An enjoyable read with great images. I have an old Yashicamat 635 and they’re a good camera. Unfortunately the slow speeds need some attention on mine.
Great post and photos, Ralph. Vacationing on a barge and travelling along the canals has always seemed like a wonderful way to travel. However, from what I’ve heard from friends and family who’ve done it, it sounds like a lot of hard work too. They’ve also said it was worth it for the experience. What do you think?
Many thanks, Mark. It's probably not for everyone, as it is an activity type holiday by it's very nature. How much 'hard work' is involved depends on a number of things - the route taken, how far you're aiming to get during your time aboard, how many crew members there are to share the tasks, time of year, etc.
My first canal holiday was back in the mid 80s, Irene's first when she went with her Mum back in the 70s and ever since we've both been coming back for more whenever circumstances would allow. Yes, there is work involved, but there are so many delights, too, not least the much slower pace of life. The odd time while away on a boat that we've had to venture back into 'civilisation' for provisions or whatever, there's always a sense of relief getting back onboard away from it all.
I’m certainly not put off by a bit of work and the benefits/enjoyment factor definitely appear to outweigh any potential hardships. Maybe one day I’ll give it a try when I’m back in the UK at some point. Unfortunately, canal boats are not something we have on this side of the pond. In the meantime, I’ll just live vicariously through your wonderful posts.
Wonderful Ralph a great travelogue on the first leg of your journey and lovely images to go with it! It sounds as though it had everything you'd want (along with maybe some things you could do without) for a holiday adventure, although I must say some of it sounds a bit hard work. I bet you learned a lot about the mechanics of the boat on this trip!
The photo of Percy and Irene is fabulous and you encountered so many amazing trees along the way - I have to say the one with a face did make me smile. Now I'm looking forward to your next instalment...hopefully with less mishaps, but then they are all part of the fun on the water!😊
Many thanks for your lovely words, Lin. Couldn’t resist the tree with the face - reminded me of Dusty Bin on Ted Rogers’ 3-2-1 gameshow from many moons ago. Well, regarding everything going swimmingly, or otherwise, what would I have to write about if all went exactly to plan? 😏😁
Oh Ralph, I really enjoyed this first leg of your Four Counties adventure! Could this be the opening chapter in a (future) book I wonder? For it's the perfect mix of calm stretches, comic mishaps and those slightly heart‑in‑mouth moments only canal life can offer. People love reading about these adventures.
Your descriptions had me grinning one minute and quietly worrying the next! Perfect! Especially with those un-lifted fenders, the batteries and poor old Hyperion’s throttle cable. And threaded through it all, your images are beautiful ... carrying that same steady, observant magick as your words.
Percy and Irene together are wonderful! And my favourite is the black and white one of "Great Haywood Junction". I’m already looking forward to the next leg of your canal adventures. 🙏💖
Loved it. What a journey this far. Some stunning pictures and lots of interesting stories to go along with them. Also looks like the weather was amazing. Look forward to part 2 Ralph.
What a great travel log!
Many thanks, Alex!
An enjoyable read with great images. I have an old Yashicamat 635 and they’re a good camera. Unfortunately the slow speeds need some attention on mine.
Great post and photos, Ralph. Vacationing on a barge and travelling along the canals has always seemed like a wonderful way to travel. However, from what I’ve heard from friends and family who’ve done it, it sounds like a lot of hard work too. They’ve also said it was worth it for the experience. What do you think?
Many thanks, Mark. It's probably not for everyone, as it is an activity type holiday by it's very nature. How much 'hard work' is involved depends on a number of things - the route taken, how far you're aiming to get during your time aboard, how many crew members there are to share the tasks, time of year, etc.
My first canal holiday was back in the mid 80s, Irene's first when she went with her Mum back in the 70s and ever since we've both been coming back for more whenever circumstances would allow. Yes, there is work involved, but there are so many delights, too, not least the much slower pace of life. The odd time while away on a boat that we've had to venture back into 'civilisation' for provisions or whatever, there's always a sense of relief getting back onboard away from it all.
As you may have guessed, we love it.
I’m certainly not put off by a bit of work and the benefits/enjoyment factor definitely appear to outweigh any potential hardships. Maybe one day I’ll give it a try when I’m back in the UK at some point. Unfortunately, canal boats are not something we have on this side of the pond. In the meantime, I’ll just live vicariously through your wonderful posts.
Who knows? One day, maybe. Thanks again, Mark.
Wonderful Ralph a great travelogue on the first leg of your journey and lovely images to go with it! It sounds as though it had everything you'd want (along with maybe some things you could do without) for a holiday adventure, although I must say some of it sounds a bit hard work. I bet you learned a lot about the mechanics of the boat on this trip!
The photo of Percy and Irene is fabulous and you encountered so many amazing trees along the way - I have to say the one with a face did make me smile. Now I'm looking forward to your next instalment...hopefully with less mishaps, but then they are all part of the fun on the water!😊
Many thanks for your lovely words, Lin. Couldn’t resist the tree with the face - reminded me of Dusty Bin on Ted Rogers’ 3-2-1 gameshow from many moons ago. Well, regarding everything going swimmingly, or otherwise, what would I have to write about if all went exactly to plan? 😏😁
Dusty bin...now you're going back some...but i can see the resemblance!🤣
Oh Ralph, I really enjoyed this first leg of your Four Counties adventure! Could this be the opening chapter in a (future) book I wonder? For it's the perfect mix of calm stretches, comic mishaps and those slightly heart‑in‑mouth moments only canal life can offer. People love reading about these adventures.
Your descriptions had me grinning one minute and quietly worrying the next! Perfect! Especially with those un-lifted fenders, the batteries and poor old Hyperion’s throttle cable. And threaded through it all, your images are beautiful ... carrying that same steady, observant magick as your words.
Percy and Irene together are wonderful! And my favourite is the black and white one of "Great Haywood Junction". I’m already looking forward to the next leg of your canal adventures. 🙏💖
Such kind words, Deborah, thank you so much. There were certainly further 'adventures' on the trip - hopefully I can keep the narrative rolling🙏😊
A wonderful start. Here's hoping the rest is as enjoyable.
Many thanks, Paul.
Super adventurous! Great job piloting and steering (sounds daunting — like driving a big bus!). Looking forward to more. 😃
Thanks KB, I appreciate it! 🙂
The 4 counties is a very scenic route along the canals.
It certainly is, all the more so this time of year with all the May blossom out.
Loved it. What a journey this far. Some stunning pictures and lots of interesting stories to go along with them. Also looks like the weather was amazing. Look forward to part 2 Ralph.
Many thanks, Paul. We were, indeed, very lucky with the weather. Only in the last week or so did it become a little chillier and unsettled.