Is size important ?

The question of size is something which is regularly discussed around our camp fires. Now this may seem like a flippant and suggestive conversation, but to us boating blokes dimension of our equipment is a very important matter. It dictates the techniques we need to use to handle ourselves to best effect and ensure that we don't cause any injury by misjudging our length.

Our boating ladies are also more than a little concerned about size - too big and you have a problem trying to accommodate it in the space available. Too small and it's hardly worth getting it out is it ?

From a purely personal point of view, I find my 27ft more than adequate to fulfill our needs. We can all get inside with great comfort (there were 10 of in there on Saturday, all watching a DVD). However at 6'10'' she may be considered a little narrow across the beam. Other people (like Ricky for example) prefer a little bit of a larger rear, and opt for a slightly more generous tub. At 8ft 10" wide, he has more than enough room for his 'soirees' and nefarious visitors.

But I am constantly told, size isn't important to everyone. Winnie must be absolutely delighted with the small package that Eeyore has presented to her. It's not just the 23ft long Freeman that obviously appeals, Eeyore has made sure that his tackle matches the dimensions exactly.

At 4ft 7¾, Eeyore isn't the tallest bloke on the patch. Size 6 shoes (Mothercare's best) adorn his feet, giving him alot in common with Frodo Baggins and the hobbits of the shire. Wearing trousers and shirt from Asda's 'Back-To-School' range, he cuts a fair sight on the system

Yet good things come in small parcels (I am led to believe). He bragged to me over the weekend, that he could carry TWO doughnuts at a time (miniature doughnuts you understand), with a cup of tea in each hand and no other assistance. All he relied upon was his god-given appendages.

I can well believe it, and so dear reader can you. If you are ever up near Galgate on a balmy summer's evening, Eeyore can sometimes be seen prancing along the towpath in Winnie's G-String (not a pretty sight) and not much else. It's at this point that you realise size may not be important, but pride most certainly is !

(Note to Spanner - see I didn't mention that you dressed up as well did I ?)