Ep 5. Close Encounters of the Tedious Kind

Travels by Narrowboat is a television series that follows two friends, Robbie Cumming and Jo Kilkenny, as they travel through the narrow canals of the United Kingdom on a narrowboat. In season 1 episode 5, titled Close Encounters of the Tedious Kind, Robbie and Jo embark on a journey from Burton-on-Trent to Fradley Junction.

The episode begins with Robbie and Jo setting off on their narrowboat, Narnia, from Burton-on-Trent. They pass through beautiful countryside and historic buildings, enjoying the scenery along the way. However, their peaceful journey is interrupted by the presence of numerous fishing boats that seem to be blocking their path.

Robbie and Jo try to navigate their way through the boats, but it proves to be a difficult and tedious task. They encounter numerous obstacles along the way, including fishing lines and nets that get tangled in their propeller. They must stop the boat and untangle the mess every time this happens, causing their journey to slow down considerably.

As they continue on their journey, Robbie and Jo also encounter several locks, which require them to adjust the water levels to move their narrowboat through. They must work quickly and efficiently to avoid causing a delay for other boats that are waiting to pass through the locks as well.

Despite the challenges they face, Robbie and Jo remain in good spirits and find joy in the simple things along the way. They stop at a pub for lunch and enjoy a drink while taking in the beautiful surroundings. They also visit an old mill, where they learn about the history of the area and the traditional ways in which it was used.

Throughout the episode, Robbie and Jo encounter other travellers on the canal, including a group of colourful barges and a curious swan that seems to be following them. They also must navigate their way through a narrow tunnel, which proves to be a nerve-wracking experience.

As they approach their final destination, Fradley Junction, Robbie and Jo reflect on their journey and the challenges they faced along the way. They are grateful for the experience and the opportunity to explore the canals of the UK in their narrowboat.

Overall, the episode Close Encounters of the Tedious Kind is a charming and engaging look at the joys and challenges of travelling through the narrow canals of the UK. Robbie and Jo offer a unique perspective on life on the canal, and viewers are sure to be entertained and inspired by their journey.