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The last week
of October (2009) When we travelled to the island where they found Venus de Milos We paddled with a German who forgot to bring a lilo An Irishman who drank so much he laughed at all my jokes A couple who liked rubber, and two young adventurous folks
Our guide, although Australian, was a thoroughly decent chap Who knew each nook and cranny, so we didn’t need a map He came here ten long years ago in search of glittering gold But found things far more valuable which can’t be bought and sold
The day that we arrived we went canoeing with some Yanks Who had the world’s best dressed marine canoeist in their ranks I’m used to seeing people wearing gear made to impress But I’ve rarely seen a paddler in a flimsy summer dress
But others in the party found the sea was rather cold And thought that paddling with bare limbs was really much too bold. I know they’re not, like me, protected by huge layers of blubber But it makes you wonder what they do while clad in all that rubber
The wimpiest in all the group was a big girl’s blouse called Steve Canoeing in a force 2 gale he couldn’t quite believe Others revelled in the raging Bears at storm force seven But when the sea was mirror like, Steve thought he was in heaven
The Red Car was well driven by the Irishman called Pete With plenty of assistance and advice from the back seat The warning lights flashed on and off, the water drained away But still it got us to the start and home again each day
Carol tried repeatedly to get us all to camp But others longed for luxury and feared the cold and damp Pete and Carol disappeared for hours in a cave And we’ve only got their word for it they didn’t misbehave
Helen’s rate of progress was unreasonably quick Which made decrepit wrecks like me quite envious and sick When she came here, she was still a novice so we’re told But by the time she left the place she rolled and rolled and rolled.
Greg rolled even more that her with paddle, hands or float It made you wonder if he knew which way up went the boat In view of all the rolling, both in and out of sight It’s no surprise that everyday they chose an early night.
Kirsten wasn’t desperate for a lover from afar But still she pulled some rough old Greek while drinking in the bar Then she thought better of it and repelled his passionate hugs Before retreating up the stairs to polish her new jugs
The scenery was stupendous, the water warm and clear The wind, most days, so light that even Steve had nought to fear The week was truly memorable and we’ll be back alright Bringing reinforcements from the glorious Isle of Wight |