welshkate

As part of our training for the ERR we headed up north to the ever lovely Scottish Highlands. Our trip was, shall we say, eventful.

The weekend got off to a flying start with our late arrival at Heathrow. Suffice to say with traffic issues, we arrived at the long term airport parking at 8:20 pm, with a flight departure time of 9:15 pm.  No problem?

Photo: About to embark the bus in Heathrow.

We threw everything off the car (boats included) and onto the transport bus (whose driver was wide eyed at the sight of our boats).  8:30 pm check-in desk arrival ; a bit puffed out and bedraggled. We’re asked what the plastic things we are transporting. “kayaks” doh…”I don’t know much  they cost to fly, let me find out” I dont have time to explain what they are used for or how they are spelled…please just check us in… 8:40 pm run 100 m in less than 12 secs with trolley to the outsize baggage. 8:45 pm  Security. …not worrying about getting re-dressed after stripping at security, just throw everything in the handbag and leg it, “Race Pace”, hoping trousers remain around waist until Gate 8. 8:57 pm on plane. 9 pm Plane’s doors shut. Feel sick. Thankfully Chris’ sister picked us up the other end. Such hospitality, not only did we get the car for the weekend but also a pile of food, a full tank of petrol and a bunch of camping gear. Woohoo- thanks Nic!

The drive to Fort William area was inspiring. My first comment upon spying the highlands was “I’m moving here”. I like my job too much to do that so i’m just going to have to commute to the Scottish Highlands on weekends for white water. We made a bee-line for the Etive. Too low to run but we hiked it, checking all the major drops with the guidebook in hand. Nothing on the Etive looked hard at this flow.

Photos L to R: Chris looking at one of the smaller drops-Crack of Doom; River Etive

After hiking the Etive and getting depressed about not being able to paddle it, we cut our losses and headed over to the Wet West Paddle Fest that was on the Garry on Saturday. What a blast! I havent been playboating in my creekboat eva. It was just too much fun! Lots of carnage; awesome.

Photos L to R: Pink Boaterchick (possibily one of Aaron’s minions); Chris in the upper hole; The bridge holes

Then who should I see on the river but one of my American boating buddies. I met Monica at the Gorge Games, Hood River, 2008. How random to meet on the Garry on the other side of the world 1 year later. The world of boating is so vast yet so small. 

Photo: Monica on the bridge play hole on the Garry.

A truly great day on the rivers topped of by some of those classic Scottish parting shots on the way back to the “Chase the Wild Goose“ hostel in Fort William.

 Photo L to R: Highlands; a highland cow; A Highland’s loch.