Narrow Boats
A narrowboat is a particular type of
canal boat, built to fit the narrow
locks of the United Kingdom and also used along the Miami - Erie Canal. The UK's canal system provided a nationwide transport network during the
Industrial Revolution, but with the advent of the railways, commercial canal traffic gradually diminished and the last regular long-distance transportation of goods disappeared in 1970. However, some commercial traffic continued. From the 1970s onward narrowboats were gradually converted into permanent residences or as holiday lettings. Today, approximately 6000 narrowboats are registered as permanent homes on Britain's waterway system and represent a growing alternative community living in semi permanent moorings or continuously cruising.
To enter a narrow lock, a narrowboat must be under 7 feet (2.13 m) wide, so most narrowboats are just 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) wide. A narrowboat's maximum length is 72 feet (21.95 m). Anything wider or longer will be unable to navigate most of the British canal network. Some locks are shorter than 72 feet (21.95 m), so to access the entire canal network the maximum length is 57 feet (17.37 m)
The first narrow boats played a key part in the economic changes of the British Industrial Revolution. They were wooden boats drawn by a horse walking on the canal towpath led by a crew member. Horses were gradually replaced with steam and then diesel engines. By the end of the 19th century, it was common practice to paint roses and castles on narrowboats and their fixtures and fittings. This tradition has continued into the 21st century, but not all narrowboats have such decorations. Modern narrowboats are used for holidays, weekend breaks, touring, or as permanent or part-time residences. Usually, they have steel hulls and a steel superstructure.
Welcome to the Middletown OHIO New Discoveries GeoTour
We are excited for you to discover all of the things we love about our All-American City! The New Discoveries GeoTour has 25 caches to find, all located in publicly accessible areas.
Cache Background
The “Narrowboats” cache is located along the walking path alongside the perimeter of Smith Park. Park and access the walking path and proceed along the path to locate the cache. Narrowboats were the boats once used to carry commerce and trade up and down the canal. If you walk toward the Canal Museum (other direction of the cache and near the entrance of the park), you will cross over a bridge where you can see the modern-day remains of the Miami Erie Canal. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_and_Erie_Canal
Smith Park Features
- 7 Acre Fishing Pond With Floating Dock
- 96 Acres
- Baseball Diamond
- Grills
- Locktenders House
- Multi-use Trail
- New Splash Pad
- Picnic Shelters
- Picnic Tables
- Playground Equipment
- Skatepark
- Soccer Fields
- The "Born Learning Trail" is designed for children 0-6 years. The trail encourages families to engage in early learning.
Canal Museum
The Canal Museum was erected in 1982 as a replica of a lock tender's house. It is located on the former site of the Miami-Erie Canal and the Hydraulic Canal on the outskirts of the current Smith Park. At the Canal Museum, you can learn about what it was like living during canal days and learn more about Middletown's history.
Cache Description
A typical traditional micro hide. The hint reveals it all.
BE SURE TO GRAB THE CODE WORD FOR YOUR PASSPORT!
Extras
Plenty of places to picnic, there is also a skate park and a splash pad.
Adjacent to Hook Field Airport - you might just catch a glimpse of skydivers or hot air balloons!