A Trip Down Memory Lane

It wasn't long after we had started cruising, that Fred, Ungi and Jimmy, who are well seasoned canal boaters and have been on more trips than me (only because I wasn't born when they started boating), got very excited and said they had something to show me.


They explained that we were passing the boatyard of Brook Line boats at Dunhampstead Wharf and this was where they hired their first ever canal boat from, back in 2001 when they tackled the Stourport Ring for their first taste of canal boating. We tried to spot the names of the boats currently in the yard to see if Ripplingbrook,the boat they'd previously hired was there, but even though boating speed is only 3 m.p.h., we were still past too quickly to spot the boat names.

A few seconds later, there was even greater excitement. Ripplingbrook was spotted, not in the boatyard, but moored to the towpath a few yards further on.


This was simply great for us, as it meant we could slowly glide past and get a close up view.


She looked to be in such good condition that I found it hard to believe that she had been about for so many years. After all, canal boats do get quite a few knocks, even when the helmsman is skilled, as going through bridges and into locks there is often little more than an inch to spare.

I was surprised though at how small she looked. Since I've been with Bears Unlimited, we've hired some much bigger boats - I know I'm an extra traveller but I didn't think I took up that much room! Jimmy explained that on that trip they had had no permanent beds and had had to make up their beds every night. It wasn't much of a hardship but they do now appreciate the luxury of permanently made up beds.

We all enjoyed our first afternoon's cruising very much and especially the hot prawn and vegetable curry we made for our dinner, after trying out the local brew at a canalside pub.

Lots of love Eddie and Bears Unlimited boaters xxx