White water

Calm on the rowing lake

White water fury

Going , going...

At 3.00 we set off as the shade had left our boat but soon had 2 locks to do in the oppressive heat. As soon as we locked out onto the river we were cooled by the breeze which hadn’t penetrated the canal as it was hemmed in by buildings. We cruised to the next lock downstream and moored up next to the National Water Sports Centre. At 5.00 it was a little cooler so we wandered in as there was no fence separating it from the canal and looked around. 


Gone

What an amazing place. There was a vast rowing lake where canoeists were performing timed sprints. Lottie found a small beach and cooled down by swimming with her forelegs while keeping her back feet firmly on the ground Lottie won't go out of her depth as Lurchers have deep chests and aren’t built for swimming. In contrast to the ordered calm of the rowing lake next to the canal was a white water course frothing with frantic activity.
This was enjoyed by single canoeists tackling the tricky slalom course. One canoeist was overturned but slid out of her boat slickly and grabbed a rescue rope thrown by the onshore life guard. Seconds later she was out of the rapids while her boat swept by the concrete walls. There were also adventurous groups paddling large inflatables through the white water and shooting the rapids.

Exciting ride

It was an enjoyable hours entertainment as we could stand right next to the water for intimate viewing. By 9.00 the heat had gone but already this is the hottest weather we have cruised in. Tomorrow we head down river to Newick




Hold on tight