Missed the Boat!

You know I'd frequently heard my minders and other humans talking about 'missing the boat', but I never really knew what it meant until the other day - after all bears are so sharp and on the ball that such things don't happen to them.

Anyway, there I was on my towpath travels, realising what a good view of Erik I got from the path.


What a fine boat I thought to myself and how lucky I am to be Captain for the week.

Seeing a bridge approaching that would give me an even better aerial view, I hurried onto it and waved to Erik and my minder who was on the helm, as Erik glided through beneath me.


As I clambered down and rejoined the towpath I suddenly understood what 'missing the boat' meant. I could see Erik further down the canal, chugging along at a pace faster than my little legs could propel me. How soon would it be before those on board missed me I wondered.

My panic was only momentary though as my quick thinking bear brain realised that I was carrying a walkie talkie so I radio'd through to let the crew on board know that I had fallen behind. Erik, like all canal boats loses direction in reverse so they weren't able to come back for me, but did slow down a lot to give me a chance to catch up and get back on board at the next bridge.

Once back aboard everyone let me know that they had all been keeping an eye on me and would not have left me, they were just winding me up and making me think I'd been left behind.

They're all such good friends I was able to share the joke and have a laugh with them.

Lots of love Eddie xxx

Towpath Travels

It's quite hard for me to drag myself away from my boat and take to dry land as I love boating so much (have I told you that before?) but I occasionally do so, as I have learnt that there are lots of things to see on the towpath that require a closer look. Also, it is always good to get some exercise, so I don't have to worry too much about putting on weight as result of all the beer and pub meals.


I know that I walked over 3 miles the other day as I passed 3 of these mile markers. They date back quite a few years as they were placed by the Grand Junction Canal Company which was one of the companies that built the Grand Junction Canal back in the late 1700s. The canal only changed it name to the Grand Union Canal in 1929. (Sorry but I specialise in canal trivia, perhaps I should apply for Mastermind).

Talking of history, while walking under the many canal bridges I kept my eyes open for grooves worn into the iron strips which protected the bridges from wear from the tow ropes of the horse drawn barges. Here I am inspecting some of the grooves I found.


I find it incredible to think how many horses and barges must have passed along the route I was now walking to have worn such deep grooves. I would love it if this aspect of the past could be brought back to life.

More about my towpath travels in my next blog.

Lots of love Eddie xxx