKGjwYox4oZe1Nwckqs4A/s4032/IMG_2588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddQz9SFBeS9XWiDYD4hx55zIIicAKi7zge4pVJoQ1eM5tKTfjQ8RHySoSiDa1oNQkAF_ScwXHPjlXTD0-vhGIe3UUiQDsj8Yh7B5TF-kCOwjxwXtJTwmSHhFG5N-cry2URabJL4Cx6Uf5hQl1ImmlCdglUK4c3xBi2hg0WnKGjwYox4oZe1Nwckqs4A/s320/IMG_2588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Safely moored in Salthouse Dock</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrebWmagRteP1a7GYZ8W_roFWF-9oXGfkcVLxMcEcl-35UxL1RoezigUKqKAapCVrMoALW1d9bkOJ7idTMijvEgDyK7SfgpccI2csxD9ZOH60g3VVZVom0PvhieGgDxhucEQCQzbOHlCuPylXjtN6CIyfK2YYPxMZpe7UNpX5ovs7e5sRi91r9LtJg/s4032/IMG_2583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrebWmagRteP1a7GYZ8W_roFWF-9oXGfkcVLxMcEcl-35UxL1RoezigUKqKAapCVrMoALW1d9bkOJ7idTMijvEgDyK7SfgpccI2csxD9ZOH60g3VVZVom0PvhieGgDxhucEQCQzbOHlCuPylXjtN6CIyfK2YYPxMZpe7UNpX5ovs7e5sRi91r9LtJg/s320/IMG_2583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Top Stanley lock looking towards The Tobaco Warehouse </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Biggest brick build building in the world </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6m0uMqF6EFRrrByMUnr2Q1S_FQg_9S3aKjrXV5ykkBSsT6cgCBpxXt5ORGXYN73URRDkg30x3oLqwJu3JF4oW5sf5Zyru1cRTRKcXljvv2PWODm2RElEpytqF4dfuIcIOjPGQ2JUPH74TAL_64jOwZPEKmrDRJXL-itk0JtpS50152Zgs3pvTWq6Hg/s4032/IMG_2582%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6m0uMqF6EFRrrByMUnr2Q1S_FQg_9S3aKjrXV5ykkBSsT6cgCBpxXt5ORGXYN73URRDkg30x3oLqwJu3JF4oW5sf5Zyru1cRTRKcXljvv2PWODm2RElEpytqF4dfuIcIOjPGQ2JUPH74TAL_64jOwZPEKmrDRJXL-itk0JtpS50152Zgs3pvTWq6Hg/s320/IMG_2582%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Litherland mooring </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No matter how humble its still home </div><br /><p></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-90898466823197823692022-07-02T20:55:00.001+01:002022-07-02T20:55:14.332+01:00<p> Hi</p><p>Very quiet day today, as It rained very heavy all night so as you can imagine the state of the tow path this morning is very damp still we were sailing not walking to our next location whitch was Tesco in Litherland its only about 2 and a half hours away however these mooring at Tescos are the last safe moorings before you get into the so from here there is no stopping before you reach Stanley top lock thats takes you onto the Liverpool link through t bandit country of Bootle, These moorings are gated and you are on the opposite bank to the tow path the only problem I could see was the amount of boats you can squeeze in which on average is 7 and you have to get there early as all the boats going into Liverpool and all those coming out use it as a safe mooring We were lucky and got the last proper mooring now we have boats buttied up (along side Each other0 But it makes for a cosy evening. From Aintree to Litherland you would be amazed just how much green space there is Liverpool / Sefton council have done a good job of retaining and keeping clean green spaces .</p><p>So we are booked in to go down into Liverpool on Monday Tomorrow we will fill Buggerlugs with another weeks rations and gin. Priorities you must get your Priorities right </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5U5lM0SUgA9vIA1qXw2lGnq_zzbTkJY-1teUpAyOrm5FQE29hseOby9KWnNZu7F0yWFqcbKVymV2kf5ezwBWmYxzMNUVC2OIa8dY9l4SIPN9zqz9aXUF2LxGSReSUgGEa9S04QkqHqSFORKO10HezeeZd2McKTLlxCUYDpPD-P33QuS69MvRTdUz9g/s1562/IMG_2571%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1562" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5U5lM0SUgA9vIA1qXw2lGnq_zzbTkJY-1teUpAyOrm5FQE29hseOby9KWnNZu7F0yWFqcbKVymV2kf5ezwBWmYxzMNUVC2OIa8dY9l4SIPN9zqz9aXUF2LxGSReSUgGEa9S04QkqHqSFORKO10HezeeZd2McKTLlxCUYDpPD-P33QuS69MvRTdUz9g/s320/IMG_2571%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caught this Heron having a little sleep </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCeFtbyTJPEdv69tKIGx_mn2TEnf7HHCWugQBloZjG-J9Y9nGwXtJfRsLQixYfiITyJm-MP6wUuGRWjrH3-H3aH-UwTLtGQ8ndCuBFDp-1W4MO2GGfqaSFgmE2MZntcNufkUYlOAEbdL-MJep1_AP3b2h_wY6SYW-PVHVfUQlCoLcAJK3Q9COErQ-Iw/s4032/IMG_2566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCeFtbyTJPEdv69tKIGx_mn2TEnf7HHCWugQBloZjG-J9Y9nGwXtJfRsLQixYfiITyJm-MP6wUuGRWjrH3-H3aH-UwTLtGQ8ndCuBFDp-1W4MO2GGfqaSFgmE2MZntcNufkUYlOAEbdL-MJep1_AP3b2h_wY6SYW-PVHVfUQlCoLcAJK3Q9COErQ-Iw/s320/IMG_2566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of Noreens swing Bridges its only a small one </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">she likes the little ones they dont have crazy drivers </div><br /><p><br /></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-51564480793544793812022-07-01T16:19:00.000+01:002022-07-01T16:19:38.952+01:00<p> Good Afternoon </p><p>Strange day today and one of the hardest as we had to go through Magul which entails 8 swing bridges Now Noreen refuses to take the boat through a swing bridge or into a lock everything else she can and will do very well, So this means Noreen opens the swing bridges and locks I must state here so all the feminists don't come hunting for blood. it is Noreens choice..The day started well with a late start 08.55 a very leisurely cruise ahead clear blue sky and a light breeze. The first lock was over and done with in less that 6 min second swing bridge in sight Noreen had started the bridge operation I saw two cars jump the flashing lights and the siren but the third didn't make as the barriers came down in front and behind Now here comes the dilemma are you a Noreen type Christian or a Alan type who believes the for every action there is a reaction , luckily for this driver she got the Noreen type who stopped the operation reversed it and re-opened the bridge and let her and her off and not a thankyou to be seen. Now the Alan type would have carried on with the operation and had the car hanging over the water whilst I took the Buggerlugs through only inches from the car Bonnet. that driver will NOW go away knowing that she can try that again The Alan way would have her drive miles to avoid canal swing bridges "For every action there is a reaction " But the amazing thing is when Noreen re-opened the bridge two other cars did the same by jumping the lights. all I can say is Magul is a satellite of Liverpool and maybe I'm a not a good Christian ?? just a practical one </p><p>The rest of the journey was quite uneventful I found a old friend from years ago we were sailing in opposite directions so only really had time to swap emails and promise to contact. </p><p>We were moored up by 12.15 after doing the usual checks around the boat I thought I could smell diesel, After searching I eventually found a possible leak ob the filter anyway I think I have stopped it we will know tomorrow when we stop again </p><p>We are now moored in a nice little spot very quiet we have tv and internet I say that because we do not always get both. We are opposite a stud as we are only a couple of miles away from Aintree there are some beautiful horses in the paddocks with a wonderful aroma it is what I describe as a powerful country fragrance thankfully its quite breezy and the aroma is only spasmodic and not offensive I wonder is Posh horse S--- is different to Poor horse sh-- </p><p>God Bless </p><p>Stay Safe </p><p>Sorry no pics today I am angry with myself not to get one of the stranded car </p><p>BUGGERLUGS </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-75730069494539102402022-06-30T17:00:00.000+01:002022-06-30T17:00:43.268+01:00<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Buggerlugs First day out </span></p><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Hi
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Have you ever had one
of those days you thought you should have stayed in bed?
