Vagueness and the Aftermath - A sporadic diary

[doogan]

you should easily be able to do in 2 days if only 50 miles. Dependant on how much of a pace you want to set or if you would prefer to bimble along looking at scenery.

[RED-DOG]

Over the last couple of years, in memory of my dad, I've been setting myself some little challenges, like mini versions of real adventures, and doing them on fathers day. (Longer adventures would include fathers day)

Last year I did a 100 mile bike ride, I was Lance Armstrong, and the trip from here to Barnsley was like my little Tor De France. This year I was Hannibal. I used the Yorkshire three peaks as my Alps, and my nephew Tracy as an elephant.

Next year or the year after, I'm going to turn a 50 mile stretch of canal into the Orinoco and explore it in a canoe.

Questions:

Has anyone ever done canoeing on a canal? If so, how far would an amateur expect yo travel in a day? Also, has anyone ever used one of these?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130595910875&category=87090&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619

Fantastic idea mate

There's a lot to look into Tom. On most English waterways a license is required (you can get free licenses for Scotlands waterways):

http://www.canoedaysout.com/Licence.htm

http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/membership/waterways-licences/

Also beware that most of the British Waterways (including Scotland who are generally more relaxed) do not allow wild camping. There are some organised camping areas. Let me know where you intend to do this and I'll search about for you. Not sure if you could get away with staying overnight in the canoe by rigging up some sort of tarp covering on the Kayak/canoe itself. Methinks it would be pretty easy for someone with your ingenuity to rig up.

Done a wee bit canal canoeing some years back when my back garden led onto the Union Canal here in Edinburgh but as for timings I wouldn't have a dan doo as I would just paddle away for n hour or 2 then return home.

Have got the itchy feet myself after the C2C and have been looking at something else for next year, there's a good choice with Hadrians Wall, Offas Dyke, West Highland Way and the Isle of Arran coastal walk looking to be top of the list. There is a Scottish C2C but looks pretty boring tbh.

Keep me informed, I may be able to help with some gear. Already have something earmarked for you as noted during our notes during the C2C period.

Geo

Hi Geo, Some great advice as usual. Thanks.

I've looked into the license situation. They're relatively cheap for a portable craft (portable is defined as anything you can demonstrate that you can lift out of the water) you can get a temporary one for about £4 per day or £10 pw.

Having said that, I've talked to a few boaters and they assure me that as long as I'm not opening the locks, no one will even ask to see a license for such a small unregistered craft.

You may be surprised to learn that the thought of camping illegally doesn't really bother me. I can't imagine why....

[RED-DOG]

you should easily be able to do in 2 days if only 50 miles. Dependant on how much of a pace you want to set or if you would prefer to bimble along looking at scenery.

That's interesting.

Have you done any? Roughly what speed will I be paddling at? Are you allowing for meal breaks, portage around locks etc?

[pokerfan]

you should easily be able to do in 2 days if only 50 miles. Dependant on how much of a pace you want to set or if you would prefer to bimble along looking at scenery.

That's interesting.

Have you done any? Roughly what speed will I be paddling at? Are you allowing for meal breaks, portage around locks etc?

Does the 4mph speed limit apply to canoes 

[Geo the Sarge]

[/quote]

Hi Geo, Some great advice as usual. Thanks.

I've looked into the license situation. They're relatively cheap for a portable craft (portable is defined as anything you can demonstrate that you can lift out of the water) you can get a temporary one for about £4 per day or £10 pw.

Having said that, I've talked to a few boaters and they assure me that as long as I'm not opening the locks, no one will even ask to see a license for such a small unregistered craft.

You may be surprised to learn that the thought of camping illegally doesn't really bother me. I can't imagine why....
[/quote]

Made me lol.

From what I've seen so far it appears 4/5 miles per hour as a leisurely "take in the sights" speed seems to be the average.

Where do you have in mind?

Geo

[RED-DOG]

Hi Geo, Some great advice as usual. Thanks.

I've looked into the license situation. They're relatively cheap for a portable craft (portable is defined as anything you can demonstrate that you can lift out of the water) you can get a temporary one for about £4 per day or £10 pw.

Having said that, I've talked to a few boaters and they assure me that as long as I'm not opening the locks, no one will even ask to see a license for such a small unregistered craft.

You may be surprised to learn that the thought of camping illegally doesn't really bother me. I can't imagine why....
[/quote]

Made me lol.

From what I've seen so far it appears 4/5 miles per hour as a leisurely "take in the sights" speed seems to be the average.

