We've just spent a few days with friends on their canal boat. Canal boating is quite unique because:
- you're surrounded by water but the land is never more than a leap away
- it's good to look at but you really wouldn't want to jump in and have a swim
- you can chug for hours but only cover a distance that would take you five minutes in the car
- You can't pass each other in the boat without flattening yourself against the wall
- the toilet facilities are... well, let's just say 'interesting'
- there's no Internet access
- BUT everybody you pass says 'hello'
- AND life slows downs to a speed that is probably the pace we were meant to move at before technology created so much for us to do.
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| Small on the inside |
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| Large on the outside |
Hub and I would like to go on a barge tour in the Netherlands one day . . . but perhaps a weekend trip as I'm not sure about that slow pace for a longer time frame.
ReplyDeleteThe slow pace isn't an issue. I find it impossible to relax at home but on a boat you don't notice how everything is slowing down.
DeleteThat space was claustrophobic small. I don't know if I could make it in a boat that tiny.
ReplyDeleteHugs and chocolate,
Shelly
You get used to it, spending most of the time on the outside.
DeleteLoved the pics.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Thanks
Deletesounds as if you had a lovely time.....I should think it could quite addictive....
ReplyDeleteI did miss the Internet but time drifts by and you don't notice it.
DeleteThat looks idyllic. I used to work for British Waterways a few years ago. I loved going out on the narrow boats.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds as if it was an interesting job.
DeleteI am very jealous, Ros. I know I have it all here, but I have never been on the English canals. I would soooooo love to do an English canal holiday! Travelling by water is a parallel world in more ways than one, wouldn't you agree?
ReplyDeleteI know, I know. Sorry. I do think you'd enjoy it. Don't forget to let us all know if/when you do come over. We can have a bloggers' meet-up :-)
DeleteOh what a lovely time you had. So glad you enjoyed it. (We have canals near here - I'm the mad woman on the bank waving as you go by ...)
ReplyDeleteThat was you was it?!!!
DeleteHi Ros .. I see Val has commented! I'd love to do a canal trip sometime .. it does just look idyllic ... and Morning AJ has a wealth of knowledge re British Waterways ..
ReplyDeleteGorgeous - cosy inside and beautiful views outside .. lovely .. cheers Hilary
Idyllic isn't quite the word. It's hard work doing the lock etc but it's relaxing in a strange sort of way.
DeleteFriends of ours actually lived on a canal boat for several years and still live by a canal. They have a small boat now which we used to go to the pub!
ReplyDeleteI do believe they're thinking of bringing in a law about being drunk in charge of a canal boat!!!
DeleteI've always fancied the idea of a barge holiday - not with my kids though. They could make a small space seem minuscule!
ReplyDeleteBut your kids would be steering the boat, helping to work the locks and running alongside on the tow paths. After a few hours of that they'd be so exhausted they'd be asleep. Worth a try.
DeleteRunning on towpaths is dangerous. Seriously. There are so many things to trip up on. People don't realise.
DeleteAnd yet I saw many people out jogging and serious running along the towpaths.
DeleteSuch a unique experience! How very cool - glad you enjoyed it :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you survived! We could all do with travelling at canal boat pace from time to time.
ReplyDeleteOver the years we keep think about doing this and then we don't at least you picked the good weather Ros that was a bit of luck.
ReplyDeleteunique way of looking at the world. Thanks for sharing and like everything, there are good and bad aspects. I'm sure there are plenty of interesting stories along the way
ReplyDeleteMany years ago, I spent spent holidays and long weekends on narrowboats and loved every second. I think the slow pace does us good now and again. And you got great weather which always makes such a difference.
ReplyDeleteI envy you your friends, and this idyllic canal boating trip :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you found a lovely way to travel. It must have been nice to have a break from the Internet.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Sounds wonderful. One of these days, instead of gallivanting around, I'm going to go canal boating. ~Miriam
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool experience... I'd love to go that:)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a lovely break...and has reminded me of when I spent a day out on the river.
ReplyDeleteCanal boats look like fun! Only for a day trip though, I don't imagine they are very comfortable or particularly warm for long stays!
ReplyDelete