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Everything was planned
even a start and finish time had been agreed, as we went though the
first 7 locks with another boat off the Marina though he was only
going as far as Scarisbrick
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">First mistake was
forgetting two boat hooks we will collect on the way back, The pump
out did not go according to plan as the pump was very temperamental
and refused to pump but after some a little persuasion with a
Manchester screw Driver (Big Hammer) I got it working BUT at 10.10
we pulled out of the Marina only 10mins behind time, and as we were
doing it together it was a very easy trip ok it rained a little but
hey my skin is water proof
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It was great to be
moving again the sun came out the boat was running smooth and all was
well with the world, For a first day I am very pleased We have
covered some ground and deserve a celebration so I have pulled in at
the Saracens Head and we will spend the night in there swapping boat
stories with other boaters together with a few Gins and dinner Not a
bad life ???</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">even though it rained a
little tomorrow I must put some sun cream on I am burnt to a crisp
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">its now only 16.30 and
time to get ready for a night out (we always dress for dinner ) Sorry
to say no one fell in and no major incidents in fact quite boring BUT
a lovely day
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">A few pics for your
album
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">God Bless Stay Safe
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Buggerlugs</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3pv02NYlcKtdfeH-UqFv3tUb3g7YUkrDa5AqgdB05TLr8_6t2fS_m0XfhJdxOLQhkEnGeFOwwvXOD4b-IW8nrHoDMZjzLuGIAccT1QEYCCNnCabrm-9kf99qbZDSXIgk7aQAmvi2SJdknXtIROJQ5Tbr7NCCQpZxdZhbCTZmd55shX6Bl422ETHisw/s4032/IMG_2556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3pv02NYlcKtdfeH-UqFv3tUb3g7YUkrDa5AqgdB05TLr8_6t2fS_m0XfhJdxOLQhkEnGeFOwwvXOD4b-IW8nrHoDMZjzLuGIAccT1QEYCCNnCabrm-9kf99qbZDSXIgk7aQAmvi2SJdknXtIROJQ5Tbr7NCCQpZxdZhbCTZmd55shX6Bl422ETHisw/s320/IMG_2556.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this is our overnight stop the sculpture depicts the Digging of the first sod of the Leeds and liverpool Canal Though there is another plaque 3 miles further up the canal in a village called Halsal that says it was there? Who cares at least it is celebrated and homage paid to the thousands of Navvies <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvCM53czFevoNqXLOsbcAK8FlM7hF-ndC394c93EF9PQrIwBq0OY3_i22huAidgufjcVKpnuucQ_2Kq7RLQf_nMiFvuLPaBQax_DifIhfYvBL2mHnHVF69jg5Nujy8DdB3GGXqBIcQavoTL2oLJAFH1NqMizKf-hSJqZa6X4ORdxTWp_GGHi5_WtjaQ/s4032/IMG_2554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvCM53czFevoNqXLOsbcAK8FlM7hF-ndC394c93EF9PQrIwBq0OY3_i22huAidgufjcVKpnuucQ_2Kq7RLQf_nMiFvuLPaBQax_DifIhfYvBL2mHnHVF69jg5Nujy8DdB3GGXqBIcQavoTL2oLJAFH1NqMizKf-hSJqZa6X4ORdxTWp_GGHi5_WtjaQ/s320/IMG_2554.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving Rufford Behind looking towards Parbold hill</div></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIRJIOOY2QmaI26MZy8C79hA215apEJhtJAfFAAvo-5g2em-Z2hOUYPO-8WgLRTtNVCK5w4tw8GTW_Z3CY0O0bIsauWUap3oqacb2om_js2p49308TqLBHxzV6yg1D7s7NOizW1j3_MeJUTLVha0pmoTluisr8_g0cdYw176_AydyHc6VEiKn0IDCNQ/s4032/IMG_2555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIRJIOOY2QmaI26MZy8C79hA215apEJhtJAfFAAvo-5g2em-Z2hOUYPO-8WgLRTtNVCK5w4tw8GTW_Z3CY0O0bIsauWUap3oqacb2om_js2p49308TqLBHxzV6yg1D7s7NOizW1j3_MeJUTLVha0pmoTluisr8_g0cdYw176_AydyHc6VEiKn0IDCNQ/s320/IMG_2555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Everyone comes out to see Buggerlugs pass by </div><br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-20885009431161989292022-01-16T18:03:00.002+00:002022-01-16T18:08:31.858+00:00Off we go clear Water Ahead <p> Hi</p><p>Well thats Christmas and new year behind us and I can now concentrate on boating I have been painting all the panels for a Boat mans cabin 14 in all thats now finished I am busy collecting jobs for the summer I have a milk churn to paint but other than that I will have to drum up some customers. </p><p>We have been working on where we should go for our cruise this cruise but as we have been on every canal and navigable river on the system its difficult. We have decided that Birmingham sound good we can get to see the Commonwealth Games I had thought of doing the Trent south to north thats always a good run or just go and laze about on the Weaver thats very relaxing OR we could do the lot we have the from April until Sept If we do the Weaver we are near the grand kids as a day out but we would leave that for the school hols. Lets hope that Covid has calmed down though cruising on the boat you see a lot of people but dont come into<i> contact </i> with them </p><p>Now that the days are getting longer people are busy so I will start writing a weekly Blog </p><p>God Bless Stay Safe</p><br /><p></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-33067685309657188922021-12-30T17:04:00.003+00:002021-12-30T17:07:38.315+00:00Out with the Old in with the New <p> Happy Christmas to all </p><p>We are now in that awful intrim period between Christmas and New Year everyone is a bit lethargic eaten to much Drank to much and generally knackered </p><p>We had a good one it started with a few boaters round to sing Christmas Carols (corvid safe everyone had their booster it was out doors. We sing along with Radio Lancashire they do it every year its on the radio in the evening for an hour the radio provides the commentary and the music we provide mulled Wine and mince pies very pleasant evening. with all the boats decorated and the lights sparkling on the water very nice. We only has one minor set back our eldest grandson came for Christmas lunch But when his parents got him home he tested Poss so we all had to start the rigmerole of testing Noreen and I have now had three days of Neg so tomorrow we are having all the little grandchildren which will be wonderful occasion. </p><p>These days I am not a fan of New Year Im no hum bug its just not the same anymore, at mid night we all sound our horns and drink a toast with our neighbours but that will be the limit of our excitement. We are hoping that the good Lord will let 2022 be a easier on the NHS and this wonderful country we call home and not us us share any more of it </p><p>I have a good year on paintings and crafts with the lock downs I have been able to get loads of work done I have done all the painting for a Boatmans cabin 17 in total I think though I still have to do exterior door panels that was a really big project. I also managed to get some old Scots Pine Cones these had never opened and died on the tree as the tree died amazing items I made them into Hedgehogs for Christmas </p><p>Looking back on 2021 it wasnt that bad we managed a cruise though a short one all our immediate family have survived Covid, Though we have said good -by to quite a few of our dear friends However in retrospect I have had years where I had lost more good friends and under more tragic circumstances, So Im sitting back and counting the positives of 2021. Those who WANT to take something positive out of 2021 can look at the way the majority of the population have become more Tolerant, Socially aware, understanding and fame and fortune will not protect you from the Reaper knocking on your door so is the pressure of getting it worth the trouble ?</p><p>Enough! now I an going to start planning next year i know that as soon as I get a plan the whole thing will change but hey at least I will have one to alter Also I will have something to look forward to and if we do have to change the plan we will start to look forward to plan B or C or D what ever it is it will be new horizons for us all </p><p>Be Good Be safe keep smiling take the blessing as they come with good grace and the tragedies as the fall with the same good grace </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7Nf6OYKl-uWRimuIfp-QzIJk_5-cAu6CdWeM3nPQ6Af6NTw95rul3xlr6cFgmvwbiuS3p2CNhbu4HYn-66XlYmlK2Kt9e42eJ0ACG_lzckLc4S1DFqgXfHI2zgnAV4C5k33AHpkVzu2jaxe-E6aQGJTsQdDUWFtYNEFp3RgzUGozE5oa10wUbdbBybg=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7Nf6OYKl-uWRimuIfp-QzIJk_5-cAu6CdWeM3nPQ6Af6NTw95rul3xlr6cFgmvwbiuS3p2CNhbu4HYn-66XlYmlK2Kt9e42eJ0ACG_lzckLc4S1DFqgXfHI2zgnAV4C5k33AHpkVzu2jaxe-E6aQGJTsQdDUWFtYNEFp3RgzUGozE5oa10wUbdbBybg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just a few of the boat mans cabin</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEZmQm1e5SfnRmBi0BVPoEPZUw4ZWHF-EzkzcRz7wgaThSpt01lafm_XrmM2CCHUNBq4bfwdoCr7uJMTAWm-sj8qyERLg_Mtq_t5OMiqp4T1F0erBqldzmnDTRe4kIk9DG51EPOqQMWGtlL49RtEgzsG-5uQVfY6QSsBPJhM6mquMdWyr6Bk07L_nAJA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEZmQm1e5SfnRmBi0BVPoEPZUw4ZWHF-EzkzcRz7wgaThSpt01lafm_XrmM2CCHUNBq4bfwdoCr7uJMTAWm-sj8qyERLg_Mtq_t5OMiqp4T1F0erBqldzmnDTRe4kIk9DG51EPOqQMWGtlL49RtEgzsG-5uQVfY6QSsBPJhM6mquMdWyr6Bk07L_nAJA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I managed to make 120 of these sorry all gone </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMLbhWoxoQQoq2i0IqutGBP3U6yJUcVAUbO1bqVfn5FdZeVoPQxT32UND6MSlQTM888WnnXb8MQ8L8XtTQ1nBFAvUSBnFpEhmmLDas76rutqIIuQ44d303lrYrQJUtCOmcOsGYQjn5L1psXu09bgRHCk-oI_ohh83VFNwKfluvY_Li9qa6BGsmc-YLCA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMLbhWoxoQQoq2i0IqutGBP3U6yJUcVAUbO1bqVfn5FdZeVoPQxT32UND6MSlQTM888WnnXb8MQ8L8XtTQ1nBFAvUSBnFpEhmmLDas76rutqIIuQ44d303lrYrQJUtCOmcOsGYQjn5L1psXu09bgRHCk-oI_ohh83VFNwKfluvY_Li9qa6BGsmc-YLCA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Multi occupancy bird nester all room are separate </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No on suit </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPIOSxHcgVb9Yffhrc8eTpzD_VyxijmiOrzq7gnkHuYIZEEb-1M0VFiPrADAe02Pl4YmyWYZhFNxwaAYqODt2Lk8Y8X7tiMTOCcf3JMUlO8s5n1A5-YlARqOTLvPhP_cyWIKYHo-MYfgPKgU3hm76bz79cMGqun2xoEMFhmhu4O90-3uLAzroD2yQIsQ=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPIOSxHcgVb9Yffhrc8eTpzD_VyxijmiOrzq7gnkHuYIZEEb-1M0VFiPrADAe02Pl4YmyWYZhFNxwaAYqODt2Lk8Y8X7tiMTOCcf3JMUlO8s5n1A5-YlARqOTLvPhP_cyWIKYHo-MYfgPKgU3hm76bz79cMGqun2xoEMFhmhu4O90-3uLAzroD2yQIsQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It now looks very bright </div><br /><p><br /></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-80326029524226462422021-09-23T20:39:00.000+01:002021-09-23T20:39:15.538+01:00<p> Hi Everyone </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Lets face it Winters on its way , everyday here more geese are flying off to their winter roosts the tree's are changing colour and shredding their foliage, nights are closing in And we are having a jetty /mooring make over. the original mooring was just about done for. Whilst we were away Barry our next door</span><span style="font-size: large;"> neighbour actually fell through his,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> it made a right mess of his leg. Anyway ours is now well underway and looking very smart. We have had to vacate the mooring whilst the makeover was in progress only 20 yards away but it does feel odd, its like living in your neighbours house watching people work on yours, very strange. All being well I will put Buggerlugs back in her rightful place tomorrow and then I have the awful task of sorting out the jetty and tidying up I think it will take a few trips to the tip because not only have we had the jetty revamped we have made the mooring bigger (by magic ) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On the whole everything is looking good and we are still enjoying the life style, we are lucky we can ignore all the miserable buggers that constantly moan about the cost of boating and the hard work looking after a boat I tell them its simple if you are not happy SOD OFF and go back on land and take your miserable attitude with you. People don't expect that reply and apparently I have upset some people? But I stand by it if your not happy move you cannot go through life being miserable its to short.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As the Covid restrictions are still relaxed Buggerlugs is open for visits afternoon tea is a specialty and the fishing is good </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">God Bless Stay safe </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tuet8Pf3S_c/YUzXBIhonBI/AAAAAAAAD00/KQGxDSblgPggJSLdT3fEg0zcYQkthFDIACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tuet8Pf3S_c/YUzXBIhonBI/AAAAAAAAD00/KQGxDSblgPggJSLdT3fEg0zcYQkthFDIACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1923.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New decking down. Its a reformed material strong and non slip it makes the Jetty look bigger ??</div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-65457093175739960952021-09-22T21:28:00.000+01:002021-09-22T21:28:04.335+01:00<p> </p><div class="post-outer" style="border: 0px; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0.25em; position: relative;"><div class="post" style="margin-top: 0px;"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="float: left; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; max-width: calc(100% - 48px);"><span style="font-size: medium;">Buggerlugs is now HMS BUGGERLUGS</span></h3><div class="post-share-buttons post-share-buttons-top" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="byline post-share-buttons goog-inline-block" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; width: 24px;"><div aria-owns="sharing-popup-Blog1-byline-3025211270763292682" class="sharing" data-title="Buggerlugs is now HMS BUGGERLUGS " style="float: right;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><button aria-controls="sharing-popup-Blog1-byline-3025211270763292682" aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Share" class="sharing-button touch-icon-button" id="sharing-button-Blog1-byline-3025211270763292682" role="button" style="appearance: button; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;"><div class="flat-icon-button ripple" style="background: 0px 0px; border-radius: 50%; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; line-height: 0; margin: -12px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px; position: relative;"><svg class="svg-icon-24"><use xlink:href="/responsive/sprite_v1_6.css.svg#ic_share_black_24dp" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"></use></svg></div></button><div class="share-buttons-container"></div></span></div></div></div><div class="post-header" style="clear: left; margin: 0px; width: inherit;"><div class="post-header-line-1"><span class="byline post-timestamp" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; vertical-align: top;"><a class="timestamp-link" href="https://alafloat.blogspot.com/2021/07/buggerlugs-is-now-hms-buggerlugs.html" rel="bookmark" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;" title="permanent link"><span style="font-size: medium;">July 22, 2021</span></a></span></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content float-container" id="post-body-3025211270763292682" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 1.5em 0px 2em;"><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> We cracked it, on what was Im sure the hottest day of the year. It started out ok I suppose we had to go down the first two locks which under normal circumstances would have been a simple 10 / 15 mins But as the centre had just opened and was full of Gongooslers the lock keeper shouts "There is a boat going down the locks we will give a talk on what is happening jut follow me ) I said to this leader of men "this is Buggerlugs we dont do everything the proper way we are a bit unconventional, But he just smiled and asked me politely not to ram the gates or sink the boat as there are children watching. everything was going well Noreen was doing her bit getting the kids to work the gates until the last lock I was given the all clear to leave the lock I tried twice but she wouldnt budge I shouted but nobody was listening as the lecture was just being concluded So I sounded my Claxton, walked along my roof to the sharp end and Yelled " will someone shift that Bloody tree trunk out of my way" this caught everyone attention and after 4/5 mins a plan was adopted by the now very attentive crowd ( They could smell excitement, blood the possibility of a boat sinking the plan was for one to stand on my bow on my bloody highly polished bow in BOOTS! using MY Barge pole ??after a short interlude were I told him how it WAS going to work, He would use my pole from within the cratch his two co-workers would manoeuvre the tree trunk from canal side AND I would direct operations from my captains position within mins, much to the disappointment of the now quite large crowd buggerlugs had extradited herself from the lock. I love a bit of fun !!!!!and I don't mind taking command after all its my boat.</span></p><h2><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">OK once that was over we had 45 mins to wait for the swing bridge to be opened the last lock to be worked then it was off we go. However before you are allowed on the MSC (Manchester Ship Canal) you have to report in to Port control who control all shipping on the MSC.. Now when I spoke to them yesterday he was very happy to let us go as there was nothing in his diary ) arrrr yes buggerlugs I forgot about you hang on 10 mins I have two ships coming past you when the last one passes you get behind her not to close but dont worry they are docking in another mile. So off we go once the two had dock I could see the waterway in front was blocked" by another large vessel and two more tugs just then my phone rings as you are in constant </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">communication</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> with port control I was told to hang off ?? as the two tugs were turning the ship round from where I was it looked like the big ship was eating the two little tugs anyway after 35 min treading water one tug shot passed me with thumbs up so I then shot through the smallest of gaps passed the other tug that was still being eaten by the big ship. OK another message from Port control they were happy for Buggerlugs to continue, Yet after another 40 min I had another phone call all port control it just said "look to your stern" all I said was "oh SHIT " I had a rather large boat wanting to overtake. i asked where the f--- did they come from ? port control replied quickly find a safe </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anchorage</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> to let him pass. I did just that I pulled to the side, but