On a lovely sunny day the good ship Waterwitch slipped her moorings and headed for the unknown with a family group.

Down at the coal yard the inquisitive young children children asked innumerable questions: “Where does the coal come from? Why is that nest there? Does the coal man know it's there?"

Heading north we slid silently through a deep cutting, careful not to arouse any natives intent on stopping our passage. Trees almost touching the water were ample cover against spears or arrows.

The crewman chosen to tell them about the canal had a difficult job switching from their childish fantasies, then answering the adults questions, but at least the children were satisfied.

Turning at the winding hole we passed walkers on the canal bank, and all stopped to wave. We passed a party of canoes from Bendrigg Trust.

Disembarking at Crooklandso ne little girl was reluctant to take off her life jacket, wanting to show her gran on shire. She settled for a photograph in the end.

What a lovely family outing and may there be many more.

Frank Sanderson

Public Relations Officer, Lancaster Canal Trust