We were scheduled to meet at the Scout hut at 11.00 am. He , who is always going on about time keeping , was late. He , is Delta , if you did not know. He made some poor excuse about having been up since five o’clock in the morning and then had to take the cat to kennels. We were all waiting and eager to start our life on the ocean waves. Nick had arrived with our Mini Bus thanks to the Somerton Round Table. With every body on board we headed east for the M3 and adventure. Our first scheduled stop was the services at Fleet. You need a strong bladder when Delta does the route planning.

Lunch at Fleet and then onwards to London and Adelaide Marine at Southall.

Sue Soutar discovered that she could map read after all and it was even better when she held the map the right way up.

Excited passengers discharged themselves from their vehicles, the scouts were quite excited as well. A mad charge to secure the berth you wanted then took place. Delta spoilt it all by throwing everybody off the barges and allocated space and beds.

Adelaide Marine took one look at the Langport crew and sent for Steve who was responsible for ensuring that some one could steer and control the two barges which were lashed side by side. Steve turned out to be a Scout Leader so he knew what a danger Scouts could be when let loose with two barges each weighing in excess of 12 Tonnes.

Helen who had made a detour in her Formula One car to collect Captain Birdseye screeched into the car park just as the two barges crept slowly down the canal with a less than confident Delta at the helm.

Delta had banned the Scouts from this initial training exercise. So they all kept pace with the barges by walking along the tow path and shouting advice to Delta , who for some strange reason known only to himself refused to accept this much needed guidance.

Adelaide Marine seemed relaxed and happy with the standard of training. After pointing us Northwards we proceeded up the canal.

After only five minutes Delta insisted on mooring and giving us a lecture on safety and what to do if anybody fell overboard. Did he really think that Scouts would fall over board.

We proceeded along the canal which was dark green in colour with the odd Nan Bread floating like dirty nappies on its surface. Where were all the other boats ?. Not a sign of one since we left Southall. Had they all fled to their moorings in panic when

they heard that the 1st Langport Scouts were loose on the Grand Union Canal.

Our first stop was just ahead at the Tesco Store by Bulls Bridge. Hungry Scouts disappeared to stock up on provisions just in case they were forced to eat his stew.

London suburbs were passed as our great journey began. The first overnight stop was to be at Bridge 95. Dinner and Ghost stories were the order of that first night.

For those who had attended summer camp in 1994 , Wilf was already a familiar ghost. It would appear that he had a cousin called Black Jack who haunts the Grand Union Canal. We all pretended that we believed Delta’s tale as it makes him feel good.

Breakfast and cleaning the boats were the first duties of the day. Then can you believe it, I mean really believe that " He " expects us to maintain a Log Book in great detail for the entire eight days of our journey. The last time some of us went on a boat trip we were served ice creams and drinks. Who left the servants behind , where is my Mum.

Engine checks would be carried out under supervision each day and were part of the weeks assessment.

We cast off and headed North once more. The first lock loomed ahead of us. This was where the real training would begin. The lock crew put on there life jackets and steadied themselves to leap ashore and moor the boat.

Matthew at this moment decided to throw himself overboard and test the water temperature. It was a mystery why he choose that precise moment to do it. Delta immediately started to sulk as he had bet with one of the other Leaders that David would be the first one to fall overboard. An ugly rumor manifested itself that Paddy had pushed Matthew into the water.

After passing through the lock we stopped to fill the water tanks of both boats. Apparently we are expected to wash and take showers at least every other day.

At last we had left London behind us and travailing at a leisurely four miles per hour proceeded towards Rickmansworth.

The locks were not difficult to operate. You did need quite a bit of muscle power to open some of the more obstinate sluices.

Lunch was had on the move. Dubious sandwiches made by the Scouts were consumed and like Oliver they asked ‘please can we have some more’. Perhaps their mothers had starved them for a week so that they would have a good appetite.

A card school had developed at the front of Victoria. They assured the Leaders that they were only playing snap.

At Rickmansworth every body stampeded for the Tesco Store. Weary Leaders started the shopping with a convoy of trolleys. After the completion of the shopping expedition the boats were moved through one more lock and moored for the night.

