The Paddler ezine Issue 57 Winter 2020/21 | Page 27

Canoeing and childish wonder on Scotland ’ s …

RIVERTAY

Words : Carmen Kuntz Photos : Jens Klatt Tiptoeing over mud puddles and dancing between trickling streams , we ’ re fighting to keep our feet dry while portaging gear down to the River Tay . The mid-September showers have subsided , for the moment , and we use the break to load paddles , drybags , throwbags and a small dog , named Gigha , into whitewater canoes . But this is Scotland , so the impending drizzles , mist and fog only add to the ambience of a day paddling on the longest river in this water-rich country .
When my foot slips into the river , submerging fully as I push the canoe away from the shore , I can finally surrender to the rain and stop fighting the losing battle to stay dry . The moment socks become saturated , and soles are soiled , is when a paddling trip — be it a day outing or a month-long adventure — really begins . It ’ s the moment when your adult worries wash away , and you can enjoy the simplicity , excitement and exploration of paddling a canoe on a new river . It ’ s when you start to feel like a kid again .
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