Longboat

While Laura was here we were able to do a longboat cruise down one of the many canals that run throughout England. Originally, this was a primary mode of transporting goods throughout the country. You can see the longboat we were on (and Ted the Airdale) behind Laura and Wiley. It was the most gorgeous day. They met up with David and Jo (whose boat it is) outside of London in the morning and rode down to a pub where I met them for lunch. We then did the same ride back to their marina, passing a 15th century church that was destroyed partially when England split from the Catholic Church.

We got to experience 3 locks! Very cool experience. Picture above and below are from inside the lock.

Wiley and Mr. David driving the boat!

And then something happened that David and Jo both said they had never seen before. So, the locks have these big wooden doors to let water in or out. They have these huge wooden "poles" effectively that you use to swing them open or shut. There is a correct side one should be on to operate these "poles." When we came to each lock we got out and helped David do this. Unfortunately Laura got on the wrong side. It kept going and suddenly she was hanging on over the lock and water. It was pretty hilarious watching as you could see the progression of her face going from "Oh no." to "Well, guess I'll just lay over this thing and hold on."

We obviously had to let her hang a little bit so we could get a good picture! It was such a perfect day in perfect weather to see the amazing English countryside by water.