The EBD are not called that for nothing - the waves on Loch Ness may have made for unsafe kayaking, but the EBD were not beaten yet! Cue - Plan B!
Now, if I know one thing, it is that there are certain moments in a friendship when the best thing to do is to keep quiet and say nothing - and the knowledge that James was intending to put Plan B into action signalled one of those moments - so I kept quiet, (no doubt body language and facial expressions gave it away - but I said nothing - you wait until I tell you about Plan B.)
So, Plan B. Plan B was simple - walk sections where it was unsafe to paddle. What complicated it was that James decided that the kayak should come too - tricky when there is no water - but we had portaged around locks and up Neptune's Staircase - why not portage the last 5km to the end of Loch Ness where we could more safely put the kayak in the water again. Actually, carrying the kayak 5km along level ground is manageable - especially with my trusty bike to help - but level ground would involve walking along the A82 - mmmm. Ah - an alternative! A 12km walk on a wee side road - starting with 2.5km of very steep hill carrying kayak, in its bag, paddles etc (This is where I needed to keep quiet). James managed to convince El that this was going to work and up they went.
I have to admit I was impressed by how quickly they climbed, (perhaps powered by excess adrenalin left over from navigating those waves?), and it was not long before they reached the top of the hill and stopped for lunch. They were both tired - and after some soul searching, they decided to leave the kayak in my tender care, (in the back of the car), and went on by foot and bike.
We all ended up really enjoying the walk/cycle. Weather was amazing - purple with rain clouds one minute and gleaming with sunshine the next. There was a strong wind and the temperature was distinctly autumnal, but it was beautiful. I kept driving ahead and then walking back to meet them - glad to get some more exercise. A couple of hours or so and we were back on the main road beyond the top of the loch, stopped for a beer with Martin and partner Vivian, (also on the RNLI crew), and made our way back to our hostel.
It's a rest day tomorrow - thought we might go and explore Glen Affric - good cycling and walking, (rest?), and then we'll see what Thursday brings.
thinking about you all daily,keep smiling and beating those waves, was wondering if you'd see the loch ness monster-- you must have scared him away! take care love Em and gang xxxx
ReplyDeleteThis is serious weather you guys - keep eating those energy bars. It's howlin' here on Islay You are doing really well. Respect!!
ReplyDeleteMany cheers
Carl
Have a good rest day today and enjoy Glen Affric, it's great following you on your journey.
ReplyDeleteVery impressed by how you keep fighting on in those conditions!
I am amazed you 3, well done. I am enjoying following your antics. Keep up the good work what an adventure.
ReplyDeletecaroline Dnenny
A really brave choice to come ff the loch and choose another route for that section of your expedition.
ReplyDeleteThoroughly inspiring and great to see paddlers who take the adventure (and their safety) seriously.
Have a great final leg.
From the team at Loch Ness RNLI
Well done so far EBD! Hate to tell you but the weather in Long Buckby has been pretty mild! Try canoeing the Grand Union Canal next year and you can bet that we'll have a snow storm! El would enjoy Braunston tunnel!
ReplyDeleteMarie thought the Thames was like the Atlantic ocean when we took our boat on it - what would she have made of your 2.5 M waves? Glad plan B worked - you will be so fit now, colds or not. Carry on and good luck today!
OWL