the midday sun
Along this the Cubs walked -LRB- or rather ran and jumped -RRB- , their eyes big with wonder at the great stretch of blue , blue sea , with here and there a distant sailing-boat , and , above , the sky even bluer than the sea . `` I did n't know the sky _ could _ be so blue ! '' said a Cub ; and that was just how they all felt . It was very hot walking in the midday sun . There was no hurry -- nine days to do just as they liked in -- so halfway along the sea-wall the Cubs and Akela scrambled down some steep stone steps on to a tiny stretch of sand not yet covered by the incoming tide . Boots and stockings were soon off , sleeves and shorts tucked up , and everybody paddling deep in the cool green water . When they had all got thoroughly cool they went on their way , and at last arrived at the Stable .