BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 09:34 PM

[A lot of what follows is from memory that is two years old. The UK contingent can provide up to date info.]

The narrowboats have accomodations for anywhere from 2 to 12 people and costs run up to $1500 for a week. I think fuel is provided as well as bedding but you have to provide your own groceries and personal items. The boats are designed more for couples than for strangers so there are a lot of double beds.

England has about 2500 miles of canals so you can see a lot of it except that you will spend quite a bit of time working your way through the locks. When God designed that country he didn't make it flat enough so those clever people worked out ways to make boats climb hills and cross valleys.

The narrowboat companies have plenty of sites on the web featuring their services. You ought to check them out.

And yes, Mary, Tom and his wife have led tours using narrowboats to run from folk festival to folk festival and hit all the pubs in between. When I talked to him he reported they had a great time.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: kendall
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 09:25 PM

I'd like the info on the canal trips. This is something I have wanted to do for years. I'm now in a position to do it.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 08:36 PM

Audi - Yeah, it's me. The very same. As for Spaw, he is probably the all round funniest character on this site, notwithstanding that he is sometimes serious too. His numerous verbal attacks on me and Major Tom are among the things I look forward to on Mudcat.

Check out flattop's listings too. He and I love to insult each other, and you might enjoy it, I think. We live in the same town, and often chat on about stuff that must be rather confusing to other 'catters, but we are slowly making Orillia, Ontario (Canada) a household word in places like Slinkville, Alabama and Hangin' Tree, North Dakota.

Matt - I see. Thanks!

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Matt_R
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 08:28 PM

It's a play on words...you know...hooks...mudcats...catfish...fishhooks...other fish in the sea...?

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Audi
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 08:27 PM

LOL! Little Hawk! The very first time I ever came to Mudcat, the top thread on the forum list was written by a 'Little Hawk' and it began with a soliloquy on 'Spaw and a buffalo hunt! I laughed so hard at that thread, I had to look up what a 'Spaw was! Then I laughed even harder when I found his threads!

Are you the same Little Hawk?

Audi

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 08:19 PM

Strange thread. What does "unhooked" mean? I thought when I saw the title that it was going to be a thread about people who are no longer spending every waking moment posting to Mudcat, but it isn't about that at all. What a drag! Now I have no justification for engaging in a long monologue about how I have completely overcome my Mudcat addiction, and how I don't waste my valuable time anymore posting to silly threads...like this one. What's a guy to do?

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 07:24 PM

Naemanson, you're definitely on to something there. Any idea of the costs and maximum number of people a barge could fit for, let's say, a one week or a little over a week trip through England? Or whatever length of time the takers (count me as interested) want to go for. What a fantastic way to see the country and meet English members of the mudcat family. I've never been to England, and am considering a hiking tour of Cornwall in the Fall. This barge trip could easily pre-empt that one. Great idea!

-chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: mg
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 07:18 PM

I think TOm Lewis and his wife lead just such tours. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 07:02 PM

I'll go, Naemanson, but you'll have to tranq me pretty good on the plane ride over.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Matt_R
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 06:25 PM

Hey, if this tank is a Grant, you're gonna need a good side gunner. I can fill the bill...

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Greyeyes
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 06:24 PM

Tuscany is overrated, full of tourists and foreigners. Now a narrowboat round the waterways of the UK, singing and pubbing, that has style. I'm definitely up for that.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 06:13 PM

And, Carol, be careful, someone might take you up on that!

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 06:12 PM

Actually Morty, I've researched this pretty deeply. I wanted to take my daughters in 1998 but the money dried up and I couldn't make it happen. I still hope to do it someday if I could find the right woman who wanted to go canal boating in England.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Bernard
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 05:17 PM

Is that anything like 'Pass the Parcel'?

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Peg
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 05:03 PM

pasta fazool anyone?

:)

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Morticia
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 02:13 PM

If you are serious,I would be happy to sort out details, send you brochures etc.as your UK rep.....do you know you can also get barge trips around Ireland?

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: kendall
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 01:31 PM

When do we leave?

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 01:23 PM

Ok, Naemanson, I'm with you. Are you going to take care of the details?

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 01:20 PM

"You know," he said, getting serious for once, "There are canal boats you can rent for three days to several weeks in England and France. It would be a hell of a Mudcat gathering to get a bunch of people together on several narrowboats and float through England hitting the pubs and singing every night."

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 01:12 PM

...of course, if anyone would like to have a Mudcat gathering on the barge, you're all welcome...

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 01:08 PM

Triple ROTFLMAO, Naemanson!!!!

