On Wednesday we were just moving down the remaining 5 locks when a share boat came up passed us leaving all double top gates open. Very nice for us, but wouldn't have been at all amusing had it been a single hander coming up!
Given the dogs in this pic it was, clearly, one that I took at the weekend when Sue and I noticed that the bins had been moved from the service point here, up to the 2nd lock up (19). The problem with that is that they are still on the same bank which can only be reached by boat from within the lock. Needless to say we had loads of rubbish to dispose of and as soon as we entered lock 19 a boater appeared who was waiting to come up - only the 2nd moving boat we saw all day - but they were happy to wait whilst we off-loaded. They also commented on the fact that it was amazing how happy our cat was trotting down the gunwales as the boat went down in the lock. Whaaaat!!!!!? Who let the cat out?
C & RT advised that the bin movement was a temporary measure due to earlier flooding by the River Tove which had 'stranded' them, at their normal site. Excellent; but they do need moving back again.
So, by the time we walked the dogs back up to the pub for a pint, that was Wednesday pretty much gone although G started making a template for a doggy boatswain's chair whilst I cracked on with dinner. There may well be some high sided moorings in Europe (especially Holland we're told) and we need something to oik them out with. Particularly as Baxter's back legs are, sadly, starting to show those dreaded tell-tale signs of old age
I've just realised that Muttley appears to have filled a large nappy (above). He would like you to know that he hasn't and wishes to file a complaint of deformation of character and abject humiliation with the RSPCA
Baxter was so patient bless him. The rough template and engineering drawings have been posted off to Sue's daughter Wendie today to be professionally made up in a soft canvas. G has designed it so that one size will fit most dogs. I'll show you the finished article in due course.
Should one of them file a patent; let's wait and see?
Oh bless those dogs for being so patient and putting up with all that! "No animals were humiliated (as much) in the making of this blog"!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a good idea, though. Do your dogs have the doggy life jackets with a handle on top? Wouldn't they do the job as well?
Cheers
Alistair
Hi Alistair; they are good - very little phases them. They both have flotation jackets with handles on (you'll see that they always wear them on the rivers), but we need to be able to put them in a sling and attach a rope through a carabina to lower them up and down
Deletefrom the boat to a high bank where necessary
It's Belgium rather than the Netherlands you'll have the high wall problem!
ReplyDeleteHi Anne and Olly; trust me to get it the wrong way round. We were only talking about you yesterday because NB Pengalantly moored in front of us and the skipper, Alan, introduced himself and said he was a friend of yours.
DeleteOh I missed this blog somehow!
ReplyDeleteWends has your templates etc and they are being made tomorrow 6/3
You will have to test them out by dropping the dogs off a bridge somewhere! Teehee! xx
Perfect timing then - we're at Cosgrove aqueduct and can lower them down into the Great Ouse for a swim!
Deletexx
Will they fit an Airedale ?
ReplyDeleteThat's the plan Brian, although Debbie and Kevin may have made a more up market version!
DeleteAmend that - I've now seen them and they couldn't have a more up market version. They're brilliant
DeleteHi Jill & Graham, they are on their way!!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed they are ok for you :))
Wendie thank you so much - they arrived at G's daughter's today and she pointed the 'facetime' camera at them. They look amazing but we won't be able to get hold of them until Wednesday. I tried to ring you today - I'll ring you later this week. Watch this space for modelling photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you, also, for doing them so quickly when you must be busy
Ohh so glad they have arrived safely! Can't wait to see if they fit ok......I'll look back to check out the photos xx
ReplyDeleteWe'll know tomorrow evening Wendie. So excited. Don't look back; I'll put the photos on a new blog as this one has disappeared into my Feb archives now.
DeleteAgain, thank you xx