On Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:27:04 +0100, "Robin Smithett" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>Respectable hotel pairs have four crew, and do bow haul. >They would not turn a lock on you intentionally - and if they had to do so >in order to get the butty through a difficult lock, would ask first. Thanks Robin, I didn't for one minute suggest that all hotel boats crew behave badly, I just reported one such instance and it was several years ago and not worth further discussion. I've met many courteous and friendly crews and of course it's nice to chat with the passengers. >However, they do work locks at a professional pace, with no hanging about. >If you come across a hotel boat behaving in such a manner, I'd be obliged to >know about it - there are standards to be kept up, and if they fall down on >courtesy, they need to be asked to explain it in the cold light of day - a >heated discussion on the spot is rarely helpful! Indeed >From my past experience of investigating such complaints, I have to say >there are usually two sides to every story. Of course >Although they do not usually ask for special consideration, bear in mind >that handling a pair of full length boats to a schedule is not the easiest >task in the world. i know that very well - I do it myself sometimes, as some people here will know. :-)) My experience is that a fair percentage of people see that you have a pair, and offer to hang back and let you take a unpowered boat through first - but one never assumes or expects them to do so. -- Malcolm
