I told you a few weeks ago that I’d heard it through the grapevine that I was going to be having some fun, and maybe some new experiences. I’ve chosen one of them to tell you about today, it’s something that happened when I went for a lovely walk with my bipeds.
It’s surprising, but I had never been to a canal before. It was fun strolling along the towpath together, there were lots of interesting smells. A few times we had to cross a bridge and walk on the other side of the canal.
Then we came to a narrower section with some gates across the canal, which my bipeds said was a lock and they seemed to find it fascinating. I decided I would prefer to sniff the grass than to watch the barge in the lock below us. There were lots of wonderful smells to be savoured, so I was concentrating on those when I was startled to see the top of the boat appearing above the bank!
It was just like this one!
I hardly had time to get out one “woof” before one of my bipeds said, “Quiet, Clowie! It’s alright, come closer and you will see.”
I went to join them on the edge of the bank, in case they needed my protection. The boat was still rising in a very strange way! My bipeds said that the lock was designed to take boats from one level to another when the land around the canal is not level.
In this sequence of pictures you can see the boat enter and, when the lock is closed, water is allowed in to raise the level of the boat
They weren’t the only bipeds standing around watching the level of the water rise. When the water was level with the canal on the upper side, the gate at that end was opened and the boat left. There was a boat on the upper side waiting to enter the lock. As soon as it was inside the lock and the gates were closed, they started letting the water out again for that boat to go to the lower level.
I heard some of the other bipeds say that it was a feat of engineering. I don’t know about that, it’s just like a huge bathtub – you can pour water in and you can let it out again! I returned to sniffing the grass – it was much more interesting!
After a while, we walked on and we found a nice spot for a picnic. I was getting quite hungry, so my bipeds had my full attention as soon as they started to get the food out. They laughed and said that food is obviously a lot more interesting than a lock. Well, of course it is!
I’ll be visiting all of you as soon as I can to catch up on all your news. But I’ve already heard a rumour that Savannah is planning something. I sent my cats to see what they could find out. They said that Savannah was very busy and wouldn’t tell them much, but they brought this poster back – so I’ve marked 1st October in my calendar.
See you next Wednesday!
We luvluvluv canal and locks…so interesting. Thank you Clowie for keeping my big event on your calendar
It was a very interesting walk and the picnic was good!
You’re welcome, Savannah. I’m looking forward to next Wednesday to find out what you’re up to!
We agree that lock works just like a bathtub being filled with water and then emptied. We too bet that food was a lot more interesting and we bet it tasted good too. Hugs and nose kisses
Yes, it is just like a big bathtub! But I wasn’t allowed in the water, which was a little disappointing!
The picnic was lovely, I really enjoyed that.
We find locks endlessly entertaining – your barge pilot obviously knew what he was doing, many don’t! It must have been strange to see the boat float up at you though π
I have heard some stories about the pickle some people get into – especially during the holiday season!
It did look rather strange to see the boat bobbing up into sight as though it was levitating – I was sure it was up to no good!
Wow love the waterways with the canals and locks. Barges can be such fun until it rains. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Best wishes Molly
The canals go through some lovely countryside. The rain can make things difficult on a boat!
Have a great day, Molly!
have fun
Thank you, I usually do!
I saw one of those skinny locks for the first time when we were in London last month. We have very large locks here in Seattle- one time I saw a “flying” ferry go through!
Some of the locks are very narrow – another name for the barges is narrow boats. I’d love to see Seattle!
Very cool photos!
Thank you, some of the canals go through lovely countryside.
Wow that must have been so much fun!
Yes, it was lots of fun!
how great that I could see that lock at work! As I was with Bashful on our canal we were waiting 87 hours on the lock… but there was no ship in sight… probably even the canal pirates refuse to work on a sunday…
That’s a very long time to wait, Easy! I hope you had a snack with you!
We have a couple different sets of locks in my town. I love watching them in action!
α¦ husky hugz α¦ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
You have some interesting places to walk.
Glad you are back Clowie! The locks are really cool how they work and I could see that quite well with your series of pictures! Enjoy your week Clowie!
