Tree down across the towpath

Trees come down all the time along our canals which for us log burning liveaboards is a good source of fuel. High winds and trees leaning in a dangerous manner are reasons for trees to end up horizontal but this one was just a victim of rot and an overbearing weight from the Ivy using it as a climbing pole.

Now the only number I had to hand was the emergency one 0800 4799947, it rang and rang and rang. Jaq found a number online that was answered quickly and within 2 hours contractors appeared and began removing the tree.

Fifty minutes later they departed and you can see in the second picture below a huge part is just about on the towpath.

Milton Keynes office are responsible for this section so they now have before and after pictures. It will be interesting to hear what they say. Health and Safety will probably be the answer.
The wash from a fast passing boat will probably drag the remaining foliage into the canal.

 It came down this morning on a windless day. No warning. Two days ago there were three boats moored along here.

Mentioning the so called free phone (toll free) 0800 number has reminded me of something. As you know here in the UK if we use a mobile(cell) to call these type of number it costs dearly but is free from a landline.
We all have inclusive minutes in our plans that allow calls to any landline or mobile phone but not the dreaded 0800 plus a couple of others. 0800 Buster is the way to call these numbers by just using your inclusive minutes, so basically no out of plan charges.
 Save the number on your mobile and dial it when you need to call a 0800, 0808 or 0500 number. When you dial the number you’ll be prompted to tap in the freephone number you want to call followed by the hash (#) sign. Do this and you’ll only be charged for a UK landline number which will be free if you have inclusive minutes.

 Similar to our account we use to call the U.S. at a penny per minute.