Email: Starting early

David Hymers is wide of the mark when he writes (referring to lock manning hours) 'there can't be many people who want to start at 8am'.

Perhaps he's still asleep when the early birds go past! My average setting-off time on fine (ie not chucking it down) mornings this summer has been 7am, and I frequently meet other boats at that hour.

One particularly beautiful morning on the Thames saw me arrive at a lock at 6am, only to find the 'Public Power' not yet switched on—it arrived on the dot of 7.

David should try a bit of early morning boating—the best part of the day for it.

Mac McManmon, Nb Cygnet