Thank you, I’ve had a great time, but it’s lovely to be back! Have a fun week!
Oh how fun! wag wag wag Wish we were there. wag wag wag
It would be lovely to all go on a walk and a picnic together.
Sounds like you are having a lovely time!!
Yes, I’ve been having lots of fun!
Oh Clowie what a wonderful place for a walk! It’s always fun to see and smell and occasionally walk through water……….but it does sound like you and the bipeds enjoyed every minute of your adventure!
Hugs, Sammy
Hi, Sammy! Yes, we’ve been having a great time. The cats have had some treats and extra cuddles as well.
Such a cute little lock and dam system! We have one here in the city, but it is big and not at all cute. Canals are fun. Amsterdam has so many and you can ride on them in fun boats too!
I bet your lock is a lot busier! Canals are very interesting. I’d love to visit Amsterdam one day!
there are canal boats on the river near where I live and I love to watch them:-)
That sounds like fun! And there are so many interesting smells on the banks!
That is really neat Clowie! Tell your pawrents thanks for sharing the neat pictures! Can’t wait to see what is up with Savannah!
Marty
I’m glad you liked it. I’m keen to see what Savannahs’ up to, I know she’s been very busy!
Goodness me Clowie what a weird and wonderful contraption indeed..and i bet the new sniffs and sights were a great treat! and..hmmmm ww have heard a rumour Savvy has something going on….we all stay tuned π loves Fozziemum xx
I did lots of sniffing – there were some fascinating smells!
Savvy is definitely up to something! I guess we’ll all find out next week!
I bet there were!! and indeed next week all will be revealed π π
So good to have you back sharing adventures Clowie π
Aren’t humans funny – stopping to watch boats go up and down when they could have had the picnic out all that time? There isn’t a boat in the world that is better than food. Ah food. Now going for a swim and eating sounds like a perfect afternoon! Humans spend so much time walking by water when they should just jump in and swim around a bit. Hope to hear more about your adventures!
Thank you! I’ve had a great time, but it’s lovely to be back and catching up with my pals.
The strangest things interest humans! Swimming and eating does make for a perfect afternoon, especially if there’s good sniffing in the area!
I sometimes persuade my bipeds into the water in the summer, but at other times of the year they always say it’s too cold – very strange!
Golly! You were brave Clowie! I don’t really like large water, so I would have gone and had a bite to eat too! MOL xx
A bit to eat is usually welcome, Austin! I don’t think my cats would like to be near that much water either, but I love it!
I love barges, in fact one day I am going to have a barge holiday. I recon it will be lovely and quiet, and relaxing and I will get a good work out going through the locks so would return from holiday relaxed, calmed, bronzed and toned. (although I think the reality may be a tad difference!!) I hope you are all having a fab time!!
I think that could be lots of fun with the right people. Of course, it would be a bonus if the weather is good!
I think the french barge route would be the one I would do – more chance of sun than in the UK!
Yes, I think there is more chance of sun and there are some really pretty routes.
I agree that food is pretty darned interesting. But it isn’t everyday you get to see a boat rise up in the canal. Cool!
It was a bit surprising to see the boat rising up so that it could see over the bank – I’d never seen anything like that happen before!
I thought you might have tried to jump on board the barge Clowie! We have one near us. It always draws a big crowd when they open the lochs π Myself, I agree with you….food is so much more interesting!!
I think everyone would have been worried if I’d jumped on the barge! That could have been amusing!
Very interesting, I learn new things very day! Thanks for showing the boat images in sequence gave me a much better understanding of what you were writing about. I’m sure you really enjoyed your food Clowie! Keen to see what Savannah has been so busy with!
Thank you, it was a really interesting day for me! Savannah has been very busy, we should find out tomorrow.
Hi Clowie. It seems you’ve got an amazing time with barks and locks – and picnics. π I’m happy you’re having a great vacation and I’m curious to hear what else interesting you have discovered. π
Yes, I’ve been having a great time! Picnics are one of my favourite things!