Friday 7 November 2008

The Surprise Walk

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

When I was staying on the east side of England recently, while I visited my daughter and grandsons, I had decided to take lots of warm clothes because it is generally colder, windier as well as flat, compared to the west side of England. Those cold winds tear in from the North Sea with nothing to protect that side of the country from the onslaught.
I annoy my daughter by telling her that the West is generally protected because of the Gulf Stream and of course all the hills. 
"You and your Gulf Stream," she says!
Anyway the first Monday that we were there, it turned out to be really sunny even though it was coldish.
Deb told us to jump in the car and said she would take us to a local beauty spot.
The boys had been sitting in front of the computer all morning and the thought of going out in the cold did not appeal.
We tried coaxing, cajolling, shaming ........ everything we could think of to get them out of the house. It was only the threat of no more computer games the next day that got them to put their noses out of the door.
After much moaning and groaning, by the boys, we all piled into the car.

We travelled through lovely scenery and after quite a lot of driving.......... Deb admitted she was lost. I spied a nice canal with long boats and barges, so we stopped to take some pictures.


We noticed a tow path running by the side of the canal, so we decided to walk along the path.
The oldest grandson moaned and groaned and protested some more. However he soon realized that there were things of interest to see and gradually the moaning stopped and he picked up a long stick and off he set, whacking at the grass alongside the path.


It really was a lovely walk and there were many small boats tied up along the canal, which went on for miles, by the look of it.


After the boats, we came to a rugged patch and it was questionable whether I could make it over the slippery mud. We were all laughing but, as I pointed out, I am not able to swim and was slithering about on the edge of the water. However, I am sure anyone falling into that cold water would soon die of hyperthermia, even if they could swim.
The scenery was fantastic and we walked and walked until we suddenly realized that the clocks had gone back the night before, and the sun was getting really low in the sky.
The thought of walking through all that mud in the dark was a bit daunting, so we reluctantly turned round. I had picked up a stout stick by then to lean on in the tricky places and I also began to pick some huge leaves. When I got to the muddy patches, I put the leaves down over the mud and my feet didn't slip.
Deb thought it was really funny, but this really stopped me from sliding.
By then the boys had gone on ahead suddenly enthusiastic to do their own thing and were waiting at the entrance to this place, by the car.
They had had a really good time, in spite of everything they had said previously.
Once we get them away from the computer they do have fun. It is just the thought of going out in the cold that stops them from wanting to leave the house in the first place.



You can see how dark it was getting just before we reached the car.

When we returned home to the West, later in the week, it was really cold! Gulf Stream or no Gulf Stream!

These photos were taken by me and used for Photostory Friday. Hosted by Cicely and MamaGeek.

26 comments:

Casdok said...

Beautiful photos! And well done for getting those boys away from the computer! Glad they enjoyed it.

earthlingorgeous said...

Looks like a fun and interesting walk. Those are a lot of small boats! Nice shots!

Earth

Indrani said...

Beautiful shots! Good you could take the children out for a walk.

Bear Naked said...

Thanks for taking us on the walk with you.
I love that photo with the boats on the canal.


Bear((( )))

Suburbia said...

I wish they could remember that once out, they have a good time. Then we wouldn't need to 'do battle' everytime we want to go out for a walk!

Lovely photos:)

Cecily R said...

Beautiful pictures Maggie! I alwasy get groans and moans in the beginning when we're leaving, and then moans and groans when we have to pack it in and go home. WHat's up with that?

® ♫ The Brit ♪ ® said...

Beautiful photos Maggie! I love the boats! and I must say what an ingenious use of the leaves!!
Computers and video games can cause children to be anti-social... I'm pleased that I got to grow up without them and enjoyed the countyrside! x

Cath said...

Those photos are fantastic! What a great day out you have had. Love the bright colours on the barges and the setting sun (of course - I love a sunset!)

Glad you all got out for a bit of fresh air. Great post.

Killlashandra said...

