Douglas Diary Saturday 7th May 2016 (Day 18)
Well, the family arrived late last night with my two young friends from the Labrador tribe and the first thing was packing everybody in to their designated space in my long kennel. I immediately took charge of the young puppies as they were clearly my responsibility. I took them for a run along the towpath even though it was dark, they were black anyway, just so that they could familiarise themselves with our environment. Special sleeping quarters were arranged for them at the front of my long kennel in the are they call the Cratch. They were comfortable and happy when we all went to bed after the grown-ups had had supper. In the morning I took my bearded one and invited his son Noah to join us on our walk with my young charges. After breakfast we set off for our cruise which we proposed would be a round trip into Wales and back over the now familiar and exciting Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. It was just as we entered this that one of the puppies I know not which one jumped off my long kennel, just before a 120 ft drop, I of course instinctively followed and there we were on the wrong side of the canal and in serious trouble! Back on board safely but confined to our bedrooms we proceeded on our way towards Llangollen. Our plan was to turn around and have a barbecue picnic lunch, this we did and it was lovely. See photo. After this we sauntered back to The Poachers. (This was rather quicker on the return as the small current was in our favour) this is where we were moored this morning. We are now facing the right way to continue our journey tomorrow. The family gang will stay with us until lunch time and then they will start their 5 hour journey home. Love Douglas
Oh my goodness, you put the fear of God in me! Thank goodness you were all ok and now safe and well. You are getting to be so experienced on the Llangollen, must bear that in mind for when we decide to make the trip. Must admit to being a bit worried about all those visitors fitting in to your long kennel but you managed marvellously, well done all on Albert. Hope you don’t miss your friends too much, but maybe a little peace and quiet will be nice, xx
Yes we were all rather frightened but I have taught Bumble, who is very young that she really must not leave the kennel unless given the command O.K. That she found quite confusing but that is what I have to do O.K?
Love Douglas
Douglas, if it wasn’t for your selfless bravery things could have been so different. Yes, it was Bumble who decided to jump off just before we got to the viaduct. It’s because she was bursting for a wee. Thanks to your wisdom and kind teaching she has now been educated in the correct canal procedures pre-viaduct and 120′ drops. It won’t happen again.
Love Trooper. (Bumble doesn’t know I am writing this)
Well that’s alright and thank you. For your concern. We are all beginners at some time I am just so happy that Bumble didn’t try and jump a few seconds later. I think she leant a lesson too as she was a bit frightened.
Love Douglas
My dear old pal, what a bore for you having two young whippersnappers around who don’t know the rules of jumping off the side of narrow boats at the most inappropriate times. I remember when I was a young pup doing things like that and getting into an enormous amount of trouble from my pale haired one when she called me all sorts of u unspeakable names. Not to be repeated here. Have been along the Llangollen many, Many times and apart from the fact we often nearly went on the mud as it was so shallow really enjoyed myself. The fourth gate just past Trevor had some wonderful smells on it. Would love to meet up some time. Love josh
Hi Josh sorry late with a reply, I missed your very welcome comments thank you. Yes I agree these youngsters can be a pain. I hope your pale haired ones are well a nd had a lovely time in Venice. I hope we will meet up soon as I am sure my bearded and Lon haired would like to swap experiences and I would like to see you too. Not having the best day today. They are on the tow path painting and waiting for a mechanic something is wrong with my long kennel ‘so coolong system. I am resting.
Love Douglas