Having just come back from my canal boat holiday on The Grand Union Canal, I thought it only fair to impart some little known facts about this form of holiday.
1. It is compulsory for all 'captains' of the boat to have a grey beard.
2. No one has told the boat designers that when you push the tiller to the right then the boat should turn right.
3. If you see a canal boat coming towards you as you approach a small bridge, get into top gear and go for it... you might get there first.
4. If a certain fair-haired writer screams 'Take the tiller!' as the gap between said boats gets smaller... they meant it! (see point 2).
5. Tunnels are long, dark and drippy.
6. If you want to look like Popeye by the end of the holiday, make sure you are the one to use the windlass at the lock gate.
7. White plastic bags are not always herons.
8. There IS such a thing as canal rage.
9. Be sure not to drink and drive... moor up before opening that bottle of Prosecco!
10. The party boat full of pirate clad students WILL moor up behind you... then follow you down the canal the next day.
Ha... hope that's put you all off!
If you would like to read a little relevant writerly stuff now, why don't you follow me over to
Charlotte Harrison's blog: A Place on the Bookshelf, where I am guest blogger on her Talking Tuesday's spot.
Do please support Charlotte, as she is a young and enthusiastic creative writing student and I think her new blog is great.
Thanks Wendy! You're welcome back anytime! :)
ReplyDeleteCharl x
Thanks for inviting me, Charlotte, and good luck with the course.
DeleteMy brother lives on a canal boat, so I knew most of this already. I dispute point 1 though - my brother's beard is not grey (yet)
ReplyDeleteNeither was my husband's until point number 4!(He lets it grow just for the holiday week) How exciting to live on a canal boat... mind you after a week I was crying out for space.
DeleteGreat photos and tips, Wendy - glad you, too, are back safely!
ReplyDeleteHopefully I have put everyone off, so we can have the canal to ourselves next time, Rosemary!
DeleteI used to go on lots of boating holidays when I was younger, which were always great fun. Great photos and tips!
ReplyDeleteIt is the most relaxing holiday you could have, Amanda - unless, of course, you are behind a boatload of pirated!
DeleteLove this, Wendy, and I can see that boat load of Pirate students! Bet you have many new storylines to follow up too...
ReplyDeleteThought I might try a Daily Telegraph 'Just Back' article, Tracy.
DeleteLooks like a good holiday for picking up short story material. I prefer dry land though.
ReplyDeleteJust enjoyed reading your answers on Charlotte's blog.
Glad you enjoyed them, Keith.
DeleteI still think it sounds wonderful and something I'd love to do, Wendy :-) I'd like to live on a boat like Patsy's brother - but I draw the line at growing a beard ;-)
ReplyDeleteLoved the photos x
Ha - now that's a picture! You must give it a try, Teresa. It's the most relaxing holiday you could have and you could always wear a false beard!
DeleteSounds like you had a great time, Wendy! Lots of material for short stories in there!
ReplyDeleteSam Tonge
Yes, it was great Sam.
DeleteI was already put off, Wendy. By disastrous boating holiday with irrascible uncle in awful weather. NEVER again.
ReplyDeleteBut did you enjoy yours?
Yes we loved it - but I know that good weather helps a lot (and the lack of an irrascible uncle!)
DeleteEnjoyed reading this, Wendy. I wonder if you'll be turning it into some sort of travel article ...
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking about it, Sally.
DeleteHow disappointing - I'd set my heart on being a captain one day, but I don't think the beard will suit me :(
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you need a holiday to get over that one, something relaxing where someone else does the driving.
Yes... another holiday... that's a great idea, Linda.
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