An answer to R J Adams

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Well, yes and no, R J.


Yes they are indeed bollards by the reeds and that is an estuary on the right of the picture. And there is a canal, although you can't see it in this picture.

Where? It is a place called Spike Island near Widnes, and one of my favourite walks. Here the Sankey Canal meets the River Mersey. There was probably some kind of wharf where the bollards are, this would be in the days when the canal and river were used for commerce. But this 'basin' is now cut off from both canal and river.

There is a mini marina and boating club on the canal and a lock (tidal) connecting to the Mersey.

Here is a photo of the canal just before it bends  to enter the lock.
As you can see, there are no narrow boats.

By the way, your line about the muddied waters, smell of wood smoke and diesel... brought back many (mostly happy) memories.

From one ex mariner to another

George