PADDLER
42
Colin Unwin , Sun Kosi . Nepal
What ’ s the most enjoyable encounter with wildlife you ’ ve had whilst paddling ? When I first went to France , we spotted a hoopoe bird . Then we saw a flock of hoopoe birds at the end of my Sikkim trip . The two sightings bracket my initial era of paddle exploring , and I have never seen one since . It still makes me laugh to think about the coincidence of this .
One evening on the upper Stickine River , BC , we were playing boule on a pebble beach of an island when a grizzly bear decided to join us . Unfortunately , he could not pick up a pebble to join in . By standing as a group , we presented a large mass at which he sniffed and swam off across the river .
Quickies …
An ideal night out for you is ? Sitting around a campfire on a cool , clear night , sharing wine and good food with friends .
What would you prepare for us if we came to your house for dinner ? A tasty BBQ including lots of tasty morsels .
Who are your paddling mates ? Apart from a few , those I used to paddle with a lot aren ’ t that active anymore . I still get out 2-3 times a week with various paddlers from Lakeland Canoe Club .
Use three words to describe yourself ? Adventurous , Explorative , Enthusiastic I still enjoy the challenge of finding new trips I have yet to do previously and , in some cases , rivers that very few do .
Any fellow paddler you would like to interview and why ? Jerzy ‘ Yurek ’ Majcherczyk was the leader of the Polish ‘ Canoandes ’ team . It would be fascinating to discuss his motivations , sense of adventure and how they motivated each other to tackle the rivers .
Also , Walt Blackadar , an American white water pioneer , best known for his solo first descent of Turnback Canyon .
Any other sports interest you apart from paddling ? I like being in the hills and wild places on foot or MTB .
Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you . I was the British Mountain Bike Orienteering champion in 1994 .
If you could be a wild animal – what would it be ? A water ouzel , of course . They call them American Dippers , but I prefer water ouzel , and I ’ d love to be one .
Any final shout-outs to friends , supporters and sponsors ? I have never had a sponsor ! But thanks to all those who continue to paddle with me on rivers and sea . I aim to give others the opportunity I had and hope that my adventures inspire them to do their own thing and not just paddle the ‘ usual ’.
Many thanks , Mike , for all your help and for taking time out of what I know is a busy schedule – we appreciate it .
Nick Mortimer Lech Canyon , Austria