Canoe Micro Expedition

I know a guy called John Pear. He has an infectious & informed love of the outdoors; he's a very competent climber & mountaineer; quickly became an equally skilled open canoeist & was exploring mines and caves in the North of England before I knew they existed. He's also a really good friend!

Unfortunately John hasn't been too well for quite a few years now and time doing "stuff" together has become more limited. 

We'd been thinking about an open canoe over-nighter for quite a while.

So the other night, with John staying in the area - along with Alan Rainford & Paul Rich we launched our boats heading for an island & a rendevous with the stars. despite the appearance of the above photo within a few hundred metres we were paddling with a brisk F4/5 westerly at our backs and the journey was swift. Tarps were in place equally quickly and the absence of expedition practise was no hindrance - it never leaves you!

Great to see John out again - a big step!

Through the evening the wind dropped & the cloud steadily dispersed to leave the magical sight of star filled heavens. We ate; talked; joked and shared a whole load of memories & stories around the fire that evening - what a night!

I never slept much  - so I got my full dose of the over night experience.

Next morning it was fine, bright & a good bit milder than forecast. The lake was glass calm as we set off to conclude this short interlude in life.

John - it was great to see you out again, looking forward to the next time!

Mal