The weir just opposite the boats seemed to give some people cause for concern. Paddy pointed out that Delta had put twenty two half hitches on the mooring rope and it would probably take two hours to undo them in the morning.

A hideous old man came stumbling up the path. All the Scouts knew it was Delta in disguise (or not). He still has not grown up.

This second night started a series of raids on Albert by the crew of Victoria. At least that’s what the crew of Albert claimed. Debra became very stressed out at what she thought was someone banging on her window with a broom handle. We all knew that it was Black Jack coming for a new victim. When he saw the crew of Albert he decided to try else where.

The Hertfordshire countryside began to open up on either side of the canal. The sun shone continuously and all was well with the world. Our journey towards the North crept on mile by mile. Not a care in the world until we let Steve loose on the rudder. People live on the canal in narrow boats. They seem to like the peace and tranquillity it gives them. Imagine their surprise when two barges lashed side by side crash into them (Steve said it was a gentle bump).

You may be surprised to learn that the owner was a little upset at this early morning incident. He proceeded to walk along the tow path beside our barges and tell Steve exactly what he thought of his steering. Apologies were brushed aside as he continued to pursue us into the wilds of Hertfordshire. He either became very tired or fed up as he eventually disappeared. The Scouts were very quick to tell Steve that we had to return past the same point and the man would probably be waiting for him.

At midday we arrived at Whippendale Woods on one side of the canal and Carrisbury Park on the other side. Here we were to be tested on our ability to follow instructions over a six mile hike without a map. Michael won the award for being the only patrol to get lost before starting the hike. With packed lunches and bottles of liquid we departed into Whippendale Woods. The adults stretched out on the canal bank as if they were at home in their gardens on a Sunday afternoon. With the hike completed and after explaining to some disgruntled tourists that we were not the trip boat and we did not sell cream teas either , we cast off and continued our journey.

Just short of the M25 we stopped to hold our first barbecue. Alun Miles manufactured his own fishing rod and surprise surprise he even caught a fish with it. Stephanie organized the evenings entertainment. Andrew , Robert and Alun were transformed into Ballerinas for the evening. Their point work was a little erratic so Stephanie insisted that they wear lifejackets in case they danced into the canal. Michael gave a demonstration of Karate. James had the food ready which was quickly devoured by ravenous Scouts.

The persistent tap was heard on the windows of Albert again. Quite unjustified the poor inhabitants of Victoria were accused of causing the problem.

The plan today was to reach Hemel Hempstead and turn the boats ready for the return trip to London. However the best laid plans of people often have to be changed as we were to find out.

A strange smell had started to percolate through the boats. Scouts were made to take showers and change their underwear in an attempt to get rid of the smell. All of this activity failed to reduce the odor which was getting stronger by the hour. Then with a flash of genius it was discovered that both chemical toilets were full. A pump out was needed with out delay.

The pumping of toilets is best left to the experts and their did not seem to be to many volunteers to undertake the task. Even after Tom dropped a lock key into the canal he refused to empty the toilets as a punishment.

The waterways map was consulted and a pumpout station identified at the far end of Hemel Hempstead which was about five miles further than we had planned to travel. Little did we know of the strange opening hours of pump out stations.

Time was not yet an important issue so we crept sedately through Hemel Hempstead. Delta disappeared for two hours. It was rumored that he was stressed out and had gone to seek medicine in a hospital strangely called the Fisherman’s Arms. When he eventually reappeared he seemed in a much better frame of mind and suggested to the other adults that they should visit this hospital for treatment.

We reached the pumpout at about 6.00 p.m. only to find that they do not operate on a Monday. An electrically operated bridge had to be negotiated and a stranded and grounded barge pleaded for help. True to our promise we speed to the rescue only to ground our selves next to the stranded barge thus effectively blocking the entire canal. Muscle power pushed us off the mud and we attached a tow rope to the other barge after negotiating salvage rights we

proceeded to pull them off the mud. It was a great pity that James hand was caught in the rope which was wound around the bollard. He protested most verbally when the strain of the barge was felt on his trapped hand. A quick piece of full astern saved the day and James hand although swollen was still intact.

