As planned; up early, bag in the car, canoe loaded and heading to Wansbeck for a sunrise paddle and breakfast! Weather, as planned also, dry sunny and COLD! Temp gauge on the car dancing with 1-2 degrees on the way to Cambois Rowing Club put in. With frost still on the ground pulled in to the car park to be welcomed to a stunning sunrise in the making.. Get on the water quick!!
Quiet and peaceful paddling up to Sheepwash Pier, few dog walkers out but that was it. Very still and calm, and the sun rising on my back warming up the 1-2 degrees feel. Crisp morning!
Got the camera setup on the new ‘cycle mount’ off the side of the canoe for some video, some nice footage if a bit slanty and waving around (must try harder to paddle in a straighter line!) Not the most extreme of videos being on a calm flat river but nice all the same – a good try out anyway. Got cracking above the weir to a spot near Bothal for some breakfast.. First priority; Kettle, Second priority; Food.
Lovely spot for a lazy Sunday breakfast though!
Breakfast done and cleared up (Leave No Trace in tact), set back towards the car. Sun getting warmer as it rose, lighting up more and more of the autumn colours too. Still frosty in the shaded places.
Back at the weir was a group of kayakers playing some sort of game across the river.. Must be a kayak thing? Anyway, stopped and chatted for 2 mins while they finished whatever round they were on then carried on my way.
Found this very ornate carving under the bridge near the rowing club, showing the River Wansbeck, railway bridge and out to sea (I think).. It’s location would only ever be seen by those on the water. And back at the pier a group of sea kayakers were getting a lesson – busy ‘old place once the sun gets up!
And my favourite pic from the day… For me sums up what cold crisp mornings are all about! Lovely.
