Simply Special

By now we were really into our boating stride and the days started to pass far too quickly. There is always so much to see and do. A simple job, like stopping to fill up your water tank, can be so much fun when you make such amazing discoveries as this old lock paddle, close to the watering point.

I was able to use it to give my apprentice Louis a lecture on lock mechanics. However, he's such a bright spark that he'd already worked it all out, without seeing below the murky canal water. It's great to have someone as enthusiastic about boats as me, to talk over the finer points of boating.

George and Yorkie were more interested in the wildlife that abounds on the canals. Boating in April is great as you get to see so many baby ducks ...

... although you have to keep your paws crossed at all times, that they won't get snatched by a hungry pike for dinner.

Not this family, but another, did live very dangerously by going for a swim in an empty lock. They could easily have got crushed by tonnes of hard steel, as there is not a lot of spare room in a lock. Fortunately, with our careful supervision, they made it safely out, family intact.

This mooring near Greensforge was one of my favourites. It was simply idyllic and very quiet. At dusk, and again in the early morning, it was very atmospheric, with mist over the water. And the great thing was, there was a pleasant pub, with good food, just 5 minutes walk down the towpath.

Have we sold canal boat holidays to you yet?

Love Eddie and crew xxx