Bridge 117

Today's the day .......................... to take to the water

This is what was going to happen for my birthday surprise - a day spent on the Lancaster Canal in the narrowboat Kingfisher.  And what a glorious day it was too.  Blue skies all the way as we gently glided along between Lancaster and Carnforth - and back again.

The Lancaster Canal Co was formed in 1792 and plans were drawn up to build a canal which would run from Kendal to join the Leeds Liverpool Canal south of Preston.  Although it was never quite completed at the southern end and a tramline linked the two canals, it was a very successful waterway.  Coal was carried north from Wigan and limestone was carried south to produce 'quicklime', a farm fertilizer.  And these two products gave rise to its nickname - the Black and White Canal.  By 1820, there was a passenger boat service between Preston and Kendal.  The journey time for the 57 miles covered was 14 hours, at a cost of six shillings in the fore-cabin or four shillings in the aft cabin.  Refreshments were available to all passengers.

Today we travelled about thirty miles in all - and it took us about eight hours - so not a lot has changed!  But what a wonderful way to spend a day - relaxing in the sunshine and watching the watery world go by ............................