A little bit of good news on the canals!

[PoohBears#1fan]

I've just had this email from the Canal & river Trust! Still a long way from being back to normal, but still exciting to see a little bit of normality restored...

Coronavirus & boating update, 11 May 2020
Hello Boater!,

With the Government announcing a first step in lifting restrictions on outdoor activities, and allowing people to drive to spend time outdoors with members of the same household, from Wednesday, the Trust is lifting any remaining restrictions on boat owners visiting their boats though the Trust advises against travelling long distances unless it is essential to do so.

At this stage we continue to advise that boats should only be used for minimal travel. Angling and watersports (canoeing, Kayaking and SUP), for exercise, can also resume on Wednesday and we are reviewing when we can restore navigation in light of the new government advice.

In the meantime, mooring exemptions are extended by a further two weeks until 23 May.

[BucksBugsy]

Mmmm... maybe time to get the Hoseasons brochure out!

[PoohBears#1fan]

Originally Posted by BerkshireBugsy

Mmmm... maybe time to get the Hoseasons brochure out!

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I'm tentatively hopeful that by the summer boats will be moving again. The tow paths aren't closed and you don't come within 2 meters of other boaters anyway.

We've not even seen our boat since this began, so very happy to be allowed to even go and check on it, do some cleaning and maintenance!

[2point]

Good news, slow and steady, just like barging!

[PoohBears#1fan]

Originally Posted by 2point

Good news, slow and steady, just like barging!

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You'd not think it if you read the canal forum I use, they're are some great interpretations going on over the new guidelines which are leading to some very heated arguments as they're desperate to get moving on the water again!

[BucksBugsy]

Originally Posted by PoohBears#1fan

You'd not think it if you read the canal forum I use, they're are some great interpretations going on over the new guidelines which are leading to some very heated arguments as they're desperate to get moving on the water again!

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I think in all walks of life people will push the guidance to the limits.

I'm sure there are lots of forums where heated discussions are going on but my approach is to ignore them or get some popcorn and pull up a chair !

[Brock]

A certain canal within the Midlands has been very busy.
A total disregard of recommendations.

[2point]

Originally Posted by PoohBears#1fan

You'd not think it if you read the canal forum I use, they're are some great interpretations going on over the new guidelines which are leading to some very heated arguments as they're desperate to get moving on the water again!

See more...

We used to have a motorhome, I can well imagine the theme of those arguments based on our experience of motorhome forums.

[PoohBears#1fan]

Originally Posted by BerkshireBugsy

I think in all walks of life people will push the guidance to the limits.

I'm sure there are lots of forums where heated discussions are going on but my approach is to ignore them or get some popcorn and pull up a chair !

See more...

Oh yes!

Originally Posted by Brock

A certain canal within the Midlands has been very busy.
A total disregard of recommendations.

See more...

Essential travel for maintenance is allowed, but I do think from reading the boards that people have been pretty much suiting themselves. We're looking at changing the marina we moor at so have been emailing around for rates, they were all expecting us to come and look round during lockdown and seemed surprised when I said we'd be in touch afterwards.

[PoohBears#1fan]

Originally Posted by 2point

We used to have a motorhome, I can well imagine the theme of those arguments based on our experience of motorhome forums.

See more...

It's like any forum I guess, the 2 camps of avid rules followers and the ones desperate to bend them to suit themselves, the 2 are never going to agree!