4E 'Going back to her roots'. Hi all, on Oct.13th 1980 I completed the purchase of 4E where she lay at Ledwith's Bridge on the Royal Canal, just west of Ballynacargy. There were several work party week-ends to prepare her for a crane-out and road trip to Tullamore to be dropped into the Grand Canal and conversion. I have always wished to return her to this spot and get some up-to-date pictures.I have just recently [ in Abbeyshrule] been given the names of the three men who worked her as a maintenance boat prior to the major breach in the mid 50's and her being trapped on that level. In making this trip it is hoped to gather as much information from the 1950's as possible locally. My sincere thanks to the RCAG , IWAI and WI people who made this trip a possibility. Any information from the period would be much appreciated. Joe. [attachment 1790 scan0002.jpg] Autumn 1980 and the scene from Ledwith's Bridge as the 'wheel kicking' begins! [attachment 1791 scan0001.jpg] Sid Shine [ the Fox ] brought in for expert advice. [attachment 1792 scan0018.jpg] Hanging over Kelly's Bridge waiting for the trailer, after lifting out of the derelict 38th lock chamber. [attachment 1793 Day1013.JPG] In Richmond Harbour yesterday, about to begin the re-visit.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,33678#msg-33678Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:26:42 +0100 Phorum 5.2.6a http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43752#msg-43752 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43752#msg-43752
Hi all,

I just couldn't resist this postscript with the "Europeans" on at the moment, this is a "Joxer goes to Stuttgart" type story.

The photo above was posted by me in September last on this thread and shows an abandoned kitten that was rescued in Abbeyshrule and adopted by a boating family from Dublin's Northside. "Abbi" was the centre of attention, even appearing on Vossies blog and got the "big failte romhat fraulien" treatment by everyone.

Just like Joxer's fraulien who knocked on a door in Inchicore months later, Abbi has produced a bigger story.

Joe.

[attachment 3504 Abbibabbys.JPG]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumTue, 12 Jun 2012 11:35:39 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43717#msg-43717 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43717#msg-43717
M(W&W)F

PS.....just as well you were'nt passing under Mc Mahon yesterday....there was'nt 9'2"....!!!]]> Mick Farrell IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumSat, 09 Jun 2012 15:40:30 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43716#msg-43716 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43716#msg-43716
Joe.]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumSat, 09 Jun 2012 14:48:09 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43710#msg-43710 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43710#msg-43710When falling in waist-high into Royal on the worst day of 2011 and you just said ''sure it happens'' i think that was your best advice to any one who has done the trip the 4E and you have done.]]> Evan Connon IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumFri, 08 Jun 2012 21:26:16 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43706#msg-43706 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43706#msg-43706
looking back on it makes me think it was a guided tour of canals but my main objective was historical background. Leaving a barge in the Ballyncargy/Abbeyshrule area for six or seven weeks and returning to it at weekends really paid off for me. The people I met along the way were very helpful and of course great praise to WI staff for making the trip possible. Dublin Branch IWAI are the unsung heroes in my opinion, through their help and encouragement, use of the city section of the canals is improving yearly.
I will complete a green and silver in Shannon Harbour so it has been an amazing twelve months.
A few highlight pics below and I must thank the "real" cameramen who gave me some wonderful shots,

Joe.

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[attachment 3499 08-087.jpg]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumFri, 08 Jun 2012 12:26:13 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43695#msg-43695 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43695#msg-43695 OceanFroggie IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumThu, 07 Jun 2012 17:35:39 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43692#msg-43692 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43692#msg-43692
Above and below, passing under Healys Bridge with the line of the Blackwood Feeder stretching away in the distance.

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This spot always meant a lot to me as it is where 4E lay at the end of her trading days . A tidy up and over to the Royal Canal in Longford to spend some years doing maintenance duties lay ahead. The Royal closure left her abandoned and passing into the hands of Robertstown Muintir Na Tire. In October 1980 my dream began.

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The dream below has given a huge amount of pleasure and this trip has filled in the personal gaps in her story. Gracious thanks to all who were part of it and my pride is being for a time the custodian of such a lady,
thank you all,
Joe.
[attachment 3493 scan0002.jpg]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumThu, 07 Jun 2012 15:51:57 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43691#msg-43691 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43691#msg-43691
The Landenstown stretch above Lock 17 is where we come accross the sad looking 31M. In 1925 she was the first in the modern "M" series and obviously was a big step for the company to improve and upgrade its fleet. 4E was one of the horse boats which had an engine fitted and served the company as 23M from 1913 until 1935 when sold to Joe Kane who operated her as 111B. Hopefully the rather special 31M will have a future.

