Sunday, September 03, 2006

...a canoe that floats




...refusing to be intimidated by the heavy downpour the foolish pair continued their journey to the elusive 'put-in'. A place near Radyr, seen on Google-maps to possibly offer access to the Taff. The condition of the 'indian' on water was yet to be determined. The many gel-coat chips adorning the watercraft did not diminish the pride with which the pair launched her down the steep, root ridden bank into the, now swollen, waters of Wales famous river.

With not a little trepidation we tested our weight against the draft of the craft and attempted our first sweep with our home fashioned canadian paddles. (two Kayak paddles sawn at the 60 inch mark with a bit of gaffa tape for a handle - neat job Bub!).

The now fast flowing river and the old 'indian' (canadian) canoe tussled for dominance during this 2 hour maiden voyage. But I think it was an even draw. The river clearly longed to swamp us, and made quite a few unsuccessful attempts. With no reference to fairness! But on the other hand we never managed to turn the canoe up river without the aid of a waterside leverage, the current always throwing us back around as it hit the side.



Here I am before the trip. Not a very "Ray Mears" look I know. And I bet he doesn't wear a shorty underneath as I am here.

Me before the maiden voyage



My Bro Bub is seen here - umbilical still attached - with a bit of a trim problem. Hard to tell he is sporting a broken left shoulder. Then again, maybe that's why we kept circling against the current! Not his rotten J-stroke!



Bubba at the stern in the taff

Can't wait for the real trip in a few weeks time. Just a coat of paint and a name required.

Is it right to name a canadian canoe? What do you think?


2 comments:

Ben said...

Sure you can name a "Canadian" canoe (although I've never heard that expression), you just need a good Canadian name.Suggestions:
1. The Trudeau
2. The Beaver
3. Big Moose
4. Mischievous Maple Machine
5. The boat, eh?

I'd advise these names over British ones like: "The Titanic" for instance. All the best on your voyage. I guess in the UK you can do a canoe trip without loosing half of your blood to mosquitos and blackflies. Sounds appealing!

Ben

Anonymous said...

I'm glad we called it the Moose!! makes me think we are in Canada on the trips!!