Icy thoughts

Sunday, 10 January 2010 11:00

Snow and ice can be pretty, but.....

I have been reading about the irresistable urge some people have to walk on the canals and lakes now they are frozen over. Unfortunately there have been fatalities as a result of this foolishness.

BW Coms says that 90% of Britain's Canals are frozen over. An overview of the canals is here on Chris Grice's waterscape blog. Tell me, where is that elusive 10%?

There is no guarantee that the ice is thick enough to walk on, even if it looks it, as the thickness will vary according to temperature fluctuations etc. The water underneath is certainly cold enough to cause serious hypothermia and unless a quick rescue is achieved the outlook for an "ice walker" is not good.

It froze last year too! How quickly we forget! The freeze in winter 2009 did not last so long and it was not so widespread or so cold!

Banbury (South Oxford Canal) January 2009, ice outside Tooleys and ice below Banbury.

Last year, during the freeze in January, we watched the Fire Brigade training at Thrupp for ice rescues. It was reassuring, but worrying, as they were obviously enjoying themselves with serious intent!

The photos here may or may not reassure you that, if called in time, our Fire Service can help.

We thought that that we had had our fair share then but it snowed and froze again in February 2009.

Coot at Newbold (North Oxford Canal) February 2009

Sutton Stop Lock

Hawkesbury Junction on the Coventry Canal

We moved down to Coventry Basin and were iced in for a few days.

Moorings in the Basin

So back to this year and Birmingham's BCN - our water is lasting well, but we will have to think about filling up the tank if this freeze lasts until next weekend! By the time you read this, we hope to have some more coal, as Dan from one of our neighbouring boats is collecting some - for us and his fire. We filled up with diesel when we arrived back before Christmas and our tank should last us well into next month.

The only down side is - my itchy feet - I miss cruising!