D G When holidaying in Britain the climate demands D A G D Appropriate clothing, 'specially on the canals G So when going boating, one thing is clear D A G D If you want to stay dry you'll need wet weather gear D G Wet weather gear, wet weather gear D A G D If you want to stay dry you’ll need wet weather gear If you steer your boat in tee-shirt and shorts That’s adventurous attire for this mode of transport Take on board some advice and to it adhere Don't leave your mooring without wet weather gear Avoid cool Ray-Ban shades and hot Jimmy Choos Don't let Gok Wan plan your waterway cruise Haute couture. C’est un faux pas when low pressure’s here So discard fashion clothing, don wet weather gear A colourful umbrella’s an attractive sun shade But in stormy conditions it won’t make the grade Wind assisted inversion’s inevitable I fear Throw away broken brollies, get wet weather gear Now shower-proof won't do, despite resistance to rain You'll find water running down a trouser leg drain So boatman, wet fisherman and (C&RT) canal volunteer Splash out on best quality wet weather gear Water seeps into shoes fast as leaks drain the locks So some boaters wear plastic bags over socks But spotted and pink or black and austere Wellies are vital as wet weather gear I believe global warming's a load of old tosh It's rained cats and dogs and the towpath's awash There’ve been floods, no heat-waves, in the news all this year Thanks Noah for inventing wet weather gear Jacket and trousers, wellies and hat In fluorescent green or navy slash black For their waterproof qualities we must all raise a cheer So it's hip, hip, hoo-rain for wet weather gear © I H Bruce 2012 The steady flow of canal songs seemed to have dried up and in 2012 I was only able to compose one. The inspiration will be obvious to those who remember that awful 'summer'.