Woodie

Sooo, recently had a meeting with a very knowledgeable and helpful rep from a holiday let company. Finished virtually every sentence with ‘see what I’m saying’ After an hour of this I was ready to explode! Good job it was a fruitful meeting.

Think we get enough ‘discount’ from the BA less mooring less depth less bridge clearance …………….

Prodded the hornets nest and ran….

Last post for me on this one, don’t want to hijack the thread with comparisons. We are fortunate to spend a lot of our time ‘up there’ , having a couple of lodges in Keswick. Had a very pleasant Christmas and New Year there.(contact for details if you fancy a break-donation to forum. Unashamed ad!!) The Lake District is certainly not struggling for visitors, New Year being high season was very busy. Indeed the present Authority are doing a reasonable job considering all the different groups and activities wanting their needs met, let alone the locals trying to make a living. I do know that the LDNPA are not overly popular with the locals! Indeed, I’m sure boating in all its forms only makes up a small proportion of tourist footfall. Additionally, like Mr Raser, these groups believe their ideals and vision for the NP are the right ones and activities they feel are not compatible are justifiably curtailed. A view they are fully entitled to. Mine is in this crowded isle of ours room is surely available for all with the relevant regulation to try and reduce anti social elements. Tricky to achieve I’m sure! That is probably where we are with the Broads now. Oh, and don’t for one moment think Windermere is a quiet and peaceful area. As one of the main tourist centres the amount of visitors, cars, motor bikes etc ensure it certainly isn’t. Many areas in the Lakes are peaceful if you know where to look! Again, each to their own, and the variety is good. But none of the above is the drift of my original post. I was more concerned with how the Authority railroaded what they wanted and deemed correct through. From the farcical public enquiry where, amongst other issues, the lake rangers were not permitted to give evidence because in their view any minor issues were easily solvable (they even briefly went on strike until apparently their jobs were under threat!) How the Park Authorities refused to discuss or consider any alternative to a blanket limit. Their disregard for people’s livelihoods. As an aside the NP CEO at the time stayed in position to see the limit introduced and retired almost immediately afterwards. Starting to sound like someone we know…… His successor has done a reasonable job given the above, and has just given his intention to leave at the end of the year. I could go on, but I think you get the drift. We do need to be aware of how these Authorities seem to operate. It may be that overall boat numbers are similar, but comprise different craft.I really don’t know , but is that what we want for the Broads. Similar numbers, but different craft. Canoes, paddle boards etc. Think I know someone who might quite like that possibility. Enough from me now. You hardly hear a peep from me, then this, although I usually pop on a couple of times a day. Must post more……..

Powered craft on Windermere is a fraction of its former numbers since the speed limit was introduced. The 10knot limit was passed in 2000 with 5 years for business etc to change before enforcement in 2005. One of the LDNPA suggestions was for boatyards to sell canoes and kayaks to replace boat sales!! They suggested Loch Lomand as an alternative body of water-in another NP. They had to apologise for that one. Businesses closed! Heres the rub though. In the mid 90s their first attempt at control was to propose banning powered craft from Windermere. Think about that. Removing powered craft. Fortunately they were reminded that Windermere has a legal right of navigation and legally they could not prevent any craft on the Lake. I can’t blame anyone for wanting to keep a close eye on the powers that be……..

Cassette player with separate graphic equaliser. Still one in the garage roof somewhere. and I wonder why I’m deaf!

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23910091.norfolk-boat-owners-hit-huge-10pc-toll-rise/?ref=suit

I think the perceived need for a complete network outweighs the location. Earlier in the year there was a temporary mast in the ullswater valley in the lakes, near Hartsop/ Kirkstone pass. Not sure if it’s been made permanent, or if it was to test the location. Powered by a very smokey diesel generator too. Dont think National Parks-real or pretend, are exempt from mobile masts.

Keep the sun down there, we’re coming a week on Saturday for 3 weeks . Can’t wait!

Up in Keswick overnight. Everyone appears sunburnt up here!!

Wow, that’s unlucky, and expensive! I now feel very lucky, mines 52 years old this year and still going strong. Its only drawback is being a six cylinder 2 stroke it has a major drinking problem! outboards can be useful and fun.

https://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/about-us/news-and-press-releases/news-releases/calor-new-position-of-filling-small-capacity-lpg-cylinders-welcomed-by-bss/?fbclid=IwAR01WDKNvrPumDbjxdkP_eNnNASQdf1v_zSYmjhXsOciQWZvHXoASYtVlNc

Looks to me like they have just told him he’s buying dinner

The Lakes are truly beautiful in any weather. I am biased though as we are lucky enough to have a place up there. No bad weather, just incorrect clothing……

Think the train of thought is trees are carbon neutral because of the carbon they captured whilst a tree, before becoming a fuel. There’s probably some exact figures out there somewhere.