Sunday 30 September 2012

"There is nothing, absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats" ... Wind in the Willows

They arrive and unpack the car. Take the canoe off the roof and survey the river - mindful of men fishing. This weekend is the last weekend of the fishing season. Luckily, on the River Spey, canoeists and fishermen have mutual respect for each other it seems
"Please take care of Dad"  - when did the roles reverse?!  Father and son head off
I drive to the first meeting point
Just after twenty minutes they confirm the going is good and the rapids are fun - when Dad doesn't worry
Later, at the next bridge I get engrossed in f.stops and special effects...and
almost fail to spot them slipping quickly under the far arch 
I'm given a map marked with crosses and told I can meet them at these spots if I want. What I really want  is a hot drink and a petrol station and actually, by this time - a loo!  I drive to Forres and manage all three before returning to Knockando  - the pick up point.
I wasn't sure whether I'd missed them. It was a glorious afternoon and strong contrasts of light and shade make it almost impossible to see them but then I spot them racing round the bend in the river over on the right
"Is this it?"  they shout. "Is this the end?"
back on dry land
 a chance to reflect
They did sixteen miles and said it was a grand adventure  - when Dad didn't worry!
Time to pack up
Knockando - the end of the line. A disused railway station, perfect for loading, (though I read later, it shouldn't be blocked by people loading and off loading - sorry) Now  it's part of the Speyside Way and if people like us aren't in the way it's perfect for walking and bike riding.

8 comments:

Lucille said...

Is that station used for anything? What a great trip. I'd be the worrier though. The last canoe trip I went on hit unexpected rapids and was not fun. Give me a punt on the Cam now.

Diane said...

Glad to see you are back blogging & that you all had a fun day. Fantastic photos once again! I hope you too are pleased with your new camera. Love to you all, Di xx

Lori ann said...

this was awesome annie! what a beautiful river, i wonder how cold the water was? well, the guys looked very happy and satisfied, a successful day!

we recently did a family boat (kayak trip) too, your men might love to do this someday, and you too!...

http://www.loritimesfive.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-kids-in-caves.html

annie hoff said...

Lucille
After the station became disused it was bought by a local whisky distillery and converted into their visitor centre. Now it is empty again. I read somewhere it is hoped the local community will buy it.

ju-north said...

A big adventure! - although nothing would induce me onto water! We recently walked the last 9 miles into Tomintoul as part of their walking festival - great scenery!

S. Etole said...

Beautiful images of their journey down the river.

Anonymous said...

Looks like they had a gorgeous day!

Linda said...

Ooooh, I know exactly where you went - this is my home territory! In fact we were up there at the weekend. 5 minutes from my Dad's house and we're beside the Spey - often watching canoeists and kayakers going downstream. My children's school has an annual river trip down the Spey by canoe. I have to say, relations between fishers and boat people aren't always harmonious...

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