Ive changed the permissions to allow non registered users access to the new 'rainchasing' blog. This was an oversight on my part, not a cunning plot to get anyone to register! Apologies and thanks for pointing it out!

Normal 'Friday forecasts' will resume now. Work continues on the site, I think it all basically works, but the river levels are still being tinkered with. The basics are all there, but the labels are messed up. I broke it, then am still in the process of working out how to fix it. The cyberspace equivalent of having a few screws left over after putting something back together I guess!

Work is still very much 'in progress' on the site. There are many reasons for this including general housekeeping and me needing to understand the workings of it properly, but I also want to change the theme a bit.

I think it should be more locally focussed as we don't get contributions from around the country, and I haven't got the time or inclination to do the necessary networking to get it going. So, to borrow a phrase, were staying 'unashamedly local' within the North of England. The primary focus will still be to pursue and publish good river level information, with supporting media and a new blog, 'rainchasing', which has now begun. Stuff that I put up will primarily be about river running in kayaks. If this is not what you want, then you'll need to contribute to change it!

We do get quizzed about our stance on access. We don't have one. All I want is to have fun on the river, leaving no one annoyed, and no trace that I've been. If there is an 'access issue', then not going boating is not the way to solve it. Some accommodation with other river users (locals and fisherfolk) seems appropriate in the semi urbanised environment in which we kayak, but in essence I really can't see what the problem is, or why the small issues cant be managed at a personal/group level. Assume rights, take responsibility, go boating.

All contributions are very much welcome, and if anyone wishes to contribute in any way that is great. Rainchasers supports 'death before portage' a locally based kayak forum.