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The small lift of Lock 18 will get us onto the Grand Canal summit level and with the help of a couple of generations of canal families and the glorious weather, this entry into "Joe Kane" country is a glorious event.

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We played the good Samaritan from Cock Bridge to Robertstown - what boating should be about and 4E has been the beneficiary many times.

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This is the point on the map where the the now abandoned Blackwood Feeder stretched westwards. 4E lay at this spot unused from 1950 until 1955 when a pencilled entry on a list of boats on the system states "purchased by CIE for £200 in October 1955".]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumThu, 07 Jun 2012 15:20:13 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43680#msg-43680 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43680#msg-43680
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The function itself was a great affair and the tales of bargees got taller and taller. Highlight for many was the showing of a film of the first re-union held in Robertstown in 1986.
The following morning a few passengers joined us and shortly after leaving Sallins we crossed the Leinster Aquaduct over the River Liffey.

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A fleet of WI work boats as we approach Digby Bridge and Lock 16.

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Under the bridge and into the chamber, the stone giving the date of 1794, amazing structures and still in use.
[attachment 3484 056.JPG]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumWed, 06 Jun 2012 21:47:25 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43642#msg-43642 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43642#msg-43642
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The pair of us out of the 15th lock.

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My destination was Sallins and the harbour opposite Odlums Mill is always available to us.

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The "Boatmens Re-union" was set for Sunday and a few yarns and tit bits of history will always be offered by these guys so for anyone tracing canal history it is the circle to get in to.
This one from my collection was taken in Killaloe in 1994 when a group came arround to be photographed on "Joe Kanes Boat".
[attachment 3480 026.jpg]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumTue, 05 Jun 2012 23:26:12 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43632#msg-43632 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43632#msg-43632
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Into the double chambered 13th lock to become the interval act of a wedding. It still amazes me the amount of Dubliners who have never seen a lock operate or understand its purpose.

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Once out of the lock 4E was moored where she was converted in 1981 and from where she left in 1987 to spend some years in Killaloe. The complete lack of boats and the harsh stone walls on the estate side put me off spending the night - a spot on the canal which has dis-improved.

Joe.

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[attachment 3476 022.JPG]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumTue, 05 Jun 2012 21:05:13 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43594#msg-43594 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43594#msg-43594
This is an aerial view of the 13th lock in the Spring of 1982. 4E is nearer with light grey topsides at the point she was brought to in January of the previous year, 17B "The Owl" on the other bank. Hans and Catherine were living on the Owl and were excellent neighbours. The red VW belonged to them and there were about a dozen boats based there.
The house was the millers house with the remains in the background of Shackeltons Mill which relocated to the 12th lock Lucan after an explosion in the late 1800's. The lovely Miss Rollinson was living in the house at the time and loved to stand at her gate and chat to passers by. The little lane-way up to the point where 4E was moored was named "Tancred's Lane" at the end of which Jimmy Tancred the postman lived with his mother. The other residents here were "Longboat Tyrell" and his family in the lockhouse.

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An early pic of conversion with the Mk. 1 wheelhouse framed up. The derilict behind was around for a few years but with boat numbers building up the abandoned boat problem never blighted this lovely spot.
A few of the boats that spent time here were - Chang Sha, Hein Goodwind, Maisric, Mary Kate, Knocklyon Belle and many more.

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The 13th being a double was very handy for the occasional dry-docking, and this is 4E in the chamber to allow the fitting of shaft and prop. Her first propellor in my care was cast in Athy foundry.

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4E with Chang Sha behind and the Owl on the southern bank. The cab of 33M can be seen. CIE were carrying out a big dredging campaign in the Dublin area and all their drag-line boats were in the area.
These are the ultimate before and after boat pictures so when 4E spends a night at the 13th for old times sake, I will put up some pictures of the scene thirty one years later,

Joe.
PS have a good safe weekend on the water wherever you are.]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumFri, 01 Jun 2012 10:11:17 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43588#msg-43588 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43588#msg-43588
Joe.]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumFri, 01 Jun 2012 00:34:54 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43587#msg-43587 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43587#msg-43587Quote:
joe treacy
Large gap as can be seen ( new camera !) but out at the Hatch to do some welding on a little war wound from Saturday and am grateful for the electricity to accomplish it. This oldie from 1986 in the depths of Winter show Snark with Schollevar behind and 45m with 4E outside.
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Hi Joe,
The boat/blob along the right hand bank past 4E would be Blackthorn and if I recall correctly, the smoke is coming from the chimney of Williams and Woods just beyond 45M

