Last Chance Paddle

 Lymington

First light on the last day before lockdown 2 revealed a hard frost. Not my ideal paddling temperature but I’ve been around long enough to know that it would improve as the day went on, so we set off for Lymington. We arrived to blue sky, warm sunshine and a calm sea. Andrew and Norma were already there and there were lots of boats of all shapes and sizes getting out on the water to make the most of good weather on the last day of freedom to do such things for most of us.

We set off in 2 doubles, grateful to be on the water and happy to chat to one another. We headed out to the Jack in the Basket, then set off on a heading for Newtown Creek on the Isle of Wight. Half way across a swarm of helicopters appeared, some flying alarmingly low over us. Happily, they headed on towards a ferry moored off Cowes and proceeded to hover around it for some time. 

Eventually, the ferry was moved into the western Solent so that we could see better (thanks guys). We pulled up onto a mosquito infested but otherwise commodious beach at the entrance to Newtown creek and watched the manoeuvres while we ate lunch. Eventually the ferry, little black boats and helicopters moved away again and we paddled on into the creek. It was a complete contrast to the Solent. It was incredibly peaceful and the sun highlighted the colours of the last of the autumn leaves. We had the place to ourselves and when we went under the bridge at the far end, it felt like another world.

Having explored the furthest reaches of the creek, we headed north, back across the Solent. Even on the calmest day, there is always a lumpy bit in the middle somewhere, but not that day. On arriving back at the mainland shore we weaved our way through the marshes to get back to Lymington.

We felt very privileged to have been able to enjoy lovely weather, good company and a cabaret c/o HM forces to have a last paddle on the sea for goodness knows how long. We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when.... (just be glad I’m not singing it). In the meantime we’ll keep paddling fit by going along our local canal.

from Martin and Sue