THERE AND BACK AGAIN, A PADDLERS TALE. (written by John!)
An early start for GSCC’s super six saw us leave Brigg behind bathed in sunshine. Two and a half hours later and the silver express had deposited us in the Lake District ready for the south Lakes Hasler hosted by Duddon Canoe Club.
At the start line we had Karl in Div 5, first time in the Tor, and Graham in the Blenheim rolling out with the other Div 6 paddlers. Sue and Helen chose the K2 for one of the more bendy stretches of river. When they say this is a canal don’t be fooled, there are more bends than a race track! John started in Div 7 and Hannah took the start in Div 9.
There was a communal groan from our contingent when marshal carelessly threw out a four letter word- WEED. The race was a story of bends, wash and bridges but thankfully the weed kept itself hidden along the bank.
Let’s start with the successes, we travelled cross country without delays, a huge cheer for Helen and Sue, winners in Div8 K2 despite an ungainly turn at the half way mark. Hannah has secured her qualification for the Hasler Finals in Worcester and seemed to have noticeably increased her pace in the second half. John did no better than in previous races, and fell behind with the expected 16 point turn in the Tercel, but was closing in at the end to finish in 4th. Karl and Graham went further and deeper into the countryside, ‘as far as the canal was navigable’ and came back in good form. Karl came in 4th as he’s still mastering the portage but took a sneaky swim after the finish line. Graham came through without any great drama but did have tales of the long tunnel so if you are Div6 or above or desperate for promotion it’s a treat you could enjoy next year, but there is no Narnia, just more slog!
Over 50 paddlers lined up to see the presentations in what was a hugely positive atmosphere. The rain and wind held off, until we got to the motorway, and we returned in high spirits. Next stop the Derwent.
Update: sat on the side of the M62 collecting ear defenders and the little matter of checking the straps as the wind and rain wash over Saddleworth Moor on the M62!!
