Difference between revisions of "The Great BitFolk Boat Trip 2013"

Revision as of 23:30, 8 September 2012

Yes!

It is back by popular demand, a narrowboat trip around the many and varied waterways of Britain.

This year a group of geeksIRC veterans will be embarking on a 5 day adventure on the (Kennet and Avon|Grand Union) Canal.

Who?

Where?

Address and contact details of the boatyard

When?

Provisionally Monday 3rd June 2013 → Friday 7th June 2013.

Logistics

How much?

About £150 each.

We will again operate a communal kitty in order to pay for:

• groceries.
• pub lunches
• evening meals (where relevant)
• general supplies of drink (alcoholic or otherwise) for the boat.
• "random stuff" that may be required, example batteries for walkie-talkies.
• disposable BBQ kit for a suitable evening.

Initial amount into kitty?

Boat information

This year's boat will be

Stuff we generally need

• Guide books
• Waterpoof map case for the guide books
• A handheld GPS is useful but not in any way essential. Anyone have one already?

(This is not for navigation! Obviously there's only two possible ways to go, and as the boat is longer than the canal is wide you can't turn around by accident anyway without breaking the laws of physics. It's so that we can put in the waypoints that are of interest and have some idea how we are progressing without having to keep referring to maps and bridge/lock numbers.)

Comms

Two-way radios have proven useful in the past. Otherwise the person steering can't speak with anyone that's not with them on the stern. Talking to people ahead preparing locks is also of benefit. At least three? One with steerer, one in boat, one at bow or with those doing locks. More would be better, but Matt used to supply these..

Stuff each person needs to bring

Space on the boat—and probably more importantly in the cars—will be limited, so try not to over pack. A large holdall for clothes and a small backpack for other bits and pieces seems reasonable.

Note that all bed linen is provided so you don't need to bring any of that. You will need to bring your own towel however. All cooking utensils and crockery etc. are also provided.

• Waterproof clothing - we'll probably end up having to steer the boat and do locks in the pouring rain.
• Gloves - some locks are real bastards.
• Torch - if you have one; we may run out of power some nights, plus for walking to pub, etc. Towpaths are generally unlit and tripping over a mooring pin into the canal would not be awesome.
• A Tea Towel - there will probably be at least one on the boat, but would be good if everyone could bring one so that we have enough.
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses - just in case it happens to be sunny.
• Weak lemon drink - for drinking down furiously in one gulp in celebration of your hobby success.

Clothing considerations

Casual clothing that you don't mind getting dirty/worn is best. Jeans are fine, though if it rains can get waterlogged. Due to the possible weather conditions do bring a few sets of clothing as you may end up stuck outdoors in the rain for several hours after which you'll definitely want a change of clothes. Because we have to continue to make progress even in pouring rain, having at least a waterproof jacket with hood is recommended. The boatyard should supply one set of waterproofs for the steerer, but you might prefer your own and other people also need to be outside to do locks/bridges.

Footwear with decent grip is essential. Trainers are good most of the time, though if it's raining a pair of boots won't go a miss. You'll probably want to have more than one set of footwear in case one set gets soaked and needs to be dried.

There will be drying facilities to some extent on the boat, though obviously drying space is limited. There will be some radiators and an airing cupboard.

Entertainment etc.

Cards against Humanity

How about a game of Cards Against Humanity?

Poker

Not sure anyone is up for poker this time, but it's an option.

Cigars

A couple of us had some fine cigars in previous years. Is there any interest this time?

Note: no point buying these until a couple of weeks before we go as they will just dry out if not stored correctly.

More suggestions welcome

Planned route and schedule for the week

Overall statistics of the route itself

Some guesses as to where we would like to start / end each day

Mon 3rd June

Tue 4th June

Wed 5th June

Thu 6th June

Fri 7th June

Stoppages

http://www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/boating/stoppages

Photo links