Cortisone acknowledges the error of his ways. The Glasgow to Edinburgh Canoe Marathon.

Peace in our time has been achieved. Cortisone and Beaujolais have established an everlasting entente cordiale. Cortisone was a trifle repentant when I finally managed to hook up with him, as he should be, it turns out he is attending court all this week- however Beaujolais is renowned for his forgiving nature and has welcomed Cortisone back into the Marsport Condor K2 like a prodigal brother.

We do however have problems with the K2. The plan is to race the K2 over the Glasgow to Edinburgh course, however we have not been able to boat the K2 as the boating points with “sensible” wheel chair access are ice bound and have been for a good few weeks. The not so sensible access points are too risky to attempt given the water temperature. In addition Graeme (aka Cortisone) is suffering from a Kidney infection which means he is currently incapable of exercising- even the broomstick waggling (paddling practice) is beyond him at the moment. With no end in sight to either problem we are not going to be getting back in a boat anytime soon.

From a brutally selfish point of view this suits my plans in the K1 and DW2010. However it is not in spirit of what Graeme and I set out to achieve when we ordered our Condor and took up canoeing last Summer. I have been worried that given the lack of time in a boat that Graeme has had, allied with his recent infections, that the Glasgow to Edinburgh race might be a goal to far this April and have tried to encourage him to consider entering the race as part of a relay team. This (the sensible) option is a complete anathema to Graeme. Given that Graeme’s determination and fighting spirit are the characteristics that makes him an “attractive” paddling partner, I have accepted his decision on this. In fairness it would be hypocritical of me not to support his decision.

Therefore a few weeks after DW, on the 24th and 25th April Cortisone and Beaujolais will be competing in the Glasgow to Edinburgh Canoe Marathon:

Day 1 – Forth & Clyde Canal from Speirs Wharf, Glasgow to the Falkirk Wheel, c. 24 miles.
Day 2 – Union Canal from above the Falkirk Wheel to Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh, c. 31 miles.

There are only 4 portages on the course, and these are very close together with reasoinable wheel chair access, which should make the portaging element reasonably easy.

It looks to be a great event, with a wonderful group of people involved, there certainly is an ecclectic range of craft and teams entered. Full details can be found on the Canoe Scotland website… http://www.canoescotland.com/