Ash on Derwentwater
other escapees . We even enjoyed a fly-by from the RAF on a training sortie . We embraced van life , camping on the shores and watching the ever-changing kaleidoscope of colours as dawn and sunsets came and went like a peacock seeking to impress . It did ! Whilst finishing this article , we paddled to our woodland on a random Friday in need of urgent re-wilding . A small group of likeminded individuals with a common goal and simple plan , paddle , chat , eat great food and swap stories .
Rain forecasts did not dampen the mood , and with tarps and waterproofs , we enjoyed the perfect microadventure . First Nation tribes in Canada would paddle into the wilderness for gift-giving feasts called Potlatch ’ s , sharing food each band brought . We embraced this philosophy , with different people bringing salads , veg , fish ( it was Friday ), whisky and a few other treats .
I can recommend micro-adventures and SUP safaris as the perfect way to expand your paddling world . Start small but start , find places close by or venture further afield and invite friends to join the fun . Making memories such as these is a game-changer but be warned , it can be addictive . Please remember to leave no trace and clear up a few bit of plastic and detritus along the way as part of giving back , aka the ‘ Trash Can Challenge ’.
Ash on Ullswater
ThePADDLER 57