Boys Camping Trip

The date was set, the rest had wussed out so back to the usual two (me n Michael) plus the kids!! In fairness, Ollie n Jake were absolutely great – not a bit of bother, more or less. Bit of trouble finding it, need to head to the Farm House to sign in and get your map etc. Because of the weather and the tracks being a bit wet had to head round to the top of the woods and down from Barlow Lane. Got fairly nervous about getting back out as the field was VERY muddy and even going down the field could feel the car sliding around. But we made it, and a few trips back n forth the 100yards are so to the pitch, and me and Ollie were getting sorted. A quick couple of hotdogs for us to keep hunger at bay until later. All done and fire just lit for Michael n Jake arriving.

 

How Mondays Should Be

Weather was a bit less sunny than expected but still decent enough to get up to the River Wansbeck as planned. Put in at Cambois Rowing Club, with it’s own jetti and carpark it was ideal. Loaded up the canoe with some basics (lunch, drink, waterproof etc.) and headed off upstream to see how far I could get before either I gave out or it got too shallow.

Old Town Jack

The slightly modified named canoe has had it’s first run out now, only a quick paddle round the QE2 at Ashington but still worth it. Took Oliver up with me to give him a chance to use his new little paddle as well. And he loves coming out in the canoe.

It's Home

After a very long drive yesterday (Manchester - Bristol - Newcastle) my new canoe is back home, and nicely tucked away in the garage. Ready for next week now to get out, heading to Loch Ken for a few nights. 

Getting Pack'd

Found a great deal on an Old Town Pack after a good few months (around 9 or so), been wanting one of these for ages now as it ticks so many boxes for me; fits in the garage, light enough to handle myself... Can't wait to get it up here so I can start going out whenever the weather lets me, and Ollie trying out his new paddle too.