Dave and Zoe were camping for the whole weekend at the Mytchett center campsite, a campsite with basic facilities run by Hampshire Council.
A lovely grassy field campsite that was not overly busy as we were on “term time” side of the holidays.
This campsite has: toilets, showers, washing up facilities, a cafe and above all easy access to the water, The information center and reception has a wealth of information regarding the canal and its heritage that is well worth a visit.
We paddled as planned Saturday but was a little late entering the water as we were all too busy chatting and enjoying the weather, eventually setting off at around 2.20pm.
We paddled downstream (I Think) as there was no flow on the canal and the water was crystal clear until the tour boat passed us that stirred the bottom and some weed, turning the water a bit murky for a while.
We saw some lovely sights including some very picturesque areas of the canal that opened up into Mytchett lake and another similar area that had some sunken boats and some not very sunken ones, as well as various wild birds and some quite big fish beneath us.
There was quite a big group of paddlers with craft lining the aqueduct having a break, so this was our turn around point.
We re-paddled our paddle, with lots of interesting conversations and observations and were soon back at the Mytchett center.
Day 2, Sunday, the sun was shining and although the weather had forecasted 19 degrees it felt a lot warmer, at 10am we were on our way, the other way, again the water was crystal clear, the sun was out, and the canopy of trees and greenery was spectacular.
There was a swing bridge at the start that Dave had mentioned we may have to limbo under, but on this occasion, it was open so there was no need.
We paddled slowly taking in all the sights and hearing the model railway train poot-pooting its whistle, we turned around after a refreshment break at the lock above the staircase, and we sat on a randomly placed bench with views of below the lock but not the staircase.
We retraced our journey and got out of our boats at about 1.20pm, Dave and Zoe were a little late exiting the campsite, but the operators knew we were paddling and due to the weather thought we may be in no rush.
We were all so busy chatting and enjoying ourselves that we hardly took any photos, sometimes that’s the best way though as it makes you want to do it again with the same company.
Sometimes, just paddling and floating on the water with friends is all that is needed to rejuvenate your spirit. Thankyou Dave and Zoe for your company, and understanding.
Write up by = Anon
Sounds really interesting.