Wednesday, November 5, 2008

ABC Wednesdays - P for Paddle Boats

Popular with tourists and locals alike, these pedal powered paddle boats are a fun and relaxing way to see Adelaide on the Torrens. The building in the background is the Adelaide Convention Centre.

This is the PS Gem, typical of the river boats that were such vital means of transport along the River Murray in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The vessel is now on display in Victoria at the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement. For much of its working life it was based at Morgan in South Australia.

To find out more about ABC Wednesdays and see other participants' contributions go to the ABC Wednesdays' site or to see direct links to their own sites go here.

15 comments:

marLou said...

I always like looking at these old river boats. Great shots!

earthlingorgeous said...

Phew! I thought they still use that vessel for travel! Lovely to display though! Awesome post.

my post is here.

photowannabe said...

Love those peddle powered boats and the paddle wheel boats are a wonderful way to see things at a slow pace.

Hilda said...

That's a fun way to go sight-seeing! And the Gem is truly precious!

Reader Wil said...

How great those riverboats are. They are so majestical and bringing back those old days. If they could speak, you could hear a tale or two..

Anonymous said...

Now that is amusing.
I never realised that there were paddle river boats in Australia - thanks, we live and learn.

Daniel Chérouvrier said...

Paddle boats are "bateau à roue" or "pedalo" according to the size.
Fine post !

DeeJay said...

I once went on a paddle steamer that was capable of going on the open sea - The Waverley see here http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/photogallery.htm

Jane Hards Photography said...

W have no rivers big enough here for the paddle steamer, but the little one yes. Great choice

Raquel Sabino Pereira said...

Paddle boats???!!! SPECTACULAR!!!

Even I-Myself-Me didn't think about it!! LOOOOOLLLL!!! Excellent idea!!!!!

Next week it'll be harder... «Q»???
O dear!...

Rune Eide said...

I have tries the first type, but not the second one.

I think the first is more my style.

Leslie: said...

When we had our cabin at the lake, we'd see lots of houseboats cruising up and down. There were also paddle-type boats, too. A really fun and relaxing way to see the area!

Dragonstar said...

Talk about mini and maxi! What a great contrast you have hear - not to mention a lesson, since I've always associated paddle steamers with the Mississippi!
On behalf of the ABC Team, I'd like to thank you for your participation this week.

Jay said...

I loved those fun little paddle boats as a kid - the kind where you can fit one or two people in them and you just potter about! I've never been on a big one. Maybe one day!

alicesg said...

Looked like so much fun. The boat looked so beautiful.