What a beautiful walk to go on. Sometimes it's hard to drag the kids away from the computer or the TV or their iPod or whatever technological device they're obsessed with. I have to agree, once outside the fun of discovery does have a tendency to take over. :)

aims said...

Oh Maggie!

Just wanted to say that I have seen holidays that are just those boats on those canals. I have thought often that this is something I would love to do. Can't think of the word they use for these kinds of holidays - but wouldn't it be neat?

I think I could just sit on one of those boats and take pictures all day!

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Mags those photo's are terrific.

Maggie May said...

casdok...... was not easy, I tell you!

earthlingorgeous..... it was a fun day.

Indrani.......thank you.

bear naked.....I took lots of shots of boats & the water. Found it fascinating.

Suburbia.... thanks...... kids are terrible when they get stuck in front of a computer. Its such a battle.

Thanks, Lori!

Cecily r...... glad its not just me then!

The Brit...... Yes, I'm glad there were no computers when I was growing up but I'm glad I have one now!

Crazycath.... thanks... yes, sunsets.............
I love riverside and seaside places, amazing really as I don't swim!

killashandra...... Its amazing that they grow up healthy.

Aims..... we call them houseboats or barges , canal holidays.
I wouldn't want to be living in one. I just like to look at them!

MOB...... thanks. I got a bit carried away & took lots of photos. They will probably be spilling over into other posts!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures. It may not have been the intended destination but it sounds like it was lovely.

PRH said...

Excellent photos and story line Maggie.

Omykiss said...

What a lovely walk you had! When I lived in Birmingham we did lots of walks along the canals .... your photos brought back those almost forgotten memories ... thanks.

Wendy said...

Looks like you had a good walk. Never thought to put big leaves down in the mud to prevent slipping. I'll have to remember that! I liked that bright red boat tied up. Looks intriguing!

Irene said...

I like the canal boats, Maggie. They are a bit smaller than what we have here, but they are very colorful and well kept. Those owners are clearly proud of their boats.

What a lovely walk you took away from the Gulf Stream, which, it is true, influences our weather also. It would be much colder here if not for the Gulf Stream. We are at the same latitude as Labrador on the globe, so you can imagine how cold it would be here.

You need some good hiking boots, Maggie. The kind that support your ankles well and allow you to trod through mud without fear. It would be a good investment.

Have a great Saturday.

Chris said...

Those barges are really neat.
My kids all whine about going outside (also known as turning off the tv) but they always enjoy it.
Way to get tough with them.

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Thanks for sharing another lovely walk with us Maggie - and the wonderful photos - could almost feel the air. And it reminded me too of walking along the canal near my daughter's home.

A x

Maggie May said...

Kelly & Pat H..... thank you, it did turn out well after all.

omykiss........ glad it brought back happy memories. Didn't know you'd lived in Birmingham.

wendy..... yes the red boat looks intriguing. Will never know why as I would never find the place again!

Irene...... well its like taking coal to Newcastle with you! The Netherlands would have canals & long boats of bigger proportions. My memory of the Netherlands is clean and lovely!
Did not expect to be walking over mud on such a holiday! Otherwise I might have packed them! Had to travel light!

chris...... yes, it is a common failing having children who don't want to go out. Guess you have to get tough!

Strawberry...... glad it brought back memories for you, too!

cheshire wife said...

Wonderful photos especially the 4th and 5th down.You write so well about everyday things.

Sandi McBride said...

I love it when I see photo's of places I recognize...loved this post Maggie...it took me back...
Sandi

Hadriana's Treasures said...

It's usually me moaning and groaning...then when I'm out I love it! I just have to keep reminding myself! Good story and photos Maggie.

(Word verification: skeen. It's trying to tell me something.)

Mignon said...

I love exploring with the kids. My 2 always do a hugh sigh with eyerolls when I suggest it. But after it's done they always say they had a good time.

RiverPoet said...

Wow, what a special day that was, yes? I love that your daughter and grandsons are still living their lives despite their loss.

Peace - D

Unknown said...

Wow. Those boats look like they are lined up like a train! I wonder why they were tied up that way? For the winter maybe?