Walking on Water

Fired by memories of a canal holiday when younger, and inspired by a desire to rediscover the true values in life, in a moment of calculated madness the author buys a rather battered but much loved canal boat called Florrie. With a free summer stretching before, and aided by a rotation of crews, both young and old, he embarks upon what becomes nicknamed the 'Grand Trek South', a marathon journey down through the canal system of England. Ever enthusiastic, he recounts the numerous highlights – and a few low points – of his memorable and highly eventful trip with relish. It is the eve of the Millennium, and his observations as he passes sedately through the industrial arteries of England, never exceeding the 4 mph speed limit (well, hardly ever), as well as the personalities he meets along the way, provide a snapshot of his home country through an infectious mix of humour, spiced with sometimes surprising honesty.