Mermaid's Tale

Grandchild 5 (aged 3) in Daddy's T-shirt

On his perambulations for ablutions, in
the 'building of convenience' on our regular campsite, DH has noticed the new phenomena of 'event shelters' - curved, sexier, upgraded versions of the gazebo, and has reached the conclusion that one would make an alternative to the-awning-that-came-free-with-the-van-but-doesn't-really-fit.

In true form for our family, the possible purchase was discussed, but no conclusion reached or action was taken -  because once you start googling 'event tents' you realise that choices need to be made...

I suggested using the gazebo currently lurking in the shed, but this was rejected on the grounds that it is big, very heavy and has no sides.

As a consequence, the day before our next trip, we find ourselves heading over to the local camping shop. They only have one, and only have 3 sides for that particular model. We decide that this will not be a problem. How often will we need to use all four sides? We just want somewhere to put a couple of chairs that are too good for the beach, and airer to dry the towels. I can always order an extra side and get it delivered to the site...

Meanwhile, DH has been doing online research.
"Carbon fibre poles" he intoned to the assistant.
"Like a tent.." the assistant replied.
"What is its waterproof rating?" I enquired, pondering if it will be suitable for drying laundry in,  should I get bored during the holiday.
"6000 pu" replied the assistant, "The lowest rating for waterproof-ness is really about 2,000"
Crumbs - does a damp towel require this 'Rolls Royce' of a tent?
We um and ah, and eventually decided that an event tent in the hand. is worth a dozen in a catalogue - especially when it is raining and the towels need somewhere to dry.

The assistant lugged a large heavy box out of the storeroom.  I tried to lift it, and failed.
"It weighs as much as the gazebo..." I hissed to DH.
We recalled the hassle of getting the awning fitted to the caravan. This MUST be easier we decided.
We purchased the event shelter...

Half way home I started to do calculations
"4.5 metres... what is that in feet?" We calculated that it is over twelve feet,  and unlike an awning, it is square!
Doubts crept in
"Would this even fit on the pitch?"
We resolved that the event shelter was more suitable for a party, rather than a couple of chairs and an airer. We measured out 4.5 metres. It confirmed our suspicions. It may be a 'Rolls Royce", but it is more like a coach, than a saloon!
Lovely, it may be, but it would have to go back! It was far too big, and definitely too heavy
It also has metal poles, not the carbon fibre DH craved and had requested.
"We will have to fit in returning the event shelter tomorrow morning, before I go to work."
We had no time right now. We needed to go and pick up some small people, as it is the annual church pub crawl, which has been renamed 'The Canal Walk, in case anyone doesn't get the joke and thinks that we really are on a pub crawl...

Nearly thirty of us - aged from two - to vintage - amassed at the designated watering hole.
Food has been pre-ordered.
The plan was that folks would be ferried to the starting point.

Photo opportunity

The first group was sucessfully dropped off.
The rest decided that it is too complicated, particularly when it comes to shunting children's seats between cars, and they will just walk along the canal for half an hour and then turn around and return to the pub.

Thirty-five minutes into the walk the second youngest member of the party decided that she wanted to throw some stones in the canal.
Unfortunately, she failed to let go of the stone, and followed it into the canal, with a loud splash - having being confused by the bullrushes that appeared to be solid, but were actually growing at the water's edge.
Her mother anxiously shouted for her husband, who rushed to the spot.
Lying down on the bank he parted the bullrushes, in time to see his small daughter up to her neck in cold water and heading for the middle of the canal.
To everyone's relief, the wet and rather surprised child was safely hauled out, none the worse for her unexpected dip,  Some of her wet clothing was removed. Fortunately, the evening was warm.

The mermaid, Auntie S and not a sea horse!

The family wisely decided to head back.

Shortly afterwards, the advance party of walkers hoved into sight. The rest decided that it was dinner time and turned back to the pub.

The KHT's verdict - When I saw J, I thought she was a mermaid!
J's verdict - I am NOT a mermaid!

The only item of clothng suitable for J to wear, was the t-shirt her dad had planned to change into after his cycle ride to the pub.

The clothing was clearly not waterproof, but what is the waterproof rating of a child?