Day 2 started with Andrew (Cptn Mainwaring) Wellock being interviewed over the wireless with BBC Radio Leeds. Once they had rung ...to be fair, all as arranged, he went into headless chicken mode and we (well, me actually) had to paddle round and round in circles to try to generate some genuine "splashing" sounds.
Andrew and I about to set off after "The Interview" (note the wide beam, no pun intended)
The other thing that I have to accept is that there may be a likeness to "Gru" out of "Despicable Me"!
Surely not.
For the greater part of the rest of the day I had to then sit in the kayak with Andrew regaling me of his notoriety, fortunately being a bit deaf has its advantages, I could pretend not to hear him (even though I did really). Seriously, though, the day started well and proceeded to get even better by our appearance on "Made in Leeds TV" on the 6pm bulletin. For more about please visit Facebook.
We also were met at Wigan by Greg Brookes of the Canal and River Trust who called on us to say hello. Greg is the Project Manager for the Desmond Family Canoe Trail which is the route we are following and the Trust is helping to promote our journey.
When I think about it I have never been in a kayak with a celebrity and I can only assume it is as immensely boring as I experienced for the first few interminable hours. However, after the initial furore the rush receded and Andrew returned to earth and we maintained a normal conversation for most of the time. The only occasions when this was disrupted might have been around our seeing a person with a personal transistor radio hugged to one ear with Andrew wondering whether they were listening on catch-up to his sage-like words from some hours earlier.
A great day, made even better by one of those random acts of generosity by a stranger. We called at the Marina Cafe at the Blue Bear Marina at Addlington to arrive to a round of applause (they had heard about our venture). Whilst this surprised us their ensuing charity surprised us even more by refusing to take any money for our tea and cakes.
How strange it is that their "gift" of maybe just a couple of pounds left us with a feeling of having received an immense generosity of spirit. I had called in the marina a few weeks ago and noted the benevolent atmosphere and wanted to return, You are very special people and I hope many other people will want to return. Here's to you Marina Cafe.
This, added to the generosity of our sponsors and to those who donate, is what helps to make the venture so worthwhile. We can press on and if a bit tired can be spurred on by those who are supporting us.
We also were met at Wigan by Greg Brookes of the Canal and River Trust who called on us to say hello. Greg is the Project Manager for the Desmond Family Canoe Trail which is the route we are following and the Trust is helping to promote our journey.
Greg Brookes with Andrew at Wigan
When I think about it I have never been in a kayak with a celebrity and I can only assume it is as immensely boring as I experienced for the first few interminable hours. However, after the initial furore the rush receded and Andrew returned to earth and we maintained a normal conversation for most of the time. The only occasions when this was disrupted might have been around our seeing a person with a personal transistor radio hugged to one ear with Andrew wondering whether they were listening on catch-up to his sage-like words from some hours earlier.
The Marina Cafe at Addlington, there is no better.
A great day, made even better by one of those random acts of generosity by a stranger. We called at the Marina Cafe at the Blue Bear Marina at Addlington to arrive to a round of applause (they had heard about our venture). Whilst this surprised us their ensuing charity surprised us even more by refusing to take any money for our tea and cakes.
How strange it is that their "gift" of maybe just a couple of pounds left us with a feeling of having received an immense generosity of spirit. I had called in the marina a few weeks ago and noted the benevolent atmosphere and wanted to return, You are very special people and I hope many other people will want to return. Here's to you Marina Cafe.
This, added to the generosity of our sponsors and to those who donate, is what helps to make the venture so worthwhile. We can press on and if a bit tired can be spurred on by those who are supporting us.
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