Weather, that is. Can't complain about it now, certainly. As planned, we've come on to the foot of Hillmorton, after stopping at Brownsover to visit Tesco.
It was very busy there, and I regret we saw an example of very inconsiderate boating by someone who should have known better. We were right on the end of the boats moored on the towpath, with another smartly painted boat opposite us on the offside visitor moorings. A Union Canal Carriers hire boat was threading its way rather uncertainly through the pack when Trevor Maggs in Corona came barrelling round the bend ahead of them.
The hire boat sounded his horn, and tried to get out of his way, but Trevor seemed to make no attempt to hold back to let them get clear. The result was a bow to bow crunch, with Corona bouncing off the boat opposite, her high bow scraping the window surround and then scoring the cabin side paint work.
Meanwhile, the UCC boat slammed into us, fortunately only scratching the blacking which will be retouched for Crick anyway. We all gave vent to our opinons of Trevor's boating; yes, the hire boat wasn't in the right place, but it would not have been difficult for Corona to wait; she was unloaded, so no heavier than we are.
I know working boats have big props, and go quite fast even in tickover, but by the same token, that increases their ability to stop.
The impression I'm left with is of that old working boater's arrogance; "I'm a working boater, you know nothing, get out of my way". Well, I've got news for you all: the world has changed, the vast majority of boaters are like us, not you, time is no longer of the essence and there's no reason not to show a bit of courtesy and consideration, especially for novice hirers.
4 comments:
Couldn't agree more Bruce - there's no room for arrogance from anyone - the waterways belong to all of us.
We can all make a pig's ear of it sometimes (well I can!) so it's important that we can all be a bit considerate and forgiving......
Sue, Indigo Dream
I like this new style outspoken blog!
That's a terrible place to be going fast anyway. Boats moored both sides, on a bend, ovehanging trees, and with so many hire bases close by the likelihood that an exerperienced helmsman could be on his way.
Well said that man! Glad to report that the genuine working boatmen up here on the A&C show every consideration to us tiddlers.
Good new blog style (although I quite liked the old one).
Sorry to hear of the collision - some people are very arrogant - in all walks of life.
Best of luck at Crick and with the new boat.
Mike
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