The last training session

Having now paddled over 150 miles in training sessions and with only 8 days until K-Day we had one final Saturday session, canoeing from the 5-Rise Locks to Skipton, for the most part paddling into a stiff head wind which made it very hard work. We still managed close to a 4 mph average and reached Skipton looking forward to a second session, the time at the Woolly Sheep Inn for a couple of well-deserved pints.

Leaving Bingley in decent sunshine and a light breeze, the weather gradually worsened as we headed west, particularly the wind. We were keen to show off our new event polo shirts and are grateful to Alan of Logo Promotions for his generosity, It's just a shame my polo shirt doesn't reduce the ridiculous hunchback that I appear to have, wearing the shirt over the buoyancy aid.

Andrew and the hunchback leaving Bingley!

Three-and-a half hours hard paddling saw us arrive at Skipton, meeting Sue and Vanessa on the outskirts as they walked the dogs along the towpath. Ruby, the golden Labrador got a bit too close to the canal bank and proceeded to fall in and was then unable to get out. We then spent the next five minutes back-paddling to a point where the bank was slightly lower. Daft animal, I think she may think hard before going near a canal again.

Andrew finding it very amusing as I struggle with Ruby

The beer was indeed well-deserved and we are now looking forward to one or two short weekday sessions before setting off next Sunday the first 26 miles on our first leg from Liverpool to Newburgh.