Guys are to be seen in many communities and the autumn colours are intensifying. Nature is amazing.
We are all now enjoying firelight cosy evenings and as in nature we are adapting to the changing light levels and shorter days.
Just a reminder to check your smoke and Co alarms.
Also ensure your baffle plate and flue is kept clear.
Autumn leaves are falling and it is time for us to all remember about the difficulty they can cause when cruising.
The leaves collect around the propeller and make it feel as if the engine is struggling and the speed decreasing.
Just a gentle reverse thrust and it should clear them for a short time.
Lots of patience is needed in leafy areas at this time of year.
As the Autumn arrives we start our owners boat meetings, it is always a lovely time of year for everyone to catch up with one another.
This is the time of planning for the coming years cruising and deciding on maintenance required during the brief winter break for the boats.
All of our boats cruise throughout the year with just a month set aside for repairs.
If you join a boat at this time of the year you will be able to be part of the discussions.
The summer is now leaving us but the days are staying warm but the evenings are drawing in.
This is a lovely quiet time before the winter and everyone is preparing for the long evenings.
All those books and hobbies are starting to beckon.
The fading days of summer are upon us and the shares sales have reached record numbers this year.
We currently only have two boast with shares for sale, that is unheard of as we go into the autumn
It has been heart warming to welcome so many excited boat owners to Ownashare and the syndicates.
I have just returned from a leisurely cruise with friends
It is always great to get out on the canals and find the wonderful welcoming friendship that it engenders
Where else can you go where almost everyone says hello and where they can stop to have a chat.
This world is that of yester year when people actually had time to talk to you!
With early promise of a nice summer we have had a very unsettle time but that is really a normal English summer!
Everyone has been enjoying the freedom from our restrictions with wonderful trips in what is the best view of England, that from a Narrow boat.
If you are still hoping to enjoy an Autumn cruise take a look at our few remaining shares.
You could soon be enjoying quality time from your own shared boat.
With the coming of high summer it is time to remember all those little checks that are easy to forget when enjoying your holiday.
Engine checks of oil, gearbox oil and water are the basics but just a quick look around the engine bay is always a good idea.
Are the alternator belts both still on?
Is the stern gland dripping ?
Is the greaser full?
Is there an unusal amount of oil or water in the engine bilges.?
These quick checks can help to spot something going wrong.
If in doubt give the helpline a ring to discuss your concerns.
The summer is here and the nights are long, perfect for extending the cruising day.
Share sales have been very busy and if a share looks interesting please do not delay in viewing to avoid missing your perfect boat.
Prices are very keen and the cost of a share and the running costs for the year are cheaper than a peak season week of hire.
So why not take a look for your boating holiday's sorted for the years to come.
With the early summer here at last and the pubs open and the feeling that life is starting to return to a new sort of normal, we are all looking to escape our own four walls.
The best escape can only be the canals if you want total freedom for restrictions and no masks.
It is amazing.
Lets hope for a pleasant summer so that everyone can enjoy a little sun and freedom