I’ll be honest with you… Paddy and Plunkett were more than a little miffed that Explorer Beastie didn’t invite them along on his recent trip to Copenhagen. So, when they had the chance to hitch a lift to another bike-loving city (one a bit closer to home), you won’t be surprised to hear that they were off like a shot!
And where did they end up?
Aha! In beautiful sunny Cambridge!
Although it’s most famous for its universities – Plunkett actually considered applying here, but was disappointed by the human-centric approach these institutions take to the history of architecture – this little city that sits just outside London has plenty of other activities to keep a pair of curious little monsters entertained.
…Like these!
“Awww, Plunkett! Let’s have a go – the humans make it look so easy!”
“Hmmm, let’s see… Yeeees, it feels stable enough! But maybe we should let someone else drive?”
“DEAL!”
As it turns out, Plunkett took to these little boats (called “punts”) like a duck to water. He appreciated their sturdy construction, visibly-displayed safety information cards and the fact that they packed cosy blankets and umbrellas for the inevitable quirks of the British weather. And after a few minutes of gliding gently under the weeping willows, he was utterly sold!
A punt can hold 12 humans, plus a couple of stowaway Beasties, so Paddy and Plunkett were happy to share theirs with a family from the US. Strangely, they’d never met a Beastie before – what are the chances?
As for Paddy… Well, you know Paddy. Not even the “Bridge of Sighs” could dampen his mood!
This Bridge of Sighs got its name courtesy of Queen Victoria, who said it reminded her of the famous Ponte dei Sospiri in Venice. It didn’t matter that she’d never been to Venice, and that the two bridges actually look nothing alike… I don’t think even Paddy would have dared to contradict her!
And although the bridges gave Plunkett plenty to look at, he was also interested in the brick walls that line the river and keep the banks in check. These walls are carefully maintained, and repaired when necessary.
Further along, the boys came to the part of the river known as “The Backs” – so named because you float past the back doors of some of Cambridge’s most famous colleges.
“Look at this, Paddy! The guide says this is King’s College…
… I think I’d like to go here next!”
Join the boys when they return to dry land in a couple of weeks. Next week, I hope to have something new to share with you, so stay tuned!
Indeed a nice little town, that reminds me of our university town TĆ¼bingen…
Lots of greetings from Lu
Thanks Lu! There’s plenty more to see from this incredible place too, so stay tuned! š
I will…have a pleasant day! š¤
Thanks, you too! š
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I didn’t have any time for punting when I visited Cambridge many many many years ago, but I do remember loads of cyclists even then. Now if they could only engineer a pedal-powered punt they’d be set (both for transportation and for alliterative vehicles).
Indeed… Alliterative transport is the way forward (ha!). Paddy and Plunkett’s punting perambulation was actually a guided tour, which meant that someone else handled the driving AND they got to learn all about the city at the same time!
Ok, now THAT’S some impressive alliteration!
Ha! I might have gone a little overboard on that last one… I didn’t want to risk being called an alliterative illiterate. š
It looks like the Beasties had a wonderful trip along the river. I have never been on the river in Cambridge and imagine it must be a really interesting way to see the city’s architecture.
Plunkett certainy seemed to think so! Not only do you get to see the back ends of those spectacular university buildings, there are all those bridges criss-crossing the river tooā! Thanks for stopping in, Laura š
adorbs! Please tell the Beasties that human-centrism is sooooo overrated š
Heehee, I will! Mind you, I’ve never actually seen a Beastie building so the universities might have made the right call on this one… š¤
Beautiful! I didn’t know Cambridge University had such lovely little rivers around the campus. And gliding under the willows sounds (and looks) so marvelous. Speaking of Venice, the punts kind of remind me of gondolas. š Splendid pictures!
Yes! Now you mention it, they do seem to be powered in the same way… Although the Venetian ones are so much more lavishly decorated! What a fun way for the boys to start their trip though! š
Beasties on boats! What fantastic pictures! The architecture is pretty amazing, I love those bridges. Looks like it was a fun trip. š
Yes, I think the boys are really enjoying their time away! They get to the most interesting places… I’m only a little jealous! š
Wow- a trip to Cambridge! Did you take the beasties here? You should have said if you did i luv near Cambridge š
Alas, no… This was Paddy & Plunkett solo run! It looks like a lovely part of the world though… I might have to pop over sometime and see it for myself!
It is a nice part of the world, I don’t get to see that bit very often but it’s always pretty impressive.
I’ve only been punting once though and while I didn’t fall off or tip the punt over I wasn’t great š
Yes, it sounds like it’s the kind of thing that’s best left to the experts! š
Just a bit lol