We had an early start today as we had to catch a ferry at 7.15 am and we would meet our guide at 7.00 am however the guide told us at 7.45 am that he would be arriving at 8.00 am. This meant that although we had crossed the river ages before we then had to run to our 8.00 am train. We weren’t amused. After we boarded the train, which looked like a bus, we had to wait about 20 mins until our stop came up. The train worked its way along the valley. Once we disembarked we started on our hike down the valley towards the river. As we walked our guide briefed us on the upcoming day and he broke the news to us that he wasn’t providing shoes and our leaders knew our flip-flops were not adequate for the day’s canoeing and said they weren’t prepared for us to get our shoes wet. Fortunately as we trekked down to the river we passed a shop that sold crocs and Sharon and Kathy decided to buy us a pair each. They looked very lovely and colourful on our feet!
As soon as we reached the river we were given a safety talk and after putting our stuff into waterproof barrels and getting our packed lunch we were sent into the river in the canoes. After we had got used to steering and paddling we were sent into the rapids.
Very soon after starting some people were thrown out of their canoes, but we bravely ventured on. During the next hour and a half we battled against various rapids and many of us fell in repeatedly, and when we finally reached our first stop we were glad to be on dry land.
We walked to the Gold Mines, which were very cold for our wet skin.
After a little lunch break we continued in the canoes down a very rocky section. All very different from Fairlop Waters! After another 3 hours of canoeing we stopped off to do some rock climbing. This was very different to anything we had experienced at Chigwell Row.
After we had finished climbing we continued down the river to reach our final destination 1h30mins late.
We came back to the campsite by bus, Kathy & Sharon organised a treat at the camp restaurant (pizza, hamburger, omelette or sausage and chips followed by ice lollies) and then we were all grateful for an early night.
JW & EO
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1 comment:
Wow again, so much in one day, I would have been exhausted just after the canoeing let alone rock climbing, Mining, cycling and everthing else you have been doing today. It still all looks wonderful and cannot wait for all the stories when you get back Elz, have a great couple of last dayz and next week you can take me and Dad on a hike! Lots of love -x-x-x-
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