Division of labour

Pastoral bliss on the Staff and Worcs canal this afternoon, as a narrow boat navigates Kidderminster Lock. What never fails to amuse me is the strict assignment of roles on gender lines, for opposite-sex couples that is. I'm sure same-sex couples share the work in a fair way, but in hetro couples the woman always gets off the boat to open the locks, the heacy bit, whilst the man does really serious bits like holding the rudder thingy, or in the case of this well hidden chap, holding a long rope to stop the boat skipping off to Stourport without him.
What a glorious afternoon to be messing about on a canal, and they are probably in Stourport by now, relaxing in the basin, or slipping on to the Severn. Me, I'm back at work, eating my tea, and getting ready for the next class at 7.00 pm. Hey ho.