PADDLER 49
Elevenses arrives , and we take a break near Cromdale Church , a lovely picnic site . We look at the summer wildflowers and butterflies / moths as we contemplate the summer warmth . It had been sadly lacking the previous day , so the sun reflecting off the water , blue sky and peacefulness were now the new norm . We go past Advie and a lunchtime stop , to the mightily named ‘ washing machine ’ rapid . As you approach the rapid , it is easily possible to stop in an eddy on the right-hand bank ( What3words : toothpick . included . houseboat ) and ‘ inspect ’ by either standing up in your canoe or a short walk along the bank .
We have done this rapid many times before saw we were confident that we knew what to do . Following a clear leadership strategy of ‘ four little ducks ’ we safely paddled through . As we had three different canoe manufacturers , this resulted in different amounts of taking water on board , from none to some . After a brief stop for bailing , we were off under Blacksboat Bridge and the Knockando rapids . With more caution , a simple strategy of maintaining ‘ line of sight ’ and only one canoe travelling at a time ( eddy hopping ) was applied to navigate our way down and enjoy the bouncy waves .
PADDLER 49