Cheers
Ciaran.]]> Ciaran Clinton IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumFri, 01 Jun 2012 00:15:58 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43586#msg-43586 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43586#msg-43586
[attachment 3459 Photo0027.jpg]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumFri, 01 Jun 2012 00:05:05 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43585#msg-43585 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43585#msg-43585
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This from today with 4E placed to take aboard an o/b engine to go with the wee boat 68M is bringing from town to be transhipped at the Hatch.

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And finally threading her way through the boats meeting and chatting to old friends to a berth at the western end of things. There is something special about telling them about Dublin and the rally.

Joe.

[attachment 3458 DSCF1004.JPG]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumThu, 31 May 2012 23:58:14 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43553#msg-43553 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43553#msg-43553
A little short on the photo side this week as mentioned, the camera is out of action, a few from the phone to fill in and this one from Friday evening on the way up. The crowd at the lock at Charlemont were 4E's biggest audience to date and with a few rounds of applause during the operation were all good natured on a lovely sunny evening. The Dublin tradition of making a collection for the driver would definitely be worth introducing here.
Portobello was the overnight and an early start the following morning for us and the four boats got us along the system quite smartly. The two Micks , Andrew, Alan,John and WI crew were all toiling away for us and others joined at different points. Our sincere thanks to you all.
I had 4E in Dublin in1983 and this trip is her fourth in eleven years to the Dublin IWAI Rally. The system is rapidly improving and "downtown boating" comes highly reccomended from us.
We stuck at our task and finished up in Hazelhatch which allowed us a lie-in on Sunday before dropping back to the basin to enjoy the festival. Our thanks to Dublin Branch for a great rally, WI for the facilitiy and help in and out and of course all the photographers and lock key winders who assisted with a smile.
A few early morning bridge pics to finish,

joe.
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[attachment 3449 Photo0021.jpg]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumMon, 28 May 2012 08:32:24 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43534#msg-43534 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43534#msg-43534
[ouchmybackhurts.wordpress.com]

Have a great weekend,

Joe.

[attachment 3444 23-097.jpg]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumFri, 25 May 2012 15:57:09 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43523#msg-43523 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43523#msg-43523 OceanFroggie IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumFri, 25 May 2012 07:15:11 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43517#msg-43517 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43517#msg-43517[attachment 3443 Photo-00055.jpg]]]> Mick Farrell IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumFri, 25 May 2012 00:16:21 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43516#msg-43516 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43516#msg-43516
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This bridge is certainly not for fly bridges or radar arches and for 4E the basin was lowered by a foot ( thanks WI and Mark), our details are 9' 7" high over a width of 8' 0". Pics are compliments of 4B.

Joe

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[attachment 3441 DSCF9257.JPG]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumFri, 25 May 2012 00:08:41 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43510#msg-43510 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43510#msg-43510The two weeks of the Dublin IWAI rally have been outstanding and the usual bumping into old friends and aquaintances seemed to happen on a daily basis . Highlights for me were Owen Ganley and Pauric O'Brolochain giving us the tour of the newly re-opened Maritime museum followed by a great evening as guests of the owner of the Martello tower in Killiney.
The barbecue in the outer basin was a great night and for the first time ever, our guest for the night was the lovely Jim Murray BBC BSF. The film show night ending with the standing ovation for Ruth Delaney and Ian Bath was an event to remember.
The following night a presentation by Dave Mc Cabe on the Dunrovin project was excellent and he is to be commended for a fair and balanced over-view of this venture and the time and patience he has committed to it.

Getting back to my mission and the "Roots" story, the winter lay-up has seen considerable progress on what I personally want from this trip which is personalities connected with 4E and their stories. The goal is Healys Bridge near Robertstown and at the point that the now dry Blackwood feeder stretches away from the main line of the canal. As already mentioned this was the point from which Joe Kanes 111B was removed after being purchased for £200 in October 1955. After a re-fit she was re-numbered 4E and travelled to the western end of the Royal Canal on maintenance duties.
The three men who worked her there, left many stories and the son of one of them joined us in that area.
Joe Kane, a life-long bachelor, passed on in 1963 but nephews of his remained and it is this contact which will fill in the story from the time Joe purchased her in 1935.This coming chapter is eagerly awaited.
My friend Vossie has got to use my saying of "feed the machine" when referring to putting up posts and to himself others, I am grateful for some beautiful pictures of this trip.
These four are Basin pics with a couple approaching Mc Mahon Bridge which seperates inner and outer. The Grand trip begins,

Joe.

