John sent me some pictures of boats moored on the Thames by Abingdon. He says “Seen tied up today. Nobody at home but I wonder does anyone know the stories of these boats, especially the Vrouwe Johanna of Amsterdam, dated, I think, 1899!”

He also sent pictures of Daisy D and two other similar traditional looking narrow boats – probably far more modern. They look compact on the outside for wending their way down narrow inland waterways and under low bridges but still afford plenty of living space inside.

Any interesting facts for John? Could Vrouwe Johanna cross the English Channel?  What are the advantages of a Dutch Barge (if it is such) v a Narrow Boat? And why do people want to live in boats anyway?

With Thanks to John for the pictures.