Thread: Lunch.Canals and Narrow Boats

In the UK there is a network of inland waterways called canals. These waterways narrow boats transported good all-around the country. Coal mines were many in the UK and many of these boats transported coal.

When I was young horses pulled these boats along tow paths by the side of the canal. I lived near the canal and heard a funny noise one day coming home from school. One of these barges had a motor fixed to it, and it was pulling another vessel.

The name for the narrow boats was barge, and people lived aboard and were call bargees. They were a special band of people and were well known for the dancing and merry making at canal side public houses.

Many canals were overgrown, and were impossible for boats to navigate, then a mass cleaning up operation was organised, and the narrow boat holidays were introduced.

The boats are now enclosed the whole length, making comfortable living quarters, some are extremely luxurious.

Today we had lunch in a pub next to a canal, the pub was called The Marina, and a marina next to the pub where boats are sold or hired out.. People from all over the World come to the UK for the sole purpose of Narrow Boat Cruising.

I took some pictures today, but due to heavy rain am using some from other visits to the pub.

From a previous visit

More pictures including the talents of people on the narrow boats and their art work

Pictures of the Ashby Canal and the Marina.

Weather today was a mixture of sun and showers, mostly showers, so could not venture far, but some of todays photos.

Lunch I had a mixed grill and Diane had a chilli con cardy and to wash it down I had a pint of beer. Diane does not drink Alcohol so just an orange juice.

Hope you notice the Gas Station.

These waterways are situated all over the UK and boats are hired in many places.

After a short instruction you are let loose on the water and are Captain of your own ship.

I don't fancy it though especially going through locks.

My goodness, Norman! I didn't know such places existed....we never saw anything like that when we were in the UK. We missed out on an interesting outing, for sure.

How neat and tidy these boats look tied up just so.

I wonder how long it takes clothes to dry hung up like this??