..and congratulations, Carol! We may still all be there in Tuscany by the time you both arrive. Me and Maemanson will serenade you with the French hauling chantey "Le Capitaine Du San Malo" when you get here. Then it's back to McTuscan's for a round of McMortadello shakes!

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 01:00 PM

Morticia, I am honored by that. Thanks!

-chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 12:58 PM

Join me CR!

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie Dat's amore, Get a New Zealand man with a permanent tan He's a Maori, When a farmer has need to cut some more feed, He cuts a-more hay, If you've got vitamin B, some C and some E You need more A...

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 12:58 PM

You guys are going to have to go on to Tuscany without me. I've just been invited to cruise around the canals and rivers of France upon the beautiful barge of a charming gentleman who also plays the accordion. We plan to go to Tuscany eventually, but we may take a few months to get there. Arrivederci, Bon Voyage, etc, etc...

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Morticia
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 12:37 PM

Better hope Amore turns up then.....whoever they may be. I only interrupted this thread, upon which I have no right to be, firmly shackled as I am to the man of my dreams, to commend, applaud and hoot with joyous laughter at the phrase " poodles of infamy"......Chanteyranger, I salute you, and were I not a married woman, would be yours at the drop of an asterisk for having such an imagination.
Now, as you were, boys and girls.......

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 12:34 PM

Alright, Audi! I'll sing in my best Italian, amore or less.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Audi
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 12:29 PM

LOL! YES, Chanteyranger, I'm with all of you...I'm changing clothes to come just as we speak! (I don't even mind the little poodle as long as it's not the kind that likes to do jerky things on shoes!)

I just adore any thing served in plastic that someone decides to call food--especially on airplanes! We'll be so high from the chantey singing and laughter, we won't even need the Dr. Pepper and Bufferin to launch us on a cheap drunk!

If a lot of Mudcatters decide to come, we can rent an abandoned Abbey for the weekend! With your great linguistical skills, Chanteyranger, I'm sure you could arrange for MCDonaldocini to cater for us.

My favorite part of this dream date is the serenading that will go on after dark. I just love it when someone sings to me with amore!

Audi

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Noreen
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 12:22 PM

Count me in for the Tuscany trip...

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Benjamin
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 11:56 AM

Campfire, 30 is just older to 20. 42 is the same thing.
As for the tank, they haven't let me on yet, and I don't see it coming outside my window. So I can't answer. Sorry!

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 11:41 AM

No menage for me, Naemanson. Just a big Mudcat unhooked persons gathering in Tuscany. Why so few takers on the trip? Naemanson's got it right - it would be a blast. You gotta get your tickets and join this. I'll treat everyone to a Big Rigatoni Mac at the local McTuscan. Renaldo McDonaldocini is slated to make a publicity appearance there. Audi, you with me? I know it isn't as romantic as Fresno, but we'll have a romantic overhead light dinner on the plane to start things off, and see if they can put the plane on automatic pilot and have the crew come over and serenade us with United Airlines's theme song. As we circle above the airport for an hour, waiting for clearance to land, Naemanson and I will entertain the other passengers by singing chanteys at the top of our lungs. It might speed up the clearance. Songs will include Chianti Johnny, Bolognese In The Alley, and Off To Tuscany Once More.

Unless, Carol, you"re just inviting one.....no, it looks like you're welcoming a gathering. If it's too far, let's all get to Intercourse, PA as the alternative. The McDonald's there is better.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 08:22 AM

Wow, CR, looks like you are planning quite a menage a ???. How many will be in that orgy anyway?

Campfire, as someone pointed out earlier in this thread, in the dark we are all the same age. And from my perspective, and in the light, you would be a younger woman.

It's a shame we are geographically challenged. I have the feeling that a party with all of you would be a blast.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 04:40 AM

What makes y'all think Audi's not invited to this Mudcat shindig in Tuscany??????? The only thing I'm leaving behind is the poodle act!

-chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: campfire
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 01:17 AM

Not moldy yet! Almost 42. Can I hitch a ride on that tank?

campfire

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: DougR
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 01:11 AM

Well, campfire, that depends upon how old you are! DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: campfire
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 01:07 AM

If 30 year old women are "older", what does that make me?

campfire

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Amergin
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 12:16 AM

Well, I do....older women (at least my ex was) are wonderful lovers....

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Matt_R
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 12:09 AM

Well I still don't have any experience. I guess I shoulda kept my stupid mouth shut.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Peg
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 12:02 AM

older women? Matt, I mean no disrespect but wasn't it you who, a few short months ago, were bemoaning your lack of any experience, with any women? now all of a sudden you are an experienced lover of older women (plural?)

so do we get the deatils of this transformation?

