The Great BitFolk Boat Trip 2013

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.

When?

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

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

What 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.
• 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 or 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.

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.

Comms

Sourcing some two way radios will be useful. 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..

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.

Planned route and schedule for the week

Stoppages

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