Silly me! But at 52' long, (6'10" wide) I can surely be forgiven for the slip - by anyone but narrow boat owner perhaps. We had a lovely relaxed day on the Wey River, almost reaching the Thames but deciding instead to moor up for a leisurely lunch and return the way we came. I say relaxed. For me, at least ... steering that length, from the rear and/or dealing with the locks at regular intervals is a pretty good workout for even the fittest of men/women.
Ken and Sally started from scratch in 2006 - preparing a plan of what they needed on board to decide how long it needed to be - and then fitting it out over the following two years. There are canals all over Great Britain and basically its possible to get anywhere if you have the time.
Initially used by horse drawn barges, since the 1600's, they are solely for pleasure now - if you call working those locks a pleasure. I DID get out at one stage to help Sally but suspect I was more hindrance than help ... and I certainly didn't risk disembarking when we were going DOWN the locks - Sally seemed to take her life in her hands each time she stepped back down into the boat - varying between a 3' and a 12' change in depth. Going back the other way the boat is level with the bank, and moving on and off is much easier.
Sally, hard at work. One month younger than me ... about half the weight ... and hardly breaking out in a sweat!
Going out through the first lock gates after a drop of about 8'
From under a bridge - oh the photographic excellence - even the ducks are in focus!
Told you!! 1653!
Waiting for the water to fill the lock - proof positive that I was indeed out of the boat - or at least my camera was.
Although most boats seemed to have been put to bed for winter, there was still plenty of animal activity on the river.
What can I say? Hiding the fact that the drain down point for the central heating has to be accessible.
Two adults plus two teenagers
Woops ... wrong turn, Mr Mole.
Even Chalkie got a look in!
And such views -
Cox's Flour Mill - now an apartment building for I wouldn't know how many apartments. What photography - just look at those reflections. Such a perfect day.
A weir to deal with some of the excess water, beside a lock. On our way back about a dozen people were practising for rough water, in their kayaks.
Eh? Eh? Good or what?
Be grateful I didn't put up all 60 photographs that I took in the 5 hour journey!
All in all a lovely day - followed by a pub meal in the evening with Pauline and Nick (Sally's sister).
And now a win to the All Blacks. Not sure I approve of the delaying tactics in those last 2.5 minutes, but seeing the look on everyone's face at the end made it all worth while.
Whatever will we look forward to next? My return at the end of December? Must be almost as exciting surely?
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