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: CarolC
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 11:20 PM

Ok, now that you guys have gotten all squiffy on me, I would just like to point out that I'm the only actual woman on this particular incarnation of this thread. Now how do you feel about me being here?

*Carol*

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: DougR
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 11:11 PM

Chantyranger! You fickle you! Here you been courtin' sweet innocent Audi, until a better offer comes along. Shame on you! Fie fie fie on ye! What a let down. Audi must feel terrible!

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Benjamin
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 11:01 PM

Matt,
I'd like a women I can GROW old with. I have nothing against older women. Two of my better friends are 30 year old women.

Speaking of older women, what ever happened to Lisa?
Just wondering.

Your still welcome here Audi if you should choose to come back. Carol, I'd love to go to Europe! Maybe I can hitch a ride in the tank when it passes! It is aquatic right? (You said something about a fish!)

BMW!

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: CarolC
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 10:56 PM

Jeez, Naemanson, did you have to kill us off? Couldn't we have just sailed off into the sunset?

REWRITE!

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Matt_R
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 10:49 PM

Don't worry about Ben, Audi. He is young and does not understand the beauty of women of all ages. He is strictly after young girls. But we who know (and I DO) can attest--older women are beautiful lovers.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Benjamin
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 10:39 PM

I've been lost for awhile now Matt! If only everyone were younger! (the women at leat!)

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Naemanson
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 10:26 PM

Poor Audi, ruthlessly abandoned by all the men who were fighting over her. Look there they go boarding that liner with Carol. And what's that written on the stern of that boat? TITANIC II.

I guess they'll get their comeuppance.

And I guess it's just you and me now, Audi. Do you think you can you make me sigh in fond remembrance as my earlier redhead did?

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: CarolC
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 06:38 PM

Well, chanteyranger, it looks like it's just you, me, Bernard, and kendall. Bernard and kendall will probably take about a week to get from France to Tuscany in the tank, though, so I guess we'll have the villa all to ourselves.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 05:33 PM

Why, is Kendall a fish, too?

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: CarolC
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 05:18 PM

kendall, maybe you should ride in the tank with Bernard.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: kendall
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 05:02 PM

Beautiful accordion music? Would you settle for Flemenco dancers?

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Matt_R
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 04:56 PM

OK, now I'm completely lost.

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 04:52 PM

Alright, Carol, I'm out the door to the travel agency. Chuckles will have to peddle his piddling poodles without me!

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 04:24 PM

I'm up for it, Carol! Just as long as I get to drive the tank...

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: CarolC
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 04:21 PM

Ok, here's my dream date. Who wants to take me?

First we go to a European circus. Preferably in Europe. We drink wine and eat crusty french bread and cheese while listening to beautiful accordion music in a small, cozy French bistro.

At around ten in the evening, we stop in a friendly little bar in Spain someplace for tapas, and then head to Tuscany where we have a villa waiting for us on a beautiful little hillside overlooking the nearest village. About a week there should to it, I think.

Anyone? Anyone?

I didn't think so.

Ah, well...

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Naemanson
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 03:34 PM

Boy, I tell ya, Maine has nothing to match Chuckles E. Muggles and his Chartreuse Poodles Of Infamy or Wilbur O. Stumpf's One Man Band. We don't even have a Greyhound station...

However, tonight we do have Jez Lowe and the bad Pennies!

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 03:26 PM

The romantic dream date with chanteyranger continues.... I'm decked out in the most expensive suit from the Ward Cleaver line of men's wear. We run off to the community talent show, thrilling to the wonders of Chuckles E. Muggles and his Chartreuse Poodles Of Infamy. We hit the town's swingingest nightclub, dancing to the beat of Wilbur O. Stumpf's One Man Band, then a late-night cup of fine java at the Greyhound station...

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 02:24 PM

Other ways? Do tell!

Believe me, hair colour has nothing to do with it!

As for a Freudian slip - are you suggesting I'm wearing ladies' undergarments?!! I've never been shopping at Freudians!!

Puts a different slant on 'threads', dunnit?!!

Subject: RE: BS: Unhooked 'Catters, part 3
From: Naemanson
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 01:54 PM

Actually, Audi, my last girlfriend was a redhead and I still sigh fondly when I think of waking next to her on a summer morning with the sun streaming in on that hair and the little frown of sleep on her face. I think I already mentioned how much I enjoy waking next to someone I love.

And, Bernard, why did you mention "it" was getting bigger aft she revealed her hair color? there were other ways to phrase what you were trying to say. Are we seeing some Freudian slip here?

Subject: Just for completeness...
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 01:08 PM

Part 1

Subject: Doing my bit...
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 12:56 PM

Part 2

It was getting too big (so was the thread!)...