jane

Every now and then I’ve mulled over the idea of living on a narrow boat …….but would  I actually be able to drive one! My spatial skills (like most females) are not my strong point  and the idea of steering something that was at least three times the length of my car filled me with dread, but I was determined to have a go.

 The day was actually organised for my sister’s family by my mother………….but having an invite as well meant I didn’t have to gate crash. When we arrived I was somewhat relieved to see the boat was not quite as long as many of the other boats on the canal. It was a small boat that had been refurbished for days out such as ours.

Having had the basics explained and the intricacies of lock opening and shutting demonstrated at the first lock we came to, before the owner returned along the tow path, we were then left to our own devices. It was a glorious late summer day and with my gorgeous niece languidly draping herself over the top of the boat we set off.

Whilst my nephew hopped on and off the boat opening locks with whoever was available.

It was interesting to see familiar places like Newbury from the canal. Although I had done a kayaking course a few years earlier and so knew the short stretch that runs through the town, I hadn’t gone any further so it was all new territory for me. 

It was a fabulous day and the weather couldn’t have been better. Soon after setting off I was able to summon up enough courage to take over the driving. 

My brother in law was very kind making light of the times when I started to head straight for the bank! It was difficult to get used to swinging the steering handle (or whatever it’s called) the opposite way to the way you wished to go, and while I managed to negotiate our way out of some locks, I was not very successful going in, particularly when there was another boat already in the lock. Despite this I don’t feel totally disgraced myself and it’s certainly something I’d like to do again.
It really was a great day out. 

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This entry was posted on Saturday, September 29th, 2007 at 3:49 pm and is filed under Non Diving Wanderings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.