Sunday, 17 October 2004

Personal

Learning to balance

Today's tide is one of the highest of the year. I didn't know this when I set out, but it was clear when I reached the river. Despite the cold, damp air there was a lot of activity on the water and on the quayside, people making the most of their Sunday afternoons.

By the boat-builders I passed a woman walking her dogs. The moment of recognition came five paces later: it was Pop, the balloon modeller. Turning to check I saw she'd stopped beside a boat where her dogs were checking out those of a boat owner.

[Dogs on the quayside]

Keen to introduce himself to the sea-farer, one of Pop's dogs started along the plank propped up on the quayside.

The next minute passed in slow-motion.

Noses on the verge of touching, Pop's dog suddenly found his own face a little lower than expected. Startled, he noticed his whole body sliding down as the plank tilted under his weight. He tried scrabbling backwards but it was too late. With an unceremonious splash, he dropped into the muddy water.

The dog, it has to be said, didn't seem stressed at all. He swam to the edge and was quickly hoisted out. Moments later the obligatory sniffing of other dogs continued.

This is a good thing. I was too busy laughing to help.

Posted by pab at 16:09 | Comments will be back later in the year. Please email me instead!