Canal Speed

Canal speed in Britain, on a narrow boat, is 4 m.p.h.

Doesn't that look peaceful?
I'm watching a new Youtube show, "Great Canal Journeys." This elderly couple have been enjoying their narrow boat on England's canals for 40 years.

Here they are in younger days.

Prunella Scales and Timothy West

If they look familiar, it's because they're both actors. She was in "Fawlty Towers," and he was a Shakespearean actor.

What do I like about their show? A few things:
1. They emphasize the importance of a slow life -- 4 m.p.h. "You can't hurry on the canal," he says. They're in their mid 80's now, and they want to enjoy every moment they have left -- to stretch the days out.

2. The wife is in early stage Alzheimer's. She's still very functional, but forgetful, and she is not the same bright, quick-minded conversationalist she was. They are quite open about it on the show. They do canal trips to help her remember, and because the wildlife there relaxes her. But two elderly people, manning a 60-foot boat? It's challenging and funny!

3. They show everyone what it's like to do nearly more than you can, when you're 80-something. And they show everyone how ordinary those "famous people" actually are. Their son, Sam West, is more famous if you watch British period pieces.

A British actor, you may have seen him as Leonard Bast in the old version of "Howard's End." But with his mum and dad on the canal? He's just a boy helping them steer, moor, and get through those locks.

Canal speed. I want canal speed in my life. People talk about living simply, about down-sizing and getting rid of stuff, and that's a good goal. But slow living is perhaps the next step after simple living. People get rid of "stuff" but still live with too much busyness, too much stress. A slow life means stepping off the highway, off the road, off the beaten path, and into the meadow. 

On their 40 years of canal trips with their children, Tim and Prunella (the couple) wanted time together. No phones. No TVs. No work. No fans. No obligations to producers or directors for a few days. Their sons remember that time. It set the course for a successful family life and a successful 53-year marriage.

Anyway, I like the idea of a slow life, don't you? You might like "Great Canal Journeys." There are quite a few seasons on Youtube. Enjoy!