Ratty and Mole were sitting in their boat enjoying their picnic
in the sun. They had eaten five rounds of sandwiches between them.
The sail was fluttering in the fresh breeze and Ratty was looking
forward to sailing down the river and out to the open sea. Humming
a light air Ratty said “are you ready for this
adventure”?
Mole who was sitting calmly by the cabin wasn’t quite
sure. “You hear such dreadful tales about ship-wrecks; people
marooned on islands, horrid weather, ever so strong breezes, severe
gales and great waves. Not to mention pirates and pieces of
eight.” Mole squeaked.
“Oh don’t be a wimp” said Ratty.
He took the rudder and they gently floated down the river. They
passed four locks and pubs and a near Gales inn caught
Ratty’s eye.
“Time for a stiffener” he said.
Mole felt he could cope with that and he downed one or two pints
and felt a lot better. “Now if we had a gentle breeze, then I
think I might quite enjoy it” he said. Ratty who had had two
or three drinks too just couldn’t keep still.
“We need to be off if we are going to get there before
teatime. We need more wind not this calm stuff. This won’t
get us moving” said Ratty.
“I like it” replied Mole.
Just then there was a loud tooting, lots of steam and with a
great growl Toad appeared on the scene, completely shattering the
peace and calm in the pub. He seemed to be all at sixes and sevens
as he dashed into the pub crying “Has anyone seen Ratty and
Mole? I need them quick. We have lost Badger and we need to rescue
him”.
Mole was worried. What had happened to Badger? Toad didn’t
seem to be too sure but thought Badger had set off in a light
aircraft to fly over the Solent. Toad was jumping up and down
getting very excited.
“Keep your hair on and calm down” said Ratty.
“How can I be calm when Badger may have crashed into the
sea?” screamed Toad. “There is a ninety mph gale
blowing in the Solent and three boats have overturned. I heard it
on the TV. Badger left me a text message.
It said neargalesbrewerygonefly.”
“But that’s not by the sea” squeaked Mole
“It’s inland and up a hill”.
“Oh is it really” mumbled Toad. “Maybe you got
it wrong said Ratty trying to moderate.
breezegoodfishjumpingbacksoon a second text message read.
“Oh, dear” said Mole “The first message must have
been truncated – he’s gone fly fishing!”
So they called Badger who was fine and said he would join them
in the pub in five minutes, so they all had another drink and
forgot about the boating trip.
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