Sailing, sailing over ocean blue
I NEVER thought much about international travel when I was younger, I was more than happy to go camping with my brothers and cousins on the Dumaresq River at Texas or the Barwon River at Mungindi or Collarenebri, as well as my annual trek to the Snowy Mountains, horse riding with Uncle John.
It wasn’t until the early 90s, I was in my early 40s, when I lodged my first application for an Australian passport.
Mrs J’s cousin was to be wed in Christchurch, New Zealand and her Australian family was invited to the big day.
As time mooched on, international travel became much more regular particularly with work, (isn’t it lovely when someone else pays the tab?), and subsequently with family – one son chose to firstly marry a French lady and then a Scottish lady.
Grandchildren emerged at a rapid rate and travel-poverty beckoned at about the same rate.
There’s been a slowing in grandchildren production, but not in poverty.
We’ve seen some wonderful sights and met some lovely people.
We were surprised to find most Australians are overseas, it seems, so there is little novelty for the English, French, Italian, Canadian and US people in bumping into an Aussie.
As you read this story we find ourselves in England and France for a spell to catch up with family and then onto, believe it or not, Wales for 10 days floating down the lock-ridden canal system with two other Toowoomba couples.
Now, I am no sailor, and I must say I face this journey with some trepidation.
However, I am slightly assured by these words from the brochure, “Many of our first-time narrow boaters admit to mild trepidation at being in charge of a canal boat for the first time – but there’s no need. We provide 45 minutes of nationally accredited tuition prior to your departure.”
“Nationally accredited, 45 minutes tuition,” may not be enough for this
landlubber.
The sales pitch continues, “Sunlight glinting on slow-flowing rivers; the lap of water on wood; beautiful countryside at your feet; access to some of our finest cultural cities; the shared camaraderie of fellow boaters.”
I am still not convinced, and hope I don’t do a Harold Holt replay, although I am fairly sure there are no Chinese submarines lurking in Welsh canals.
One thing I am looking forward to is the Llangollen Canal and the world heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
which sits 38 metres above the River Dee, and I don’t like heights either, and is 300 metres long so it will be a slow and scary trip, but beautiful nonetheless.
I’ll let you know how I went on my, hopefully, return.
Bon voyage.