Ravenglass Seaquest - 12th May 2013

I picked Jim up on the Saturday afternoon and we headed off with the plan to grab some "fresh air" before meeting up with Annette, Phil and Chris for a meal at Gosforth Hall. Jim had an excellent suggestion of walking up to the "pepper pot" that overlooks the Esk, so we found a bridlepath that took us close enough so we could cross a few fields to get to it and enjoy the fine views.

After our exercise we met up with the others at Chris' house and we had a fine meal in the pub - highly recommend the home made pies!

The following morning started off dry, but after registering at around 10am the weather started to deteriorate and we made for the cafe at the Ol'Ratty station for second breakfast!

Brian and Neil Turnbull and Jim Krawiecki

Despite the weather, a reasonable field was assembled for the event, and at noon we all started with boats heading off in all directions. I went for the Irt first, which may have been a mistake because a number of the controls were quite a way from the water across slippery mud flats. I visited all the controls on the Irt and headed up the Mite accompanied by Neil. As we left the Mite, passing the start/finish point again, we headed into a strong headwind that was energy sapping. By this time Neil was leaving me behind, but also heading to different controls first.

I gathered the controls on the left going upstream, but by time I reached the controls near Waberthwaite Hall I knew I wouldn't be able to get the remaining two controls at the end of the Esk, so I turned and headed for home collecting the controls on the left bank as I headed downstream. I finished with about 8 minutes to spare, and finished fourth in the mens K1.

It was the first time the event was organised by Copeland Canoe Club, and they did an excellent job, but maybe need to be less zealous attempting to collect the controls in before the end of the event!