So it’s getting really close to our trip now and we have been very busy!!!
Firstly we managed to get in touch with Roy Farrington, a marathon paddler from Leamington club, who agreed to give us some tips on our forwards paddling technique which has been really great! So we are very grateful to Roy for giving us tips and for the Leamington canoe club for letting us use their marathon boats!
Heres a photo of Mark setting off in a marathon kayak, being watched by Erin from the bank:
Secondly, we went on an overnight camping expedition in Anglesey; a day on our own on Sunday, followed by a day with our coach Roger yesterday, which involved some tidal planning and we paddled 30k!
Yesterday we set out in Anglsey in the sun, with the tide going with us so it paddling felt very relaxed! Here’s Erin and Mark doing some map reading.
And a photo Mark took of me through his BA pocket which has a convenient hole.
Erin in action:
Then we got to a camp spot suggested by Roger and looked for a place to stay. Erin climbed a hill:
Heres Erin performing the ‘cat’ cool down after a days paddling.
Erin and Mark cooking dinner whilst I take photos of our campsite..,
(but I did put the tent up!)
Dinner was delicious, but the easy-cook pasta went a little strange. Heres a photo of our dinner of pasta, sauce, chorizo and mushrooms:
Whilst gathering firewood I looked up and saw this awesome sky:
So we got a nice fire going:
Then the next morning we got up bright and early to see Roger. And the scenery was equally amazing. The water was a mirror:
However, it didn’t stay that way when we met up with Roger the winds picked up a bit, force 3 with highs of force 4. Here’s a photo of Roger:
All in all we’ve had a very busy, very good few weeks. And there is still so much to do, as the time draws near…Channel crossing is booked in for the 2nd of July, weather permitting!
Also a big thanks to everyone who has donated to our chosen charities! It makes the harder parts of training seem very worthwhile.
