The Flying Dutchdog

The canals have many mysteries and legends. There was the cruiser, "Dunworkin'" which was discovered, drifting and empty, on the Evesham levels. When boarded, the only clues were a bowl of water, still warm, an overturned dog-basket and a note saying "Gone to Pub". And canal folk talk in hushed voices of the mysterious and legendary area around Birmingham where boats simply disappear. This phenomenon would be more generally famous if the area could be more easily described - "the Birmingham, I don't know, it's like a square that's had one corner sort of squashed" is less than memorable - and if the lost boats stayed lost for more than a few hours.

But the most mysterious and, yes, legendary story of all concerns "The Flying Dutchdog". This vessel (so mysterious legend has it) arrives silently under cover of mists (yes, yes, alright, legendary mists) and darkness. Canal folk wake to find the boat moored against the tow path, selling tea towels and corn-dollies to passers-by. But the tea towels are always old-fashioned and the dollies are badly made. The captain, Jens Playdeadforthequeen, can be seen roaming the shores, clutching an old map in his teeth. Searching, always searching. The following morning finds them gone.

"The Flying Dutchdog" was immortalised on celluloid back in Hollywood's swashbuckling heyday. Jens was played by one of the old-school stars - Errol Flynn or Douglas Fairbanks or Lassie.

All the Pirates.