Where do you have in mind?

Geo
[/quote]


I haven't really decided yet Geo. My dad had a little trailable canal boat and he did most of the canals. They're all incredibly beautiful, even those stretches close to the cities. Real little wildlife reserves full of peace and tranquillity.

I might even put in at Birmingham and paddle home.

[gatso]

Been there, I had my break earlier, & shorter. The place looks SO different when viewed from a different perspective. I now force myself to be absent from blonde at least 2 days per fortnight - & now I quite look forward to "coming back" each time. I've also learned, or decided, to keep away from the aggro nonsense. That sort of stuff is for my day job, not a recreational forum.

It is so good to have you back.

Coincidence that there's been a lot less aggro nonsense since you started having time away from the forum?

[RED-DOG]

One of us has buggered the quoting up Geo.

[Geo the Sarge]

One of us has buggered the quoting up Geo.

It was me mate, just in time as Gatters is ITT and hates misquoting.

So many people living in the cities are unaware of whats on their doorstep. Here in Edinburgh we are blessed with some spectacular viewpoints around the city, the Pentland range of which I've posted a few pics previously and we also have the Union canal starting in the centre of the city and going out to the Falkirk wheel and if the urge arises you can link straight to the Forth and Clyde canal. Edinburgh to Glasgow by canal I'd imagine would be a great trip.

Don't know if you are aware of the wheel but know you'd appreciate it - Falkirk wheel:

http://www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk/about-the-wheel-

Geo

[doogan]

you should easily be able to do in 2 days if only 50 miles. Dependant on how much of a pace you want to set or if you would prefer to bimble along looking at scenery.

That's interesting.

Have you done any? Roughly what speed will I be paddling at? Are you allowing for meal breaks, portage around locks etc?

iv'e done a bit mainly just up and down the Thames, you will prob average 3-4 mph when heavily loaded going at a peaceful pace with no real tide to fight or help. should be able to do 25 miles in a day as when you are on your own you tend to stop less. I have been known to tie the kayak to a rope and tow it for a  few miles to stretch out the legs and back. I f you have a small dog that likes the water this is a perfect time to take it.

[gatso]

One of us has buggered the quoting up Geo.

It was me mate, just in time as Gatters is ITT and hates misquoting.

Too right, please go back and fix it

[Geo the Sarge]

One of us has buggered the quoting up Geo.

It was me mate, just in time as Gatters is ITT and hates misquoting.

Too right, please go back and fix it

Lol,

wouldn't know where to start I is useless at 'puters

Geo

[RED-DOG]

One of us has buggered the quoting up Geo.

It was me mate, just in time as Gatters is ITT and hates misquoting.

So many people living in the cities are unaware of whats on their doorstep. Here in Edinburgh we are blessed with some spectacular viewpoints around the city, the Pentland range of which I've posted a few pics previously and we also have the Union canal starting in the centre of the city and going out to the Falkirk wheel and if the urge arises you can link straight to the Forth and Clyde canal. Edinburgh to Glasgow by canal I'd imagine would be a great trip.

Don't know if you are aware of the wheel but know you'd appreciate it - Falkirk wheel:

http://www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk/about-the-wheel-

Geo

Wow!! That's just stunning Geo. I have to see it one day.

The video on this page is amazing.

http://www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk/about-the-wheel-/how-does-it-work

[RED-DOG]

Today is a paperwork day. I hate paperwork with a passion. I would much rather be outdoors in the rain shovelling shit.

I get through it by allowing myself to read one chapter of my book for every half hour's worth of paper work I complete.

I currently reading this:

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=3nmIoSY6AZ4C&pg=PP1&lpg=PP1&dq=adrift+steven+callahan&source=bl&ots=3beLoc11dq&sig=8j0PvPhsefFVCbjPoxbvgkTx-Pg&hl=en&ei=J6-zTrWQG9Lc8gPv1PyMBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=13&sqi=2&ved=0CHkQ6AEwDA#v=onepage&q&f=false


It's a ripping yarn. I would post it on the book thread but I daren't go there because I'm terrified of spoilers. I don't ever read prologues or introductions until I've actually finished the book. then I read the prologue and epilogue together.

[Woodsey]

Today is a paperwork day. I hate paperwork with a passion. I would much rather be outdoors in the rain shovelling shit.

LOL story of my life.

I've got 3 months of expenses amongst other things stacked up that I cba doing. You would think getting £2500 of my own money back would be a big enough of an incentive to do it wouldn't you?