On board is a pair of rose clippers that can cut stalks, twigs, and small branches.

From time to time, when the vegetation has ridiculously overgrown the canal from the side or from above (I'm looking at you, weeping willows), I will stop, float in place, and spend 10 minutes pruning and trimming.

It's important not to leave stubs that will scratch the paint off boats that pass too closely.

#CanalLife #canal #BoatingLife #boating #BoatLife #boat #narrowboat #vegetation #CRT #pruning #paint

Set out for 2 hours, at 7pm, once the air cooled a bit.

By 9 pm, moored in a low-traffic canal, tall trees on both sides for shade from tomorrow's heat. There are industrial buildings on both sides, but industry is quiet after hours.

Right?

Nope.

After sunset, the place starts up. Clink clank bang and some sort of blower.

I think it's a bakery. It smells like bread. This may go on for quite a while.

🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞
🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞

#CanalLife #canal #BoatingLife #boating #BoatLife #boat #narrowboat #mooring

As of this evening, the boat is moored beside an ASDA and a McDonald's, both of which have air-conditioning. Tomorrow, while it is 33°C or more, a certain boater will be sitting in McDonald's for a lo-o-o-ong time.

I hope my 12-volt fridge can handle the strain.

Two years ago during the heatwave, it was the seating area of a Morrison's, but many grocery chains have shut down their cafeterias and cafés.

#CanalLife #canal #BoatLife #boat #BoatingLife #boating #narrowboat #weather #heatwave #UK

As I pass by, I see canal infrastructure being used as a billboard for anti-immigrant graffiti, with slogans such as "This is England" and George's Cross (🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿).

Canal infrastructure dates back to the industrial revolution and peak colonialism.

It's possible the irony is lost on those slathering paint on their cultural assets, on the outskirts of Birmingham in the UK's economically deprived Midlands.

#CanalLife #boating #boat #UK #Britain #England #immigration #vandalism #grafitti #heritage #CRT