When both boys declared they'd had the 'best day ever'- I got such a buzz. Total parenting win! Then my husband said he hadn't felt this happy since he was running dog sled races in Swedish Lapland. I was gobsmacked. I too felt satisfied, and very very tired..but happy tired! It had truly been an epic day out. So where on earth had we gone, to make us feel so amazing? The Somerset Boat Centre, and it does so much more than it says on the tin! Let me elaborate. Just a few weeks ago, this new business launched on the banks of the Bridwater & Taunton Canal near West Lyng. There are Kayaks, Canoes, Narrowboats and motorised day boats which can all be hired out from an hour to a full day. It doesn't matter if you have no experience whatsoever, the team at 'SBC' will get you trained up and out on the water in no time. The canal itself is not too deep anyway, so it's much safer than going out on a large lake or river. We arrived at 10am with a pre-packed picnic lunch, and spare set on trousers ready for everyone. I knew we'd get a bit damp- so its a good idea to bring a spare set of clothes. If you don't want to bring a picninc - one can be arranged by the company, or you could stop at a nearby canalside cafe for lunch. I adored the scandinavian style wooden boat centre come hire venue with its clean and spacious meeting space, kitchen / lounge area. it would be ideal to hire put for a work team building day, seminar, or school trip. Alongside the pretty landscaped garden and reception area runs a jetty with seating. Moored up next to a pontoon were 2 x 2 seater sea kayaks, a 3 seater canoe , 3 x 4 person motorised day boats and some narrowboats. After a safety briefing and demonstration, wen donned our lifejackets then myself and Rowan - Harry and Wayne slid into the kayaks. Despite Rowan having autism- he was really calm and wasn't scared at all. Maybe it was the instructor Ryan, or maybe it was the water itself. I also surprised myself, as I thought my anxiety would take over- and I wouldnt want to stay in the kayak. After a few minutes however, I felt calm and in control as we smoothly paddled down the waterway. Big blue dragonflies flew past, and water boatmen scuttled across the water. We went quite far up and down the canal, and under a bridge. Time just flew by, and my anxiety melted away. The boys couldn't stop chatting and giggling as we had races, and splashed each other with the paddles. Next, the boys and Wayne went on the canoe, and they kids helped paddle and steer the boat - into some reeds ! I took photos of the boat centre, and ofcourse did a suitably smug instagram story #familygoals lol We took a toilet break, then excitedly crowded round the motor boat as Ryan explained to Wayne how to start the engine, clear weeds from the motor, and showed us all where the first aid kit was. After the talk, we were off on our own. The instructor sent us upstream towards the cafe , and our very first 'lock' to navigate- he followed in another boat. And we all met up at the lock - for a very special demonstration of how to open and close lock gates. We drew quite a crowd of families who were walking along the tow path. Even my youngest, Harry, aged 6 was able to help push the lock gates open- due to their clever 200 year old design. We wound the lock handles and hopped back onboard, into the lock, as the water then began to gush out--and our little boat went down slowly like we were in some kind of ancient aquatic lift! It was so exciting, and everyone waved and cheered as we exited the lock to continue our boating adventure alone. Twenty minutes upstream we moored up by a swing bridge and a field of grazing cows. Everyone grabbed a cushion , and we got cosy to tuck into our picnic. It was so tranquil and calm. Just the odd kingfished swooping down to catch a fish, a cyclist or dog walker passing by, and the munching of crisps ( boys) and chewing of grass ( cows). I felt sleepy and happy, It really was the perfect family outing. Rowan even agreed "It's better than going on the ipad". And Harry decided boats were his favourite transport now. Eventually, we realised it was timeto head back. On our return , both boys took turns to be 'skipper' and sreet the boat..I even took the wheel for a while. We navigated the lock once again, to the pleasure of yet more onlookers. One of the children on the canalside even helped this time. Back at the boat centre we couldn't thank Ryan enough, and vowed to come back again soon. We cannot wait for all the themed narrowboat cruises he has planned. There will be a spooky halloween one, a christmas santa cruise and ofcourse a romantic valentine's one ( we won't bring the kids for that!) Ryan told us he is meeting with a wedding planner to arrange a quirky 'waterway wedding package', he also said they will be hiring out the luxurious 12 person barges for hen & stag parties, birthdays and all kinds of groups. I said I'd love to do a gig on a boat too- so watch out for 'Comedy On The Canal' . Nearby there is glamping and B&B accomodation, so you could spend longer than a day if you wanted- and you will want to ! Check out the website www.somersetboatcentre.co.uk and 'like' them on facebook for latest offers and prices.
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