Today we went canoeing on the Menai Strait. Chris was sick, so we had Jon for the day. I’ve been canoeing several times on lakes, but never with a current or tide. Before setting out, we learned some basic power and steering strokes. I think I would have been ok with my previous knowledge, but what we learned was more efficient and took less effort.
After our introductory session, we ventured out into the current of the strait. I was in the rear, with Korey in front. This configuration worked well. We paddled under the Menai suspension bridge and the Brittania Bridge. We experimented in and out of the current, and even crossing the current perpendicularly. To do this, we entered the current with the front tip pointed up current. The goal was not to get swept away, and we did alright. We pulled ashore to examine a monument of Lord Nelson, and so Janet could play in the mud.
We then got back on the water and found a spot to eat our lunch. We gathered some kindling and such to build a fire to make tea. Had we known, we could have brought some ‘mallows for s’mores. After our meal, Jon showed us some interesting creatures. We’re not entirely convinced that he didn’t make up all the names, but we saw crabs, a shrimp, mussels, starfish and a fish that breaths air. He told us the seaweed with the air pockets make good squirt guns.
After lunch, Korey and I switched spots. It was a bad idea. The weight difference made it difficult to maneuver in the current. We tried to switch back in the middle of the water, but with the whole group waiting in anticipation of a fall, I decided to hop on the island while Korey climbed to the front. Then I climbed in the back.
I wasn’t terribly impressed with the day. I didn’t think it pushed me out of my comfort zone. I wish we had gone skydiving like I told Elizabeth we were doing.
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