Today’s paddle was from the Barley Mow pub to Odiham castle, one of three paddles the club does on the Basingstoke Canal. With mixed reports on the weather an early start got us on the water shortly after 1000 am after an hour’s drive. Dave led John, Chris and Phil (accompanied by his three girls suitably covered up in case of cold) along the canal. The canal is protected by enormous trees, the tops of which straddle the canal. So, although quite windy, we were protected most of the time.
It is a beautiful place to paddle with not many houseboats parked up. The water is so clear you can see to the bottom most of the time. As mentioned, the trees are fantastic and there are some really nice reflections in the water which were quite difficult to capture on camera. The target for lunch, some 7k, was achieved in an under two-hour gentle paddle, including a stop. Just before the end there is a low-slung mobile lifting bridge that was down and required a limbo underneath.
As usual Phil and the girls caused the most interest from the many walkers and dog walkers making their way along the towpath. It is good to paddle behind Phil and see peoples faces light up when they see Phil’s passengers.
After lunch, the return journey was made more difficult as the wind was increasing and although initially behind us it sometimes gusted sideways across the canal. The return was otherwise uneventful and we were off the water by 1430. Although forecast as cold the exercise made up for that and soon warmed us up.
We now move into Autumn and Winter paddling which is a great time to be on the water, providing you are suitably dressed with layers and waterproof protection. Talk to Dave if you have any queries. We paddled through last winter and have it in mind to do so again. Come and join these outings as it is an interesting time to be on the water.
Write up by CRH
Pics below
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