Editor John Sadler writes:
I hesitate to use the ‘C’ word but Christmas is coming, we are well into Autumn as I write and at last the air has become a bit cooler, although we are still not seeing enough rain to top up the reservoirs, as can be seen from the latest statistics.
Traffic along the Shropshire Union is beginning to reduce in numbers, there’s still a surprisingly large number of hire boats apart from the day boats that pretty much run all year.
We had a long weekend taking in a pub meal and a few drinks in the last dry weekend, weatherwise. The multi fuel stove was fired for the first time although after a few minutes the swan hatch needed to be open. After that experience we stuck to the more controllable diesel heating. We have promised ourselves a bit more cruising this winter so hopefully the rain we desperately need will fall at night.
I’ve noticed that a few images of narrowboats in distress have been posted on social media that are contrary to the laws of physics. I’m guessing that AI had a hand in generating these implausible situations. The first question we now have to ask, on seeing boats in unlikely positions is ‘is it real or fake?’. With the increasing capacity of software to generate any image or story I’m not too sure how we will cope, but like adverts that seem to be too good to be true we will learn to judge. When the long awaited new app arrives for reporting episodes on the cut, CRT
will have to apply some sort of vetting to determine the source of the images. There’s always someone willing to corrupt an otherwise good plan.
A welcome should be extended to Campbell Rob as the new CEO of CRT, and a goodbye to Richard Parry whose efforts have kept the charity going from its inception. Personally I’m sad to see Anne retiring from NABO Chair, her efforts were always in support of all boaters but I do know the strain that it puts on a small team.
Our forthcoming AGM will provide answers to who will form the next council and possibly set new objectives for the year.
Looking forward to the next and favourite part of the winter, creating plans for cruising in the better weather. I’m sure a lot more contingency will feature after this year, and the favourite logic that figures in every coding language: if-then-else will play a big part.
There are parts of the network that I’ve still not seen and would like to, before I get too old and infirm. The Kennet and Avon down to Bath and one of the cross Pennine routes are both still on the agenda.