staying in enough water and pointed my bow into the on coming wake otherwise flat bottomed narrow boats could capsize. when we had recovered from that ordeal I was contacted again from port Control saying I had one ship 1.5 miles to my stern and one ship just ahead of me leaving its birth in Runcorn so he requested I give buggerlugs everything she has as my turn off was not that away so for the next 30 mins with Buggerlugs running her little heart out and keeping a close eye out for bandits ahead and to the rear "WE RAN FOR HOME " Im very glad I had done a </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">aerial</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> survey of the Marsh lock and made my own map. for I now knew once I pass the farm buildings and wind turbines on my starboard I am ready to start my turn off the MSC and onto he Weaver and Marsh lock with about 10 mis to spare before the two ships passed I informed Port control that I was now off the main shipping lane. Im not sure who was more relieved me or them they did say it was unusual to have that much traffic on late booking but hey we are all here to tell the tale and what a tale </span></span></h2><div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgzstKE8I2Q/YPnIlSu_j_I/AAAAAAAAAJg/4ghMOvgfri0Z0-JHpnHAErkqxIOVgYh4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; display: inline-block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgzstKE8I2Q/YPnIlSu_j_I/AAAAAAAAAJg/4ghMOvgfri0Z0-JHpnHAErkqxIOVgYh4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1850.JPG" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #757575; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">Just got off the water before this one passed<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHmEgsvJ_WE/YPnKZyIOvII/AAAAAAAAAKY/PPMJgyAFEnMJC5FfzaCurLZsvwuLxSrDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2196f3; display: inline-block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="20" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHmEgsvJ_WE/YPnKZyIOvII/AAAAAAAAAKY/PPMJgyAFEnMJC5FfzaCurLZsvwuLxSrDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w27-h20/IMG_1854.JPG" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" width="27" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agV2INY0750/YPnLNszRbNI/AAAAAAAAALA/EUy5AJylbFcXMFGkVHdThRx7pZqLS5i_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2196f3; display: inline-block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agV2INY0750/YPnLNszRbNI/AAAAAAAAALA/EUy5AJylbFcXMFGkVHdThRx7pZqLS5i_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1861.JPG" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I thought if I dressed like this I could get passed the immigration at Runcorn </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">they are use to seeing people like this I might even get a house </div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGKU0z7SLyQ/YPnKQ5-yjaI/AAAAAAAAAKU/i37V7B8hv1EJMNKgY53MRhaAsChggY2gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1854%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2196f3; display: inline-block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1809" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGKU0z7SLyQ/YPnKQ5-yjaI/AAAAAAAAAKU/i37V7B8hv1EJMNKgY53MRhaAsChggY2gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1854%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The first sight of Marsh lock </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvkQuVELOT4/YPnMOMwnQHI/AAAAAAAAALY/oDNub1VuFiEeQOTaGBMI_l2PXNjScyhvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1835%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2196f3; display: inline-block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvkQuVELOT4/YPnMOMwnQHI/AAAAAAAAALY/oDNub1VuFiEeQOTaGBMI_l2PXNjScyhvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1835%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">the Tugs have just pushed this accross they have left me a small </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">gap so I had to go for it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-on9LkZl8xgo/YPnMOMg72WI/AAAAAAAAALU/VHb8wzfTWT8zNyad0pKDXJxhNFlUHheiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2196f3; display: inline-block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="20" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-on9LkZl8xgo/YPnMOMg72WI/AAAAAAAAALU/VHb8wzfTWT8zNyad0pKDXJxhNFlUHheiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w27-h20/IMG_1835.JPG" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" width="27" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fvub9V4kwyk/YPnMM2rFDaI/AAAAAAAAALQ/kB-FWNHAF78zpIw_mzfeUYrDCfkwPyGAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1842%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2196f3; display: inline-block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fvub9V4kwyk/YPnMM2rFDaI/AAAAAAAAALQ/kB-FWNHAF78zpIw_mzfeUYrDCfkwPyGAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1842%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Being overtaken by this bugger was FUN</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">GOD BLESS EVERYONE </div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5q35I_mRxuk/YPnKbT9J7qI/AAAAAAAAAKc/_Oxxb-O5rkwrmIWmveob2fHKIxu78JRmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2196f3; display: inline-block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="20" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5q35I_mRxuk/YPnKbT9J7qI/AAAAAAAAAKc/_Oxxb-O5rkwrmIWmveob2fHKIxu78JRmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w27-h20/IMG_1852.JPG" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" width="27" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><p style="color: #757575; font-size: 15px;"><br /></p></div><div class="post-bottom" style="-webkit-box-align: center; align-items: center; color: #757575; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; font-size: 15px;"><div class="post-footer float-container" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; -webkit-box-ordinal-group: 2; clear: left; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.54); flex-wrap: wrap; flex: 1 1 auto; margin: 0px; order: 1; width: inherit;"><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1" style="-webkit-box-flex: 0; flex: 0 1 auto;"></div><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-2" style="-webkit-box-flex: 0; flex: 0 1 auto;"></div><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-3" style="-webkit-box-flex: 0; flex: 0 1 auto;"></div></div><div class="post-share-buttons post-share-buttons-bottom" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 16px; position: relative;"><div class="byline post-share-buttons goog-inline-block" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.54); display: inline-block; line-height: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; width: 24px;"><div aria-owns="sharing-popup-Blog1-byline-3025211270763292682" class="sharing" data-title="Buggerlugs is now HMS BUGGERLUGS " style="float: right;"><button aria-controls="sharing-popup-Blog1-byline-3025211270763292682" aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Share" class="sharing-button touch-icon-button" id="sharing-button-Blog1-byline-3025211270763292682" role="button" style="appearance: button; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;"><div class="flat-icon-button ripple" style="background: 0px 0px; border-radius: 50%; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; line-height: 0; margin: -12px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px; position: relative;"><svg class="svg-icon-24"><use xlink:href="/responsive/sprite_v1_6.css.svg#ic_share_black_24dp" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"></use></svg></div></button><div class="share-buttons-container"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><section class="comments threaded" data-embed="true" data-num-comments="3" id="comments" style="border-top: 1px dashed rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.54); color: #757575; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-top: 20px; padding: 20px;"><a name="comments" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2196f3;"></a><h3 class="title" style="border: 0px; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px); font-size: 16px; height: 1px; line-height: 28px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: absolute; width: 1px;">Comments</h3><div class="comments-content"><div id="comment-holder"><div class="comment-thread toplevel-thread"><ol id="top-ra" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><li class="comment" id="c5502069257734699020" style="list-style-type: none; padding: 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><div class="avatar-image-container" style="position: absolute;"><img alt="" src="https://www.blogger.com/img/blogger_logo_round_35.png" style="border-radius: 50%; border: 0px; max-width: 100%;" /></div><div class="comment-block" style="margin-left: 60px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><div class="comment-header"><cite class="user" style="color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/profile/18021045164172373584" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #212121; text-decoration-line: none;">alonthecanal</a></cite><span class="icon user blog-author" style="color: #212121; font-weight: 700;"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="bottom: 0px; color: rgba(33, 33, 33, 0.54); display: inline-block; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin-left: 8px;"><a href="https://alafloat.blogspot.com/2021/07/buggerlugs-is-now-hms-buggerlugs.html?showComment=1627023257684#c5502069257734699020" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: rgba(33, 33, 33, 0.54); text-decoration-line: none;">22 July 2021 at 23:54</a></span></div><p class="comment-content" style="margin-top: 12px; word-break: break-word;">Any feed back is better than non even if if more pics and less chat you know you cant offend me God Bless</p><span class="comment-actions secondary-text" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; bottom: 0px; box-shadow: none; color: #2196f3; cursor: pointer; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; position: absolute; text-transform: uppercase; width: auto;"><a class="comment-reply" data-comment-id="5502069257734699020" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-right: 8px;" target="_self">REPLY</a></span></div><div class="comment-replies" style="margin-left: 60px;"><div class="comment-thread inline-thread" id="c5502069257734699020-rt"><span class="thread-toggle thread-expanded"><span class="thread-arrow"></span></span><ol class="thread-chrome thread-expanded" id="c5502069257734699020-ra" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><li class="comment" id="c6574749146916738967" style="list-style-type: none; padding: 0px 0px 8px; position: relative;"><div class="avatar-image-container" style="position: absolute;"><img alt="" src="https://www.blogger.com/img/blogger_logo_round_35.png" style="border-radius: 50%; border: 0px; max-width: 100%;" /></div><div class="comment-block" style="margin-left: 60px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 20px;"><div class="comment-header"><cite class="user" style="color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/profile/18160496522737929802" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #212121; text-decoration-line: none;">Unknown</a></cite><span class="icon user " style="color: #212121; font-weight: 700;"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="bottom: 0px; color: rgba(33, 33, 33, 0.54); display: inline-block; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin-left: 8px;"><a href="https://alafloat.blogspot.com/2021/07/buggerlugs-is-now-hms-buggerlugs.html?showComment=1629418778996#c6574749146916738967" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: rgba(33, 33, 33, 0.54); text-decoration-line: none;">19 August 2021 at 17:19</a></span></div><p class="comment-content" style="margin-top: 12px; word-break: break-word;">Very exciting journey Al it a wonder you</p></div></li></ol></div></div></li></ol></div></div></div></section>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-44801792843631660742021-09-20T11:17:00.000+01:002021-09-20T11:17:21.673+01:00Settled in again<p> </p><p><br /></p><p>Hi Everyone </p><p>Having been back now for three weeks and listening to the tales of the other boaters who took the opportunity and went out cruising. all seem to have had the same experience with the canals and that is the canals are in a deplorable state, We I say we because the boaters I have spoken to all say the same. the canals are slowly being choked with weed and reeds many places you can not get two boats passed each other the navigation is so narrow and the banks are that overgrown with weeds and bushes it is difficult moor without doing a hour of weed and bush clearing. CRT have closed many service stops so water is in short supply and rubbish is difficult to dispose of. </p><p>Also the Boaters have changed in fact so much so that I have now divided the boating fraternity into to camps and called them Boaters and Floaters.</p><p> Boaters are the old type of boater who live on their boat take great pride in their boat, cruise the waterways and embrace the boating life style of a gentle slow pace of life no pretentiousness willing to share and and give a helping hand </p><p>Floaters buy a boat because they have either seen a tv programme and thought it was trendy thing to do but then find out its not as romantic as these programmes make out also its not easy to do a full time job and cruise so you become a person who just lives on a boat, they also do not understand the restrictions that come with living on a boat. The other type of floater is those who think its going to be cheaper then discover that the initial outlay may be cheaper but the running costs and maintenance are a continuous drain on available funds. of course you do not have to continually maintain your boat ? However cruising the system you notice so many boats moored along the canal that obviously have no services and the boats have never moved in fact some look as if they have been so poorly maintained that they couldn't move if they wanted to. Yes that type of life style would be cheaper but so much harder. These floaters also cannot seem to adapt to the basics of life afloat and adapt to the slower less ostentatious life style they had and are continually in a rush. I know I said they never cruise well the odd times they do cruise they are in a rush they come up behind you and complain you are not moving fast enough or steal your water and never slow down when passing moored boats, my answer is if you are in a hurry get a camper van. No matter how many TV programmes are shown of this idyllic Life style (which in the main it is ) though its not for everyone, But if you want to buy a boat now is the time to do it as the market is flooded with them, mainly due to the over production and those who realised that boating was the wrong choice of getting rid of £100.000+ </p><p>BUT hey we still love the life we have adapted and settled in to it, we are now after 14 years accepted experienced boaters. Noreen can do a set of locks faster than anyone I know and I can spin Buggerlugs around on a sixpence. We have both learnt to be economical with space and as Noreen quite rightly says its less to clean. I believe we are both fitter an healthier due to our life style. What more could you ask of retirement. </p><p>Since arriving back I have been inundated with jobs, I have now a shed full of panels awaiting to be painted with castles and roses and other objects enough work to keep me occupied through the winter.</p><p>Stay safe everyone this Covid isn't over yet its the wolf at the door never trust anything you cant spell? The facts speak for themselves.</p><p>Time now to start preparing for Christmas </p><p>GOD BLESS STAY SAFE .</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuLkY1le3UE/YTHEKpBHR4I/AAAAAAAAD0E/tikyiYNWwOAGn4eCj6mBoOigmeGt1AKSgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1910.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuLkY1le3UE/YTHEKpBHR4I/AAAAAAAAD0E/tikyiYNWwOAGn4eCj6mBoOigmeGt1AKSgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p> Just a few of the panel's I am painting These are all sanded ,varnished,and ready for painting one painting can take two days allowing for the drying between stages BIG JOB </p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-54568178145229001042021-08-06T08:31:00.002+01:002021-08-06T08:31:29.543+01:00Home and Away<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Well another Cruising season completed and we are once again back in Rufford on our home Mooring, Even though this year our travels didn't take us any great distance it still provided us with Adventure the adventure of almost every day waking up in a new location Meeting new people experiencing new Idea's, new Places and if you are sensible everyday becomes a learning day.</span></p><p class="yiv0782969044ydp9291cdd1western" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="yiv0782969044ydp9291cdd1western" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;">You know when you go on holiday and you say like most people do “Great Holiday but its nice to be home “ Well what if you take your home with you. The Association I belong to has a motto “Home is where you Boat is” I have discovered that when you cruise in your Home you boat takes on a new persona it becomes a different object no longer is your Home its now your mode of transport that need looking after maintaining, constantly considering in everything you do Water, Fuel, Oil, Power all these elements become part of your life, as they do when on permanent moorings but here they are in the main “on tap” when cruising you literally have to find them.</p><p class="yiv0782969044ydp9291cdd1western" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Boat becomes part of your journey like any explorer who looks after his equipment without which you would not get very far or have time to enjoy every day of your Journey. My experience with HMF and travelling across the vast expanse of Australia is the same to enjoy the ride you must have faith in your equipment and take care of it be adaptable to change and meet every challenge with a smile and determination Maybe all that adds to the excitement of cruising. That may sound as if its hard work and not a holiday but then you have to consider what is a holiday? That is something only each individual can answer As for me Im not for lying on a beach.