Gosty Hill Tunnel

After leaving Hawne Basin we wanted to visit the Big Pet Store down the hill so we moored just a few hundred metres along the canal. Vicky attached a box to the trolley and loaded up on cat food, dog food and a few treats a brush for Whiskers' long hair and Christmas presents for her family's two dogs, Lenny and Elsie. She was like a kid in a sweetshop!

Our mooring was close to the road so we trundled along to the start of Gosty Hill Tunnel where the towpath ended. It was one of those rare spots where people wouldn't be walking directly past our windows. There were lots of low shrubs and small trees around and Whiskers hopped off straight away.

We want Whiskers to have his freedom but do worry about him when he's away from the boat. A couple of hours after dark Vicky went out to see if she could find him. His eyes reflected the torchlight from atop a 10ft wall, which itself was set back from a 4ft wall with swathes of brambles between them. He mewed pathetically and didn't come when Vicky called. She got togged up in boots, overtrousers and a thick coat and took the step stool with her. With some difficulty she stood wobbling on the stool at the bottom of the wall, arms outstretched encouraging Whiskers to come to her. He made a little effort, then turned away and returned to eat whatever poor creature he'd managed to catch! Nearing bed time he was still on top of the wall. Feeling stupid but nonetheless wanting him back on board Vicky got togged up again, only to find him waiting to be let in when she opened the back door! Fun and games eh? 😂Read more