Over the weekend we kayaked two sections of the river Spey, which winds its course through Strathspey. Despite being named 'speed' the river runs at a fairly languid pace in many of its stretches. This weekend was an exception, with day after day after day of torrential downpours. The river was deeper and much higher than usual and many of the areas that break up the river with calmer water had been washed away. Many of the rapids had been washed out too. We were accompanied by a few large, old trees floating by and benches that lined the riverbanks had been claimed by the water. To add to the river levels we battled the cold too and on Sunday we were treated to a particularly bracing day and fresh snow on the hills.
This weekend was 'a first' for experiencing white water kayaking for many of the pupils. We had a good weekend and they made a great effort in the bracing conditions and a new environment. I'm discovering the capacity for pupils to sleep and eat, which is remarkable and enviable! I'm endeavouring to train my endurance levels in these illustrious skills.
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| The hardy (miserably cold) team |
by Hannah & Louise, S3
When we left school we were all extremely excited for what was about to come. We expected it to be a thrilling and fun experience and it certainly lived up to our expectations. We finally arrived at the bunkhouse at about half nine after numerous stops to stock up on sweets, chocolate and some 'chicken noogle soup'.
The next morning we got up at ten o'clock and had some bacon rolls, wonderfully prepared by our top class chef, Miss Goolden. We then got ready to go white water kayaking, looking rather fetching in our wetsuits, with four layers underneath and various safety layers on top. Then it was time to get in the kayaks and into the water.
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| Louise about to launch herself into icy waters |
After watching a demo from Miss Goolden, Hannah tried to cross the fast flowing water but didn't do as well as she'd hoped to: she almost capsized! She managed to stay upright though. Then Gregor crossed with ease, warm and dry. Then came Sarah's turn...Sarah was first to capsize, with a lot of screaming and panicking she managed to carry on kayaking the rest of the day without falling in again. Cameron and Timmy also capsized but managed not to scream.
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| House-trained rabbit |
Kayaking was great! We could drift calmly down the river Spey for a few minutes, then suddenly have to deal with the rapids we were faced with. After a long day we got back into the bus and warmed up a bit. When we got back to the bunkhouse after a drive of random games and wonderful singing by the S3 girls, we all got into warm, dry clothes (onesies for us) and sat down to a good meal prepared by Miss Goolden. A few hours later we went to bed to get a good night's sleep for the day ahead.
Homework, apparently
I found this salmon in an eddy (water that flows upstream) when helping one of the swimmers rescue their boat. It was incredible to see such a large fish close up, and feel the weight of it.
Tamsin very proudly introducing her boat, which she had just spotted is called 'Hottie' (actually 'Hattie' but it seemed cruel to burst her bubble)!
Our second day was really cold, with a fresh dusting of snow on the nearby Cairngorms and a frost on the ground. While Mr Mackie shuttled our equipment and bus to the bottom of the section of the Spey we had planned to paddle, we tried to warm up. We ran, we played games and invented as many warm ups as we could think of. Meanwhile poor Mr Mackie battled with a motorbike that wouldn't work. Eventually he heroically started the 10km jog back to us - in 2mm thick neoprene booties!
Sarah demonstrating
just how alluring kayaking gear
can be, when worn by the naturally stylish.
Getting everyone lined up, ready to launch. The water was very high - usually it's a good metre lower than this, resulting in a swift ride!
Timmy looking relaxed as we trundle down one of the more open, flat sections of the river.
Hannah working hard to keep warm and afloat!
Catriona hasn't paddled much on moving water, but she was calm and skillful in her descent of the lower section of the river and through the Knockando rapids. As the river was so high just a small team of Catriona, Timmy and Gregor did this final section.
Miss Goolden on the final stretch to the van.
Mr Etherington and Dr Sowden set off for their island adventure.
Their canoe mysteriously drifts away...
Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (which is actually touching down on our island, Inchlonaig)? No, it's Mr Etherington!
Marshmallows around the beach bonfire.
Haute-cuisine on our plethora of gas stoves, slaved over by Mr Etherington. That man is a master!
Paddling home.
