He comments:

“The sunshine had brought out the crowds, so soon an audience of puzzled onlookers was watching my fatigued attempts to pump up the Lilo. I have yet to achieve this feat without a minimum of 2 enquiries about how much was it & where can I get one…”

I wondered if this was a common reaction? Do inflatable canoes still have a greater novelty factor than hardshells? Which is the better conversation starter? And do you find that the attention continues once you are on the river and paddling?

Also, what is the common that makes you want to scream – the one that is so blindingly predictable yet everyone who makes it thinks that they are a great original wit? Any thoughts?