</p><p class="yiv0782969044ydp9291cdd1western" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="yiv0782969044ydp9291cdd1western" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;">However thats us done for this year back to Buggerlugs now being transformed into our home Inside and outside look the same except the top boxes full of Spares, Ropes, fenders, engine parts and safety equipment have all now been stowed away in the sheds for next season. We are once again plugged into the electricity supply and no longer have to rely on Batteries, solar panels , and alternators for power. No longer do we have to consider how long we have telle on for or when we can use the washer, Toaster, Micro-wave or any other power guzzling device. But that is part of Cruising if it was easy it would loose its excitement and charm.</p><p class="yiv0782969044ydp9291cdd1western" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="yiv0782969044ydp9291cdd1western" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;">When we arrived back yesterday we had 4 hours hacking our way through a jungle of a garden we had Lilly stems 5 ft tall they must have given a wonderful display, this year everything seems to have gone mad with growth I think today will be spent just tidying and putting away I hate untidiness I am possibly on the spectrum for that?</p><p class="yiv0782969044ydp9291cdd1western" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="yiv0782969044ydp9291cdd1western" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;">All the same its nice to be Home </p><p class="yiv0782969044ydp9291cdd1western" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Even better now as we can share our home and accept visitors </p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-39087652662802955982021-06-19T09:08:00.000+01:002021-06-19T09:08:15.663+01:00Boating for real Boaters <p> This is now going to be my new Blog just for boaters Please no floaters it is purely for people who use their boat for boating not just living on I have no idea why people buy a boat and only sit in a marina or even worse on a linear mooring on the side of the canal blocking Bridge Holes. Winding Holes, Lock moorings and Swing Bridges they are a blood menace and CRT ARE DOING NOTHING ABOUT THEM </p><p>Now Im not against people using their boat as a weekend retreat of a floating home lets face they are paying the same as boaters and keeping the cost our licence fees down I only wish they would not call themselves Boaters, tell me Im doing it wrong, moor up for two years in ridiculous places, and worst of all write boating Blogs. </p><p>Today I passed Black Prince hire boats on the T&M Which is like a slalom course. right after that there is a private Moorings sign, so permission must have been granted by CRT the Bridge has one boat 30ft away from the entrance and one boat 30ft from the exit after negotiating that there are 18 moored boats as there is weeds growing around the mooring pins I take it they have been there for years and not doing any real harm to anyone except now with the cut back in CRT maintenance reeds have taken over a good 1/3 of the canal, moored boats taking a third leaving a third for passing traffic. I wonder when the licences for private mooring was granted did anyone from CRT actually go and LOOK at the site or just grated the licence after consulting a map after all its just money to them.</p><p>However its not all complaints I traveled from Leigh to Preston Brook on the Bridgwater and you could moor where ever you wanted (as long as it was safe to do so ) Tow path banks were clear of weeds, and large vegetation Obviously the Voles on the Bridgewater live on the opposite bank unlike the Voles on the CRT canals they all seem to live on the towpath side </p><p>YOU have got a the general idea of the site and that I am not CRT favourite Boater </p><p> </p>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-64817018678198134402019-08-17T16:12:00.000+01:002019-08-17T16:12:40.712+01:00Down on the River Weaver<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi<br />
With the help of friends we set off last Sunday after Mass Now we have a fair idea of what we are doing on Boats it only took us three days to get down to the Weaver I know it can be done quicker but we are getting old and need our beauty sleep.Th =is was only ever meant to be a quick 2 weeks to give Buggerlugs a run and to keep us in mind of what British boating is about after 10 weeks in Australia I want to know if I could remember what to do???<br />
<br />
Well we made
it down onto the Weaver something went astray at the bottom of the
lift so we were kept waiting almost and hour and half that meant by
the time we got down most of the very limited moorings were gone But
with a bit of juggling we got in on the far end end of the Northwich
wall. We then spent 48 hrs. sheltering from what ever God wanted to
through at us: thunder, hail gales rain in torrents it just kept
coming. By the time this morning came around we were almost out of
water. I decided to do an early move to the water station. What I did
not fore see was that that the rain over the mast 48 hours had now
descended down from the Derbyshire hills along the Cheshire planes
using the River Dane as a culvert which pours into the River Weaver
20 yards from where we were moored So to get to the water station you
have to cross this deluge of water now running at about 20kph and
Moor up on a brick wall. Well to say it was difficult would be and
understatement I know all you boaters are saying that I should have
gone up stream turn around and approached heading into the water
flow. Yes I know the procedure but I considered the facts and turning
a 60ft boat around in a 20kmp river did not appear to be the best
option so I managed to get along side jumped with the rope and lashed
it over a bollard GREAT FUN RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE AT 08.00 ON A
SATURDAY MORNING We are again nicely moored up on a floating jetty
very cosy Sun shining but the river I think is even faster than this
morning. So fast I cant go fishing I have not got a big enough Ledger
to get the bait down its that fast. thats it now nothing at all to do
(thats why Im writing to you lot<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Take care GB
</div>
BUGGERLUGS<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-39475699472051633842019-07-13T07:12:00.000+01:002019-07-13T07:12:30.224+01:00its still raining <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well we are back in the metropolitan borough of Runaway bay Having now given it nearly two weeks to stop raining, Bit of a tall tale it hasnt rained all the time but even when it wasn't it was blowing a gale. we made the best of it and headed inland where it was supposed to be better I asked better than what?? these days of enforced laziness has helped me hone my Australian diving techniques I hate automatics and basically thats all they have here anyway the thing to do is drive as though you are in London or like an Audi driver that way you blend in with all the other learner drivers (because I am positive that 80% of the drivers here haven't passed their test the other confusing issue is that they love painting white lines at junctions which I am also sure nobody quite understands what they are for.. So with my driving skills now vastly improved we decided to head up north where we were informed that weather would be better we decided on a place called Birtinya just south of Noosa which is like our Blackpool actually its rather a beautiful sea side resort that has everything for a family holiday and as we decided to go in the middle of school holidays need I say any more. it would appear that the whole of the east coast of Australia take this holiday north to get them ready to face the riggers of the winter?? from Melbourne to Sydney they all come up here.<br />
We have an apartment here for the week and just traveling about being a tourist. We came here quite a few years ago drove from Brisbane to Cairns that was a long drive about three days if I remember so we seem to remember certain places but it has really changed its very much the big tourist attraction type of resort but very nice, they know how to look after the tourists in Australia.<br />
