To the kayak! …on Tuesday afternoon. This was the first paddle of the season for me. Blue skies and a bloody big high tide were my calling card to make my way down to the Sailing Club.
Oh hang on - it’s a bit windy, isn’t it? I did check on the high water time, but overlooked the incoming sea breeze. I’m not cut out for a life at sea. Hey hoe.
I thought it would have been borderline wind for the rowing club to launch. But there they were, a full crew all set to make their way upstream.
My instinct was to follow theirs. It looked a little choppy out in the estuary. It’s best to stay safe with a leisurely paddle out towards Rowhedge and Windy Corner, and then back to base.
I soon found my rhythm and stride. All internal thoughts were lost. I was alone in the water with the sun on my face. Don’t be such a dick, Jase. But yeah, it was that kind of afternoon.
Without really giving it too much thought, soon I was way past Rowhedge, and blimey, I’m down at the muddy banks of the Hythe. This was proving to be something of an EPIC row. I do like over exaggerate.
I took a while to take in my surroundings. The trees in the distance by Wivenhoe Wood are still looking a little naked. You can just about see green spring growth trying to break through. But the lush green canopy has yet to appear.
The return back to the Sailing Club was hard work. Time and tide, etc. I misjudged both. And the bloody wind. I was against the still incoming tide, and the wind around Windy Corner was trying to blow me back towards the Hythe.
A decent row - just under 7km.
