“Having a narrowboat is so much fun!”
The ever-popular musings of a narrowboat horse on the Montgomery Canal
ON CHRISTMAS Eve, my partner in crime, namely Countess our boat, resembled a ditty sung by the Lord High Executioner from the Mikado, i.e. she had a little list!
Incessant rain, because she’s openended, had steadily filled her up. This normally isn’t a problem thanks to an automatic pump arrangement (solar powered for all you environmental green-things).
The float switch was clicked, but submerged, the battery was its usual rectangular, cuboid self, i.e. not flat, but the bilge pump refused to run.
My mate’s language resembled that of Santa when he found out that Rudolph’s red nose was caused by too many positive lateral flow tests.
Apropos reindeers, did you know that both males and females grow antlers, but males shed them in the autumn, which means that any Christmas cards showing antlered beasts are likely to be female.
Consequently, Vixen, Cupid, Donner, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Blitzen and Comet are all probably okay, but I’ll let you tell Rudolph about his upcoming realignment surgery!
Anyway, back to the sinking of the ‘Belgrano’, battery disconnected, taken back to base and given a two-day blast of intense charging, returned on Boxing Day, equipped with copious tools for the diagnosis of the problem, i.e. selection of screwdrivers, circuit test meter and a gert big ’ammer!
Upshot? Pump started first click and pumped like a good ’un for half an hour (at 300 litres per hour that’s a lot of gallons!)
Cheesy chips
In former times, mission accomplished, that would have resulted in a celebratory drink at a local hostelry, accompanied by a plate of cheesy chips and a good old chinwag. Unfortunately, we don’t live in the past and we’re currently very much influenced by the present and, being over fearful of the future, home he went. Arriving back to a log fire, incredible leftovers from yesterday’s banquet and copious quantities of medicinal ale, my mate was quickly restored to his usual state of retired equilibrium. Had the sun been shining, providing light and warmth, instead of the bone numbing, foggy drizzle that accompanied his engineering endeavours, he would have willingly stayed aboard soaking up (instead of just being soaked) the restorative vibes that canals provide.
It was too muddy and slippery on the towpath to go for a walk, all signs of wildlife were absent, obviating any meaningful observation and the ‘summertime’ boaters were conspicuous by their absence. What a lonely, eerie, desolate place a canal can be in the depths of winter.
Powerful heritage
However, there are more meaningful reminders of the powerful heritage that our canals provide. Maesbury is a prime example of how they have influenced our community development over the last quarter of a millennium. Before the construction of the Monty, started in 1796, this tiny hamlet didn’t exist.
The wharf at Maesbury Marsh, being the nearest to the town of Oswestry, grew up and flourished on the back of a vibrant trade of local produce. This mainly consisted of coal, limestone, bonemeal, foodstuffs such as cheese and anything alcohol-based. The village is littered with old buildings of yesteryear. This old warehouse is a prime example of the solidity and quality of construction of these former canalside buildings. What a shame that many of them are not as well preserved as this one.
So, in time-honoured fashion, my team and I wish you a healthy, peaceful and stress-free new year, and may 2022 bring you everything you desire. Mind you, by the time this article goes to print, and you get to read it, it’ll be almost February, so have a Good Valentine’s Day too!
Until next time, may your bucket contain more carrots than mine currently does.
Love Cracker
If you would like to comment on any of Cracker’s remarks, please get in touch via email at hello@ bywatercruises.co.uk or on Twitter @bywater_holiday or follow him on Facebook under BoatHorseCracker.