Heading back down the Bruce Highway tomorrow back to Runaway bay the gales have gone so we may get some fishing in. On our way back south on the Bruce Highway are the "Glass Mountains" I have driven past them twice now and never actually been there so Tomorrow we have a 10am checkout that means we have time for a visit , in fact I will save publishing this until I have some pics.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Glass House Mountains</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> are a group of thirteen hills that rise abruptly from the coastal plain on </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Coast,_Queensland" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Sunshine Coast, Queensland">the Sunshine Coast</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. The highest hill is </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Beerwah" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Mount Beerwah">Mount Beerwah</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> at 556 metres above sea level, but the most identifiable of all the hills is </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tibrogargan" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Mount Tibrogargan">Mount Tibrogargan</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> which from certain angles bears a resemblance to a face staring east towards the ocean.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> The Volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains rise dramatically from the surrounding Sunshine Coast landscape. They were formed by intrusive plugs, remnants of volcanic activity that occurred 26-27 million years ago</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; white-space: nowrap;">. All I can say now is wow they look impressive from the highway though a good 20k away but </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; white-space: nowrap;">when you actually get there its just wow.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; white-space: nowrap;">Thats it really two weeks left here and in that time I have to catch that illusive big fish go Whale watching </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">Visit </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">Tambourine Mountain and Spingbrook falls have two birthdays mine and my sister-in -laws and pack </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">Easy for experienced travelers I wonder what I will forget</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">God Bless </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhVP0I3WjP4/XSlzPJdY7QI/AAAAAAAADh0/O4X5h2z5OuwCRYGhMjkPqghTbvJs--CAQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhVP0I3WjP4/XSlzPJdY7QI/AAAAAAAADh0/O4X5h2z5OuwCRYGhMjkPqghTbvJs--CAQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2784.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maloolaba head good fishing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nouTq9a5KU/XSlybDX7yFI/AAAAAAAADhQ/Vqv3TAtr9skyQUFoPqyQgtOdGSxCJ48kwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nouTq9a5KU/XSlybDX7yFI/AAAAAAAADhQ/Vqv3TAtr9skyQUFoPqyQgtOdGSxCJ48kwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Noosa Beach kids are off school</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Dv29CmO-M/XSlyHr7o6nI/AAAAAAAADhA/k6V2ecG4pzEKvMxZbCDs2lxljKZK2RCMQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCF3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Dv29CmO-M/XSlyHr7o6nI/AAAAAAAADhA/k6V2ecG4pzEKvMxZbCDs2lxljKZK2RCMQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCF3766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
from the Glasshouse Mountains</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zab1lyNOk1g/XSlyQY6UfHI/AAAAAAAADhI/EJpsc-gI-xwlwf_OobDmQneMFl4EAZxsQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2789%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zab1lyNOk1g/XSlyQY6UfHI/AAAAAAAADhI/EJpsc-gI-xwlwf_OobDmQneMFl4EAZxsQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2789%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8 years ago I took the same photo in the same place (weird)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They say locals rarely see them as they are very shy </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjyBuKIghHY/XSlyyXX2A0I/AAAAAAAADhs/0UKrwKLBsc8d6nR1DaWteHAPlizox6aBQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCF3785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjyBuKIghHY/XSlyyXX2A0I/AAAAAAAADhs/0UKrwKLBsc8d6nR1DaWteHAPlizox6aBQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCF3785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Glass house mountains </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzCO5DlRkd8/XSlys3VvDnI/AAAAAAAADhk/DQUqxMAwvYIabo3phvYb0Z-Rl-wo71qGwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzCO5DlRkd8/XSlys3VvDnI/AAAAAAAADhk/DQUqxMAwvYIabo3phvYb0Z-Rl-wo71qGwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maloollaba beach (dont know the children but it make a good picture</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vjGcyVaeIU/XSlyinwmYeI/AAAAAAAADhY/SQwhs3DFHFQ1CxHgHJmiDqfCm3cfVrP0QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vjGcyVaeIU/XSlyinwmYeI/AAAAAAAADhY/SQwhs3DFHFQ1CxHgHJmiDqfCm3cfVrP0QCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2813.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Noosa river again good fishing </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELkbzykYFbY/XSl1S27BW-I/AAAAAAAADiM/loYeFGsQFu4TTuiLzJ87KGJFFbpNvlwBACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELkbzykYFbY/XSl1S27BW-I/AAAAAAAADiM/loYeFGsQFu4TTuiLzJ87KGJFFbpNvlwBACLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3771.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Noreen having found (and walked me to) another water fall NO FISHING lol</div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-1769931733230412222019-06-27T06:05:00.001+01:002019-06-27T06:05:24.489+01:00BACK IN QLD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone<br />
<br />
We have left the riggers of the out back behind and headed for three days rest and recuperation in the metropolitan city of Darwen. Darwen is a strange place full of old and new part is still trying to hold on to its colonial past and the other half blending with the future of a rapidly changing Australia. However its a great place to hang out we managed to go to a great little theatre maximum of 80 audience very parochial but a great play I was told by people who Know that it was very Australian (what ever that means ) We visited the usual places botanical gardens, Museums where there was some wonderful exhibitions of Flora and Fauna of Australia and a interesting exhibition of the cyclone that flattened Darwin I found that very interesting. on the whole a very enjoyable few days before our flight back to base.<br />
I do not know why but security at airports is starting to really annoy me this time in Darwen a domestic flight of only 4 hours I was everything but strip search I think I only got away with that because when he ask "do it here or in the cubical" I said here I have nothing to hide anyway I was cleared of carrying Drugs, Laundered Money, Animals, Contraband, Slaves, Environmentally Dangerous items. and Guns. This happens when ever I go through security I stand there being rigorously search whilst the rest of my traveling company stand finished in fits of laughter both annoying me and the security officers. But hey we all need a laugh in airports dont we But why me I try to travel in shorts so when my NHS knee sets off the alarm they can see the 8inch scar covering my knee But does that deter them from a full investigation oh no it just gives them the excuse to have some fun on what is normally a very boring job. However if I was carrying a bomb the rest of the passengers would be very grateful that I did not get through.<br />
We are now back in QUEENSLAND at my sister-in-laws who is I must add a wonderful generous person However since we arrived back last Sat it has not stopped raining its the longest continuous period of rain anyone here can remember it rained continuously for 48 hrs WOW they have never experienced rain for a month anyway the rain combined with the wind has curtailed our fishing exploits though I did get out early monday though after 2 hours I was just like the rest of the boats on the water heading home I love my fishing but not at the expense of my life its very rough out there<br />
its now two days on and it hasnt stopped raining however Roger and I decided that we were getting claustrophobia so we set off fishing the wind and gales have gone and we are both originally from Manchester so whats a bit of rain to us As it happens the morning was very productive wit a good haul of fish the weather wasnt great but is you are catching who cares<br />
We have now planned our next trip again we are heading north but this time we are driving up and spending a few days in a lovely place called Nussa just being tourists we go a week on monday that is about the 8th by time we get back it will almost be time to start packing again for the homeward trip<br />
<br />
God Bless<br />
comment on the blog please then I don't feel so lonely<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6dU4Ml-V4k/XRRLZcAMCWI/AAAAAAAADf4/vwbSREbbOTQbWqxBsRpD_WR46l9XJeuRgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6dU4Ml-V4k/XRRLZcAMCWI/AAAAAAAADf4/vwbSREbbOTQbWqxBsRpD_WR46l9XJeuRgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rainbow whilst morning fishing so beautiful makes you forget about the rain</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDJtBJJEY7o/XRRLdmRxokI/AAAAAAAADf8/bKJUxQ09kDUrgjJrRKZs7Czh_-s4s9GogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDJtBJJEY7o/XRRLdmRxokI/AAAAAAAADf8/bKJUxQ09kDUrgjJrRKZs7Czh_-s4s9GogCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cullum Marina Darwen dinner by Navigation lights </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjtVTYlRSUQ/XRRLnDOHTOI/AAAAAAAADgA/AMKgo_OansIHThrkUOiTSNSsb9Yo_skqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjtVTYlRSUQ/XRRLnDOHTOI/AAAAAAAADgA/AMKgo_OansIHThrkUOiTSNSsb9Yo_skqgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunset over Darwen </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gghQb47onQw/XRRH_h8dUaI/AAAAAAAADfU/PDBpPf93Z7IaBNPqOfbkEjRnsCM8Ma19gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gghQb47onQw/XRRH_h8dUaI/AAAAAAAADfU/PDBpPf93Z7IaBNPqOfbkEjRnsCM8Ma19gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2531.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
