Where there is a lake, there are likely to be boats. And very often boats for hire, because for many people there seems to be nothing better than messing about in a small boat on a warm day.
Bowness on Windermere where we recently stayed for a couple of nights (click here for a view up the lake) is a boating centre. Plenty of boats for hire and it is also the departure point for cruises of up to three hours up or down the lake.
It’s a place to potter, to sit (but be prepared to be mobbed by a variety of ducks, geese and swans all expecting to be fed), or simply watch the world go by. I recommend sitting by water like this on a good day – it’s calming and relaxing. Pity I couldn’t have prescribed it to some of my patients.
LensScaper 
I asked my consultant at the Royal Free if she could just prescribe me some Cornwall, I’d be so much better.. sadly she said she couldn’t so I had to go private and here I am! 🙂
I can imagine this would be a perfect place to just sit and enjoy.. Although more than likely, I’d try and sit but would be itching to take one of those boats out!
LikeLike
That brought a smile to my face, Adrian. I think you and I share the same approach to life in many respects.
LikeLike
That’s beautiful Andy. It looks so peaceful. I sure would love to hire one of those little boats 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful and tempting to get out on that water – I’ve done that in the past. Thanks Norma.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Was no one out boating Andy ? This would be perfect for the WP Photo Challenge *Off Season … as I’m sure come a couple of weeks or so these boats will be milling across the lake full with tourists out to enjoy the Summer season 🙂
LikeLike
One of these was taken at 1655 and the others well after 1700 – the boatmen had started to chain and padlock the boats. I suspect some of them were in use earlier in the afternoon. Plenty of folk out on a lake cruise. I’s sure thinks will liven up in a few weeks, Poppy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The middle photo’s my favorite, because of the metal scrollwork on each boat. Such a lovely detail. I like the vertical/horizontal alignment of the boats, too.
They seem to be wooden, which always is a surprise to me. There aren’t many wooden boats around here, because of little creatures that live in the water and like to munch on wood. Anyone who has a wooden boat, especially a classic, keeps it out of the water when it isn’t in use, and trailers it. That’s a lot of work, that makes aluminum and fiberglass hulls more practical.
LikeLike
I don’t think we have little munchkins that eat boats in the UK, at least not on fresh water lakes. These are classic clinker built rowing skiffs that one sees so commonly on lakes in the UK – I dont know whether they are still made, but these must have been use for decades, I remember being out on the lake in one of these at least 55 years ago! They are so much more attractive to view than fibreglass hulls.
LikeLike
Those are lovely boats. Someone is doing a great job of maintenance. I hope they are still being made! I grew up going to a very remote lake here in western Canada. It had a resort next to the family cabin with clinker built boats made by the owner in the 1920s and 30s. Sadly the last of those boats disappeared in the 70s with the dominance of motor boats and no one to properly care for them.
We always had a row boat and I would not have been able to just look at these ones either. While beautiful they are made for using not looking.
LikeLike
They are lovely boats, Ehpem. I am sure there are still craftsmen around who can produce boats like these, but to what extent they are active in this area – I don’t know. It’s a long time since I’ve been out in one of them, we must get back up there in summer and take one out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing better than a lake with empty boats. It usually means I am going to have a peaceful time there. Excellent shots Andy.
LikeLike
You really wouldn’t want to be here in the height of the summer holiday season, Len – teeming with people.
LikeLike
Gorgeous photos. In my hometown, we have huge amount of boats, but they differ very much from those we have.
LikeLike
Thanks very much for your visit and for your comment. These boats are classically made and boats of this design can be found in many places in the UK
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the symmetry you found in your compositions here, Andy!! You’ve done a wonderful job of conveying the feel of sitting lakeside my friend, I really enjoyed this post and your photographs!
LikeLike
I know too that you enjoy the lakeside, and ocean-side over on Vancouver Island, Toad. It’s a special environment isn’t it?
LikeLike