The Last Paddle 2010

Well in the end it was only GB and Beaujolais who turned up for the final Buccaneer Paddle of 2010. Cortisone decided to have an op, The Silver Fox was in the office, Darcey Bussell ? and Tenacious D- well TD probably drank to much of his most excellent mulled wine the evening before. Leaving […]

Another Swimming Lesson, Mulled Wine and Most Excellent Nibbles

Back in the pool today I was leisurely warming up when the matronly lady I have previously referred to as GBH showed up. Thinking that my swimming may be improving I took the opportunity to test any such improvement by assessing my speed by comparing it to hers After 26 laps when she lapped me […]

Surf Ski or Kayak Ergo

I enjoyed a good paddle in the Surf Ski yesterday under the watchful and caring eye of Cortisone. A fairly short paddle from Helensburgh Sailing Club to Helensburgh Pier, roughly 4 km in 30 minutes. The Surf Ski could prove a real blessing in terms of my personal preparation for the Devizes Westminster 2011 as […]

The Curse of the Welsh strikes again.

Back in Scotland. Hurrah. Back on the Scales. Aaaagh. Yes it has happened again… a weight gain of over 10lbs during the foray into Wales. I have decided I am not going back. From a Devizes Westminster perspective the trip to Wales has been a complete disaster, not one outing, and we did not even […]

Beer, Turkey, Stilton and Port, then repeat, and repeat…

Christmas in Wales is following its normal pattern of constant alcohol and food consumption. I have been known to put on over a stone in weight in one week of visiting Wales at this time of year. In many ways the challenge is much harder this year in that there is no opportunity to paddle […]

Arrived in Wales and guess what…

So we are in Wales and… the land is covered in snow and the canals covered in ice. Even the normally reliable if not fast running (at this time of year) River Wye at Monmouth is not possible due to thick ice at the shore line. So…. So… Back to running with the trusty and […]

More Snow time to Migrate to the Sunny South of England/ Wales

There have been some questions asked about the sense/ stupidity of paddling in the current cold conditions. Particularly with young Jack. Is it irresponsible? some have asked- mainly his mother. Well there is risk, but there is also risk management. We take care when we are paddling to dress appropriately (that includes a potential swim), […]

Surprise, surprise more snow…

A cracking paddle this morning in the Merlin K2 with Jack. Tried initially to boat from Duncan Mills at Southern end of Loch Lomond, however pontoon ice bound. Interesting conversation with a paddling Park Ranger, apparently there is an Oban Sea Kayak race that could prove a welcome distraction in the Summer- especially for GB […]

Ho bloody Ho Ho Ho….

Well it is that time of year again. You know the one about good will to all etc etc, stale mince pies, Office parties with plenty of bonhomie that is non existent the rest of the year…Well Beaujolais is already feeling a little jaded. Went out last night and had a few pints, never the […]

No Improvement…. but one does not wish to peak to soon.

Dirty D has reminded me of my clashes with the Pink Lady during the Summer and Scottish Canoeings Marathon Racing Week. What with yesterdays defeat in the swimming pool to GBH (another older Lady) it would appear that I am not really making much progress at the moment. I have to admit that within me […]