Page 110 - Wish Stream 2023 CREST

Exercise
HARD PADDLE
OCdt Watson
Ex HARD PADDLE: a canoeing expedition in Scotland. The route began from Banavie in Fort William and headed North towards Inverness
via the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. We planned to paddle from Fort William to Inverness but ended up cutting the route short at Loch Ness, in Fort Augustus due to bad weather and therefore a danger in a tidal Loch Ness. This didn’t dampen spirits though as the group were very pleased at the chunk of route we managed to achieve, considering none of us had any prior canoeing experience before the exped.
Although it was a very long drive to get to Fort Augustus, where we stayed, it was definitely worth it for the great scenery – the mountainous land- scape that surrounded us on the
canal by working together as a team to lift and move the canoes around the locks. We had also hugely improved our paddling and steering skills, get- ting quicker as the days went on. On the 2nd day in Loch Lochy, we even managed to sail along together as a unit due to the stronger winds that were blowing south westerly, pushing us in the exact direction we needed. Fortunately, the winds tapered for the
following day making for a smoother canoe, and we were treated with the sun shining bright upon arrival into Fort Augustus. A great trip was enjoyed by all, and a great way to end Inters prior to a well- deserved Christmas leave.
water was beautiful. Unfortunately, we didn’t have great luck with the weather on the 1st and 3rd days and found ourselves extremely wet even with wearing full waterproofs! However, we powered through and embraced the elements. There was plenty of good fun and laughter to get us through the challenging weather and the group really gelled to make it a great exped.
By the end of the 1st day, and certainly the last day, we were experts at canoeing (or nearly!). We had mastered the art of portaging at the locks on the
By the end of the 1st day, and certainly the last day, we were experts
at canoeing (or nearly!)
108 SANDHURST