We had by now become so proficient at lock operation that nobody seemed to mind that we had negotiated fifthteen locks in four hours. The pumping station was behind us and we needed to turn the barges. The average width of the canal is 45 feet and the length of our two barges was 46 feet. This extra foot of length seemed to present Delta with a logistics problem. After six attempts he had still failed to turn the boats. It is amasing how stressed adults can become when they do not have a solution to a problem. Advice had been requested from locals who gave detailed advice on where the boats could be turned. All to no avail and the light was fading fast when Delta threw in the towel and decided to moor for the night.

The two objectives for the day was to turn the boats and pump the toilets. We had failed in both tasks.

We were all brought out of our slumbers by the thump , thump , of the engine. It was only 6.30 am and the boat was under way and still heading North. Perhaps we had been boarded by Canal Pirates in the night and taken prisoner or even worse , hostages. Would my Mum pay the ransom for my safe release ? . Plucking up all our courage we slid open the hatch and peered out to find a solitary figure at the helm. On closer inspection it turned out to be Delta who had decided that we were now a full day behind our schedule and an early start was needed.

Lock crews were dispatched to run ahead and speed our transit through the locks in our frantic search for a ‘Winding Hole’ which we had now learnt were the places where you turned barges. Berkhampstead appeared at the turn in the canal . What was this magic sign which was causing Delta to jump up and down in excitement ?

Even more exciting was the fact that human beings could be seen moving around this building. We crashed into their jetty and sheepishly asked if the sign meant that they could pump out our toilets. Yes , Yes , Yes they could. Did they know where we could turn the barges ?. Yes , Yes , Yes and what was even better it was a turning area with a width of 75 feet and only half a mile upstream.

These wonderful people were called ‘Bridgewater Boats’ . They suggested that we go and turn the boats and by the time we got back they would be ready to pump out. The boats were turned and the first glimmer of a smile began to creep back on Deltas face or was it wind. Efficiency took over in the hands of these experts and we were soon on our way heading South yes South towards Hemel Hempstead.

The adults calculated that we would not be back in Hemel Hempstead until midday. Did this mean that our precious day out would have to be abandoned. A Patrol Leaders Council was called to discuss the time problem as we had to be back in London by midday on Friday. If the Scouts agreed to cruise until late on Wednesday and start at 5.00 am on Thursday it was just possible to get back to Adelaide Marine

at the agreed time to hand the boats back. All the Scouts agreed that it would not be a problem and they would willingly get up at 5.00 am on Thursday. Delta and Gail looked a little skeptical but agreed to the plan.

Having arrived back at Hemel Hempstead the scouting party of Delta , Paddy and James went to explore and find the adventure park. They returned after a couple of hours with tales of ice skating , swimming , bowling , MacDonalds and multi screen cinemas. Gail and Steve were put in charge of party who were to go to the adventure park. With great anticipation we went to bed.

Everybody was out of bed promptly and all the daily tasks were carried out with a new vigor. We knew that the adults would use today as an excuse to ensure that everything was tidy and clean before they allowed us to depart for the adventure park.

Yes of course we got the lecture about staying together and looking after each other and not leave anyone out and staying out of trouble and on and on it went.

Helen , Sue , Trevor and Delta declined the offer to accompany us to the adventure park. Its seems that Helen , Sue and Delta were going to visit the shopping centre and Trevor just wanted a day on his own. Adults do have some strange habits.

Under Gails and Steves supervision we marched at a fast pace (or was it a slow meander) to the adventure park. It would take to long to give details of the superb day which we spent doing all the activities we wanted. The adults had even managed to find £10 for each Scout from the trip funds. Everybody had a chance to swim , bowl , skate or go to the cinema. A visit to the junk food restaurants kept us sustained until we got back to the boats for our evening

meal. At the end of the day we returned tired but unscathed to Albert and Victoria.

We were soon reminded of our agreement to travel until dark. The lines were cast off and lock crews were alternated to speed our journey South. By now we had lost count of the number of locks which we had opened and closed. At 9.00 p.m. we moored for the night having traveled 10 miles and negotiated 9 locks in four hours. Was this a world record ? . Our aching arms suggested that it might be.

