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I wondered how long it would be before we heard about the porridge. It simply wouldn't be a proper narrow boat trip without real ale and porridge. On reflection, I reckon that Alan made the right decision missing that trip to the pub to watch the football, assuming that the match in question was England versus Iceland - a match I wish I had missed also.

Sara has retreated to a position under the duvet with a pillow over her head to block out the gasps of fear from David and Amber (who has her spaniel ears over her eyes for most of the time) as they read the gripping tale from the darkest depths of the midlands.
 
 David has noted that your journey involves the passing of many pubs and recalls the tale:
 
 "We are now passing the oldest pub in England."
 
 "Why??"
 
 But that is for another day.
 
 Nearly there chaps, just one more push and you will reach your destination.
 
 BTW Has Ron been allowed to come in from the rain yet?

There are three of us (including Amber the cocker spaniel) crowded around the computer to read each thrilling chapter of your adventure. 'Goodness,' said Sara, 'imagine cooking in that weather.' Amber wants to know if you have espied any rabbits and David's thought were with Ron, sitting out in the rain - like Ernest Shackleton - as you hurried onwards.
 
 You, Gentlemen, are upholding the finest tradition of English advernturers - mad as March hares but you always get to your destination. I look forward to the book of your adventures and the film starring Meryl Streep as Alan.
 
 

When I read the word "disaster" I feared that perhaps there had been a real ale drought. That would have been a disaster, whereas a fallen tree is nothing to a team of experienced boaters like yourselves. Keep on having a good time.
 
 Bill

Having enjoyed walking with the company of my uncle (Clifford Bailey) he suggested I look at this website for details of your walks. Havng read three, I have very quickly discovered a few things:
 (a) Someone has a fantastic ability to create the website and put the days walk into print, along with the expected 'disaster' and 'sucess' news
 (b) The walk planner with have to suffer unknown penalties should there be no bridges available for photos
 (c) Chips are devoured at every opportunity
 (d) Jennings ale is very popular!
 
 

Looking forward to the posting of 2016 Courchevel adventures on here!

Why is it Ron who always makes the excellent Bacon, Sausage and Egg butties? Is his peerage hereditary or was it an honour bestowed on account of his delicious Bacon, Sausage and Egg butties?
 And yes there are many more bridges than you might expect.
 We too have locals of very similar in appearance to the ones you encounter.
 What is the average price of your chip portions?
 Where do you buy your pork pie rations?
 We could do with some biographical details of the walkers.
 When are we going to see something happen on the web cams?
 Do you accept visitors on your walks?

WOW! What bravery and skill you men show in your latest adventure!
 
 Must try cheese on chocolate hobnobs...
 
 

Yet another thrilling adventure draws to a close. These tales of derring-do are more gripping than Harry Potter.
 
 A very impressive adventure, they seem to get better every time.

Further to Judy's perceptive observation on 'The Pie' - what has happened to it? Surely a 'disaster' has not befallen it.
 I thought it very funny that you were all tucked up nice and cosy with the heating on - on the hottest night for ten years!

Two things puzzle me
 1. Why did you have gammon for tea when Ron had bought that gigantic pork pie etc. Marion is right about the 5/2 diet !
 2. It was mentioned you all got up early and Tom went for THE paper. Early rising, paper and Tom are not normally phrases which go together!
 Remember the factor 30+ lads.

Judging by the size of that pork pie I guess Tom and Ron aren't on a 5-2 day. Good luck for the rest of the journey.

God speed to the intrepid crew travelling the byways of darkest Birmingham and other nether regions of the heathen midlands.
 
 I shall follow your travels and travails with my usual interest. I can but admire the spirit of Stanley and Livingstone in men such as you. Ungracious souls would term it foolhardy but not I. You may be as mad as a box of frogs but few would dare to attempt keeping up with you.
 
 David

At last managed to read about your forthcoming adventure. News has even reached 'Death Valley' in California!!! Our hearts are filled with trepidation at the thought of you visiting Dudley! Oh no, not Dudley we said. But hey ho you will survive we are sure. Safe Voyage. D<

Hi...I came across your Cheshire Ring Blog while searching for moorings on that route...we found it very interesting and useful as we are doing the same trip starting this Saturday 11th April 2015,we start from Anderton Marina....Any further tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.....I also looked at your River Nene trip as we have a 61ft Narrowboat moored on the River Nene just outside Peterborough....We are hiring a special vessel for the Cheshire Ring trip because we have recruited 3 extra crew members plus it would take toooo long to get there with only limited holidaying time (ours sleeps 4)....I will keep an eye out for any future trips you may undertake...I think we may also do a similar blog of our trip.
 Regards Carl Fisher.

We are coming from Australia to do the Stourport ring in May 2014. Have read your adventures with great delight. I hope we have as good a time.

Loved reading of your canal adventures. One day I would love to do something like that. Have to get some training first. More difficult to persuade the other half to go but he was quite keen on visiting many canal side inns along the way.

Just happened across your web pages looking for a piste map of Reberty - very inspiring

Gosh, men.... HOW ON EARTH did you allow Neil to fall into the water? Shocking! Glad you rescued him!
 Have a good time, enjoyed reading the blog. See you @ w/e Alan.
 

From Captain Pugwash to Cabin Boy Alan. The race track was at Monza Italy not Monti Carlo France, plonka. Get the mop out and scrub it again.

When you get to Peterborough you can. Moor at the large floating pub/restaurant Charters and East. Just before The Town bridge in the right hand side.
 My friend Paul Hook owns It as well as Oakham brewery.
 Most of their great ales are on sale and you can moor free for the night. if you fancy it give me an eta and I will let Paul know you may call
 
 Ps East is a fantastic Thai/Fusion restaurant in the top deck of the massive Dutch barge.
 I will ensure Neil will be welcomed in the bottle.
 Cheers Cran'

Hello crew
 I am watching your every move
 Glad all is well
 Enjoy.
 
 Cybernanna

Alan, I'm sure you'll do well on this mission!!! I'm sure the lady Jessica will bring you all luck xxxxxxx

Dolly the tea lady says "My hero!" I say, well done chaps, it looks like great fun and you have clearly earned those regular pints of assorted ales by educating 'amateur' boaters in the etiquette of waterwaysmanship (a word I have just invented) and saved lives in the process.
 
 Thank you for keeping us landlubbers so well informed and enjoy the days ahead.

Last of The Summer Wine comes to mind or Alice in Wonderland? The story-teller needs help or is Neil putting something strange into the breakfast? Have fun.

 Quite a good 3 MEN IN A BOAT story so far. Why did that poor cow look so bored as your boat passed by. Did you have TEMPO RADIO playing?
 Enjoy yourselves.

I am amazed by your water skills because from what I have seen when skiing there is room for improvement. I must admit that I am more than surprised by your healthy eating and dietary commitments. Keep it up chaps, you never know what dangers lurk around the next corner!

DANGER WARNING!!!!!!!!!
 
 Smine too was silled at the perilous locks on the Caldon. I`m sure the intrepid three will avoid such perils.
 
 Keep me posted.

Never mind the weather. Do you usually have deck crew as lovely as those shown on the pictures? If so, 'Can I Go Mum'? I await further news of this dangerous expedition with bated wellies!

Will be reading and watching all the trials and tribulations of the intrepid crew with anticipation.
 Hope the weather is good as it is here in NZ and may the force be with you!!! Good luck Col