We are social creatures to the inmost centre of our being. The notion
that one can begin anything at all from scratch, free from the past, or
unindebted to others, could not conceivably be more wrong. -Karl Popper,
philosopher and a professor (28 Jul 1902-1994)
Quite warm when we went to bed last night so I tossed and turned until it started to cool down around 2:00 am. Slept pretty well after that and then was up at 7:30 am to find Janet had already stripped her bed! Made a pot of java and we chatted for about an hour while she had some toast and honey. Lady Dar joined us around 8:30 am and we all visited for a bit before I made my own breakfast as did the Sleepy Head. After tidying up kitchen we all changed into our swimming togs and applied sun-block to make the short drive to the Channel. Place opens at 10:00 am and we found a place, in the shade, just down from the entrance, so after paying, ($12 per adult which includes a tube and return bus ride), we were on the concrete steps of the landing by about 10:15 am.
Lady Dar is now a local expert on tubing here, having done it three or four times already. She recommended we tie each of our tubes, one to the other, and to this end we'd brought along some used bike tubes. She "claimed" this would keep our flotilla together as individually, the tubes might float apart given different body weights and current flow, and we wouldn't be able to enjoy the experience together. Once we were secured, we hopped aboard and we were off, spinning lazily as the current caught our rubber tubes and we floated away from the concrete steps. Loads of other people on the Channel, amny in craft of their own, some huge floating platforms capable of holding six people or more. One family, on such a carrier, had their two children swimming ahead and behind, both wearing flippers and masks.
Day was gorgeous, not overly hot but sunny enough for me, even with a long-sleeved shirt, for sun protection, sun-glasses and a hat. Plenty of ducks about, almost all of them coming right up to all the craft, of whatever size, abviously looking for a handout. Still, it was delightful to see these lovely creatures, up close, in their natural habitat. And so we continued our meandering, moving from one side of the channel to the other as the current pulled us this way and that. Often bumped into the grassy embankment but nothing serious as one is never really moving very quickly and the overhanging grasses usually buffer the impact.
Shortly after we passed the half-way mark, I tired of trying to tell The Sisterhood which way to paddle with their hands. When they were not simply drifting along they seemed to paddel against one another so progress was quite limited if we needed to move away from one bank or another. Good fun but I wanted to see what it would be like on my own so I untied my rubber inner tube and struck out on my own. Funnily enough, given he vagaries of the wind and the current we see-sawed beack and forth, for most of the rest of the float, once leading and then being overtaken. Towards the end, about 400 metres before the landing stage, I was slightly ahead as I used my feet to propel me into position and my hands to steer, one way or another.
When the two-some arrived I was waiting, standing in the shallow water below the steps and was able to assist them, holding their tubes as they slipped off. Handed in our tubes to the lads working at this end of the run and then waited for the bus to arrive. It was a bit late in arriving so we were pretty dry by the time we hopped aboard. Bit of excitement while waiting as a woman who was waiting to collect two people was concerend that something had happened to them, en route. She asked the bus driver, when he arrived, to use his phone and apparently she called the police!
We all thought it was a bit of an overreaction but since we didn't know the circumstances thought it was better to be safe than sorry. Not long afterward we were back at the entrance to Coyote Cruises and I asked the driver, as I disembarked, if he knew what had happened. He said that he thought that since the people in question had left at 11:00 am they wouldn't arrive at the bottom of the Channel until at least 12:30 pm. It was just after 12:05 pm at this time so we hoped she had no real reason to be upset. Anyway, Lady Dar went to collect our car keys and we were soon on our way home.
Dropped Janet off first as we had to pick up a few things at the IGA. Preserve Woman wanted to make apricot chutney this afternoon and needed more apple cider vinegar. Bit of lunch when back and then Janet wanted to stroll Lakeshore so she left for the rest of the afternoon. Mme Coriandre started her chutney preparation and I watched Stage 17 of the Tour, digitating all the while, until the very exciting finish. What an incredibly punishing Stage!
Janet was back just after 5:00 pm and by the time she had packed her last possessions we chatted for a few minutes and then it was time to drive her to the airport. She wanted to be there by 6:00 pm so we had plenty of time as YYF really only 15 minutes away, even with traffic. Sun was bakingly hot when we left the house so I was pleased that we had gone tubing much earlier in the day as I can feel a bit of heat on my face as I scribe now! Nevertheless there was still plenty of "traffic" on the CHannel as we drove parallel to it on Channel Parkway. Janet only had a small suitcase and an even smaller knapsack so not much unloading to do. Hugs and kisses and thanks, on both sides, for such a pleasant visit, before we waved goodbye and it was back to Burns Street Hot Sheets Hotel and Gin Joint, for the first night without visitors since last Friday!
Hi Patrizzio Thank you send this. It was a pleasure meeting you. We look forward to seeing you again. Rich Hi Ricardo! Glad you enjoyed snaps. Let us know when next you are in town and pop by for a drink! Cheers, Patrizzio!Hi Ricardo! Glad you enjoyed snaps. Let us know when next you are in town and pop by for a drink! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Tasting goes on without you! Picnic at Painted Rock and dessert at Noble Ridge this past Tuesday!
No comments:
Post a Comment