A celebration barbecue was held to mark our fantastic progress. Robert threw his torch into the canal so that he could see the bottom a bit better. He was some what concerned to find that the batteries were very hot when Paddy fished it out for him.

As we tumbled into bed we were reminded by little Andrew that we had all promised to get up at 5.00 am in the morning. For some strange reason the Scouts lead by vocal Debra did not seem to want to be reminded of this. Some vague comments were made about experimenting on nettles on the journey tomorrow. Also Steve had to face his old adversary who objected to his steering.

We woke to sound of Delta’s voice screaming that we were approaching a lock and a crew was needed to operate the gates. After checking our watches we were horrified to discover that it was only 5.45am and the barges were not only under power

but also moving a at their top speed of 4 miles per hour. Oh well I suppose that we had been warned that an early start was needed if we were to return the barges on time to Adelaide Marine. Volunteers had to be threatened before they would leave their bunks to operate the locks .

Southwards without a stop and only the constant changing of the lock crews was the order of the day. Countryside gave way to canalside buildings as we entered the Suburbs of London at the end of a very tiring day. Twenty six miles and twenty eight locks had been negotiated in fourteen hours of uninterrupted cruising. Could it be eligible for the Guinness Book of records ?

Although this was to be our last night on the barges nobody was sad or unhappy as we had just completed the journey of a life time. The final round of the quiz accompanied by good seafaring food , group photographs and tumble into bed.

These early morning starts are becoming a little boring. In addition the barges had to be cleaned from top to bottom so that they could be handed back to Adelaide Marine in a spotless condition.

Bulls Bridge which stands at the Junction of the Grand Union Canal and the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union was our last stop. Once again Scouts rushed to the Tesco Super store to stock up on provisions for the journey home. A last inspection of the two barges which had been our home for the last two weeks seemed to satisfy Delta that we had cleaned them properly.

Bang it was all over and we were mooring for the last time at Adelaide Marine. Sadly we said good-bye to Albert and Victoria. Special thanks were passed to Adelaide Marine who had made this very special trip possible.

Nick had arrived with the Mini Bus and we loaded our belongings for the trip back to Somerset. Happy but subdued we traveled West back to our home County.

This truly had been the trip of a life time.

Captain Delta : Stress level rises when encountered with pump outs and turning barges.

Number One Gail : Threatens to keel haul raiding parties who attacked her boat in the middle of the night.

Coxswain Trevor : Still bewildered as to how he came to spend the summer with a bunch of Scouts.

Steve : Will he still want to marry Gail now that he has seen how she spends her leisure time ?

Helen : Captains better half and trouble shooter to solve problems. Friction seem to arise when discussing menu’s with number one.

Sue : Cool calm and collective. Reads maps upside down. Gets a little stressed when her son Gordon appears.

Paddy : Venture Scout extraordinaire. Brilliant at gadgets and winding Delta up.

Michael : Gets lost before hike even starts. Claims normal people always use compasses.

Alun : Refuses to get agitated despite all of Deltas efforts. Good humored what ever the situation.

Matthew : Demonstrated backward dive off the back of the barge . Making cups of tea was his specialty.

Debra : Also suffers from stress when raiding parties poke broom handles through her windows.

Tom : Lock Master with specialty of throwing windlass handles into the canal.

Andrew : Suffered from cold and refused to take his life jacket off for the entire trip.

Gordon : apart from upsetting his mother was the expert on stink bombs.

David : Did not appreciate Deltas imaginative stew and refused to eat it. Received 7 days on bread and water as a punishment.

Stephanie : Tried to turn the Scout Troop into a ballet company. Gave up when realised that they had no idea of time or rhythm.

Andrew : Unfortunately his backside seemed to have got stuck to his bunk. However the adults helped him to become unstuck.

James : Master Chef eat your heart out . This Scout cooks barbecues good enough for the Ritz.

Robert : He knows more jokes than the rest of the troop put together. Throws torches into the canal as a hobby.

Robert Mac : His bum was firmly fixed to his bunk and needed severe force to unstick it . Particularly when dinner and washing up duties were imminent.