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[attachment 3438 GrandCanalBasin014.JPG]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumThu, 24 May 2012 21:26:17 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43165#msg-43165 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43165#msg-43165 Richard Ellis IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumMon, 07 May 2012 21:31:32 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43157#msg-43157 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,43157#msg-43157Just a quick update, we are settled into Grand Canal Basin and the wheelhouse interior is coming along. Next week sees the start of the Dublin Rally and at this point boats from both canals are starting to gather.
The photo from my friend Vossie who has a new toy to play with. Have moved 4E so hoping for another pic or two :D

Joe.

[attachment 3383 04029.jpg]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumMon, 07 May 2012 20:34:05 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42791#msg-42791 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42791#msg-42791
thanks for your praise and it's touch and go whether climbing or dropping in locks is easier - either way if the boat is wide, there are nerves. Des came down and opened that gate on Friday evening so that it worked well on Saturday morning. Just shows it could be done without the "movie-makers" pressure ! No problem with the Croke Park stretch - plenty of water. Ben took a picture of the " mark of Rambler" on the Liffey wall, I'm sure you will see it sometime.

Giles,

A pleasure to have your company over the weekend, your experience is a great asset, yourself Gill and Hobbes have a deal of canals travelled. 4E will know her own way along the Grand ( this the fourth time in Dublin in eleven years ) and we have thoroughly enjoyed our Royal trip. As for her width, an element of danger adds spice to lock work and her dimensions prove it can be done.
Catch up with you later in the season, have just spoken with Mick/Trish and re-assured them that the diesel was fine ,

Joe.]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumTue, 17 Apr 2012 13:16:38 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42787#msg-42787 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42787#msg-42787
I doubt there will be any more deserved of the Green and Silver Plaque than 4E.

Thanks Joe, Ben and Mick, for a memorable few days. And also thanks to WI in Dublin - nobody, at least in their right mind, could ask for a better service.

Giles

Hawthorn.]]> Giles Byford IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumTue, 17 Apr 2012 11:48:46 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42786#msg-42786 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42786#msg-42786Joe did 4E touch the ramp at the back of the GAA HQ that the Rambler came about a foot out of the water.

On the third lock any sand and dirt at the rear of the lock where you and I and all had to pull the Rambler though.

Will pop down to you in the Grand Canal HQ soon !!!

Well Done again

Evan C (:D]]> Evan Connon IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumTue, 17 Apr 2012 11:36:28 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42785#msg-42785 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42785#msg-42785We have a lovely little rivetted aluminium run-about to sort for a very hardworking crew member which should help re-pay his commitment.
The canal blogs are of interest to people thinking of ditch crawling and in general I try to keep it positive. A few hours lost with a diver working to clear a lock-gate can be frustrating, but the wit and banter at the scene was unbelievable and HEY ITS A CANAL!!
I have mentioned the attention and support of WI people throughout and Dublin Branch IWAI also should be thanked. One of the four boats travelling west on Saturday morning was their "Dubhlinn" on it's way to a community event in Ashtown. Surely the true spirit of IWAI in action.
Again many thanks to all involved in a really successful operation,

Joe.

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[attachment 3332 D-Day140.JPG]]]> joe treacy IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumTue, 17 Apr 2012 10:08:16 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42776#msg-42776 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42776#msg-42776Quote:
Coreibh
Great photos and Narative Joe, well done to all involved.
And agree with Mick, nice change from the millstone of a tread :)

Thanks Joe for a wonderful story told with lovely pictures, some are stunning. Well done on the epic trip. Will drop by GCD some afternoon to say hello.]]> OceanFroggie IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumTue, 17 Apr 2012 06:58:32 +0100 http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42770#msg-42770 Re: 4E 'Going back to her roots'.http://www.iwai.ie/forum/read.php?1,33678,42770#msg-42770
And agree with Mick, nice change from the millstone of a tread :)]]> Coreibh IWAI Waterways Discussion ForumMon, 16 Apr 2012 23:32:19 +0100