St Mary's Catholic church Darwen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5DALT51iJE/XRRIIKO4DQI/AAAAAAAADfc/XmDz5p-wasQdQVZKoXVOYahQ46sc9QPJACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5DALT51iJE/XRRIIKO4DQI/AAAAAAAADfc/XmDz5p-wasQdQVZKoXVOYahQ46sc9QPJACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sea Lock from the Marina to the sea</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWEhJq6ArAY/XRRIX3ZdBcI/AAAAAAAADfg/jPMik8TazEM9HCC9tOSRojfTkjC7gX4-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWEhJq6ArAY/XRRIX3ZdBcI/AAAAAAAADfg/jPMik8TazEM9HCC9tOSRojfTkjC7gX4-ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2556.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The red wine is called Bonking Frog only the Ausies could come up with that one </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZr7jeq6BwU/XRRIi9fkVwI/AAAAAAAADfo/e8z19rbDjsgWH_DNzFVGZoFrwuVE4byegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZr7jeq6BwU/XRRIi9fkVwI/AAAAAAAADfo/e8z19rbDjsgWH_DNzFVGZoFrwuVE4byegCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mary taking on the Croc single Handed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8OiVuGGrts/XRRNpxjAVVI/AAAAAAAADgQ/gh-JAcQUZJQ9fH3PUypiiEAn-jrK3-oGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8OiVuGGrts/XRRNpxjAVVI/AAAAAAAADgQ/gh-JAcQUZJQ9fH3PUypiiEAn-jrK3-oGACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2545.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Crazy trees </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPBT8pxsyFI/XRRNxLhPrKI/AAAAAAAADgU/sXLVfzy8j9Ed7VZp0P2xd4193IBKDOgkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPBT8pxsyFI/XRRNxLhPrKI/AAAAAAAADgU/sXLVfzy8j9Ed7VZp0P2xd4193IBKDOgkQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
from Apartment balcony </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4InTjFmB0Y/XRRN4f0kUII/AAAAAAAADgY/mQpGbwoIu8EluVkjb3JtPWGj3H2DZU4QACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4InTjFmB0Y/XRRN4f0kUII/AAAAAAAADgY/mQpGbwoIu8EluVkjb3JtPWGj3H2DZU4QACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
another even crazier tree</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783574898087223944.post-25099183945969005762019-06-19T10:44:00.000+01:002019-06-19T10:44:24.223+01:00Real out back<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi again<br />
<br />
Well we haven't been eaten by crocodiles or buried by ants we have just been well and truly in the bush without any real means of communication We are now back in Darwen we returned today and returned mighty Midge the camper she may have been old but she served us very well. the past 6 days or so has been quite and epic journey starting with the wall art the Aboriginal tribes in this areaa have been custodians of this land for the past 60,000 years the oldest inhabitants of one land in the world. It all makes it a fascinating place. We have treked up 300ft escarpments scrambled up rock faces walked along with kangaroos followed Emus and had a great time we did also find time to celebrate our 50th Wedding anniversary with a evening river cruise down the Butterfly gorge in the Kacadu national park However even though we were dressed for the evening we still had to do some scrambling over rocks as the river was low and we had to walk the parts the boat couldn't go and then get another boat ( it reminded me of the African Queen )<br />
We then decided that we would attempt to swim in every pool that was on top of a waterfall. Just to point out now that through the national parks there is a large escarpment that was thrown up when Australia left south Asia about 3 mil years ago anyhow this range being close to the sea collects a lot of moisture and rain that then cascades to the wet lands of the Northern territories making for one of the most diverse habitats in the world. There are many waterfalls off these escarpments of which some are sacred to the locals and no swimming is allowed. We challenged ourselves to scramble the ones we could and swim the top pools. as being a national park most of the sites are accessible by road and most tourists get a chance to swim in the bottom pool BUT where is the fun in sharing a big bath with a load of tourists, Now to be fare to the Rangers have cut paths and beaten through the bush but as tropical rain forest grows at a tremendous rate some paths are just unrecognizable, now of course remember we would be scrambling between 3/5 hundred feet high over a distance of 2/5 k I hear you know saying that's easy, maybe but also consider we did this magnificent fete in temps of 30/35 which for two Pommy over 70s isn't so bad. As well as treking through tropical forest, desert and swampland we did call in whenever possible for an expresso I think we had two whilst fueling up.<br />
Just two days left to explore the delights of Darwen<br />
God Bless you all<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5QphFA7keE/XQn-z3dZvhI/AAAAAAAADdI/ZmJ-AUqyQWsHxt4_IlE0NpEgCwfC-tWwACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5QphFA7keE/XQn-z3dZvhI/AAAAAAAADdI/ZmJ-AUqyQWsHxt4_IlE0NpEgCwfC-tWwACLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3197.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How do these trees hang on</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79_IPDcPZyI/XQn_blWfT9I/AAAAAAAADdY/WRWXpueXnOk1eh5tJLQUxSH6l6ZLOpthgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79_IPDcPZyI/XQn_blWfT9I/AAAAAAAADdY/WRWXpueXnOk1eh5tJLQUxSH6l6ZLOpthgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3226.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Noreen bashing through the bush</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMY_5XILYDg/XQn-0bWp6WI/AAAAAAAADdM/ZI_e8jLxGPUz5KFJdI13N0I0kzNRUuT0QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMY_5XILYDg/XQn-0bWp6WI/AAAAAAAADdM/ZI_e8jLxGPUz5KFJdI13N0I0kzNRUuT0QCLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3297.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
isit a cave bloody dark down there</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVh4EisCWhA/XQn_iLYV8qI/AAAAAAAADdc/8j8RfUYVjfk3Be-_7nuZL4pU-HiCVcMuACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVh4EisCWhA/XQn_iLYV8qI/AAAAAAAADdc/8j8RfUYVjfk3Be-_7nuZL4pU-HiCVcMuACLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kacadu Gorge by night</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HRS1UiE0dE/XQn_jvTdl3I/AAAAAAAADdg/GeAx_8zkvWMMfYL7QGik9NrB9Of8Xe-0gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HRS1UiE0dE/XQn_jvTdl3I/AAAAAAAADdg/GeAx_8zkvWMMfYL7QGik9NrB9Of8Xe-0gCLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scrambled over rocks to get next boat As you see all dressed for dinner ??</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4QUT5r14RM/XQoAJ4yV1XI/AAAAAAAADds/SekvTUbyjQQkVK6QLWOy0hfnGHuXPWK1QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4QUT5r14RM/XQoAJ4yV1XI/AAAAAAAADds/SekvTUbyjQQkVK6QLWOy0hfnGHuXPWK1QCLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
50th Anniversary 9couple of months late but after 50 years who cares</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h84oTo1lHuY/XQoAS8HXR8I/AAAAAAAADdw/eHhc3ScsKzsuawZskMal9x_8_uK32MXlwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h84oTo1lHuY/XQoAS8HXR8I/AAAAAAAADdw/eHhc3ScsKzsuawZskMal9x_8_uK32MXlwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
out bush no media no water no light just us the bats the snakes the spiders ????</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIzNgnLwyg8/XQoATHHdu1I/AAAAAAAADd0/rWdc9Bm8eOEyKc2YiUn8qlhaTyDo3W9DgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIzNgnLwyg8/XQoATHHdu1I/AAAAAAAADd0/rWdc9Bm8eOEyKc2YiUn8qlhaTyDo3W9DgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By Ek thats cold at 300 ft </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3gntD-n_LE/XQoA3Dl6hBI/AAAAAAAADeA/txrCm9tEof8tdvCdpZm4_SMXTisLco2oACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3gntD-n_LE/XQoA3Dl6hBI/AAAAAAAADeA/txrCm9tEof8tdvCdpZm4_SMXTisLco2oACLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
one of the bottom pools for the Tourists</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vanM20VypkY/XQoBFZqEDKI/AAAAAAAADeI/4u3HPnhfZAU05KbAAIeLwpuguoB6WmURgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vanM20VypkY/XQoBFZqEDKI/AAAAAAAADeI/4u3HPnhfZAU05KbAAIeLwpuguoB6WmURgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3688.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this water fall is about 400ft on of the sacred ones </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMYwQ1JoQiE/XQoBExSJjnI/AAAAAAAADeE/ZxC1K-CUs9EQ3-zUmuFdTnEhT6J8Mjq6QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMYwQ1JoQiE/XQoBExSJjnI/AAAAAAAADeE/ZxC1K-CUs9EQ3-zUmuFdTnEhT6J8Mjq6QCLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3658.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
are they not really inviting</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVyaNjkp2CI/XQoBRdILATI/AAAAAAAADeQ/yVyF8PXl6e0L_e2Xy99swSa-wCDjY4xCACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVyaNjkp2CI/XQoBRdILATI/AAAAAAAADeQ/yVyF8PXl6e0L_e2Xy99swSa-wCDjY4xCACLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trying out the highest pool that little gap behind me is a 300ft fall as seen by the tops of the trees they are half way up the falls </div>
<br /></div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09488191442124855765noreply@blogger.com0