On Saturday morning we left for the pair of narrow boats docked in Hillingdon, on the Grand Union Canal. As the minibus departed, we waved goodbye to our parents, knowing that next time we’d see them we would be a lot more knowledgeable about narrow boats, as that was our accommodation for the weekend. In only two days, all sixteen of us would have learnt how to steer a narrow boat, guide it through a lock and be independent and sensible enough to keep ourselves and those around us safe.
Early that morning, we started the engine and were on or way by 7.45am. We were very tired but couldn’t wait to get going, besides the cool morning breeze kept us awake and alert!
Throughout the day we experienced a lot of rain but the sun kept us warm. However, even when it was raining everyone was still very eager to open the locks and paddles. About six people got out at each lock, three on each side of the boat. Four people would open the locks and paddles whilst the other two would moor the boats. As there were two boats with eight boys and eight girls on each, we took it in turns.
Although this was very fun, and a new experience, I preferred steering the boat. Having the boat under your power whilst you manoeuvred it around the bends was amazing. If you enjoy riding a bike, steering a 60ft boat is breath-taking.
Going on a narrow boat is one of my favourite activities in Scouts. It’s a great way to learn how to work as a team and bond with others as well as learning about how the boat works. I would definitely recommend it to ANY Scout... I hope you too can enjoy narrow boating as much as I did.