So we got up to the QEII this afternoon after all. The rain kind of settled down to almost stopping so out we ventured. Got the fins on the bottom of the canoe and the new paddles to try, as well as check it out with all the bags strapped front and back too.
All looking good, apart from the flock of geese trying to eat Michael at first. Got out on the lake paddles much better and whether the fins were making a difference or it was the paddles (or our ever increasing skill... hrmm) certainly seemed to be heading much straighter. Out we went about 1/3 of the way up the lake with relative ease really, canoe sitting nicely and the bags not weighing us down too much. Then the rain picked up a bit more... and a bit more.... and some more after that! We got turned round heading back to the car just in time for the proper onslaught of the rain and wind in our faces. I quickly found the downside to being sat at the front! Arms starting to ache a bit which doesn't give masses of confidence for a 3 day trip, wind and rain beating down and the lake getting choppy. But we still made it back in one piece, even keeping a pretty good pace too.
Made a quick dash for the ramp to get back out and I figured that I'd learn about jumping out the canoe in to cold water so the bottom didn't get scraped. Think that scared Michael a bit as it wobbled a fair amount, but I still stand by that he got the easier option; I got wet feet after all !!
Canoe got dragged out and the bags packed away quickly at a strangely satisfying (soaking) mini-trip out. Everything works well. Hopefully the weather next week won't be quite as bad as this time but at least we've paddled in what was miserable weather and came out the other end wet but OK.
Back home a got out of all the wet gear, next time I'm wearing the waterproof trousers for sure! Shoes drying out so that'll be a good test for how long they take.
Bring on the Great Glen!!!!!!
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