The Meeting of Ratty and Mole

It is a glorious spring day on the riverbank. Mole decides to interrupt his spring cleaning to enjoy a spot of sunshine and fresh air. Emerging from his burrow, he is surprised and delighted to see another furry face. It is Ratty, the water rat.

"Hello," say the two animals in greeting.

"Good morning," says a deep, booming voice emerging from a third burrow. The third creature is Badger - and together the three friends intend to spend the remainder of the day enjoying the many delights of the river.

Messin' Around in Boats

"There's nothin' even half as satisfying as simply messin' around in boats," declares Ratty.

On this beautiful day, with the sun on his fur and the promise of a full picnic basket at his feet, Mole can only agree.

As Mole relaxes in the stern, Ratty narrowly misses colliding with the mischievous Toad, who is rowing erratically in a brand new skiff.

"Sorry for the rough ride," says Ratty. "That, my dear Mole, was the great Toad of Toad Hall. He's ever such a nice fellow, really but not very focused. Rowing's his new fad," explains Ratty, "but he never stays at anything long enough to become good at it. Last Spring it was houseboats! Who knows what it will be next?"