Stretton near Warrington

Thanks Marge! When we retired late last night, Angela discovered her side of the bed was wet. Don't blame me. The heavy rain we'd driven through had blown up and under the van's opening roof window. It's fortunate that Angela's 'child size'. She 'almost' fitted on to the downstairs bench seat.

A beautiful start to the day this morning. Warm and bright. Some archers arrived, setting up their targets on the far side of the cricket pitch, which was meticulously being prepared for today's match. We walked a little way into town to stretch our legs before leaving, our ten pound donation placed in the collection box outside the club house. Thank-you Kendal cricket club for a safe and convenient overnight stop.

Head south Marge. Early afternoon we arrived in Merseyside, where we spent a few hours catching up with John's daughter.

Then onto Warrington to the small village of Stretton to the Stretton Fox public house which offered overnight stops for vans in its car park. We were too late for food, so relaxed over a drink whilst we talked about our packrafting course and our plans going forward.

Back in Marge, we ate Strathdon Blue cheese which Angela bought at the fam shop at the Westmorland service area yesterday. As one of our grandchildren would say, 'it was delicious!'.

Kendal, Lake District.

Coronation Day. We still find it quite unbelievable that Queen Elizabeth II passed away last year. This morning we were a very shocked and saddened to hear John's brother in law Loz had passed away from a cardiac arrest.

After four nights at Grandtully it was time for Marge to take to the road again. Before leaving, to relieve some of the aches and pains from yesterday's self rescue on the river, we walked down to the nearby river Tay, to watch the slalom, but the kayakers were taking a break, their kayaks strewn across the grassy bank.

In no rush, as tonight we would be staying at Kendal cricket club, where we knew a match was being played this afternoon, we stopped at Perth to look around a large outdoor shop. Now we had more of an idea about packrafting, more gear would be needed. The day was warm, our onward journey Marge ate up the miles. As we approached the border with England the rain began. Welcome back Marge.

Despite the weather we enjoyed fantastic views from the road that crossed from the motorway to Kendal. The characteristic stone wall field boundaries crisscrossed grasslands where sheep unaware of our presence grazed. John spotted several snails, brought out by the weather.

Kendal is a favourite overnight stop for us. One of the reasons, there is a very good Chinese take-away in the town. Need we say anymore? As for the weather, rain, rain, rain, well we are in the Lake District Marge. Please don't leak too much.

Grandtully Station Campsite, Pitlochry, Perthshire. (Day 4)

Today we knew we'd be getting wet. Rain was forecast and we could no longer put off the fact we had to practice some rescue techniques.

A short drive up the road at Aberfeldy, where after some instruction we took to the river. Angela could see the water to her running quite fast, although she was reassured the flow was not too bad. She also did not like the look of the nearby 'bubbling' water. Oh dear! After much reassurance by David, we were in our boats and on the water. David has been very calm and patient with us all through the course, particularly a nervous Angela. He coaxed her gently into following his lead down the river with its obstacles. Once she decided to opt out watching him and John take on something a little more adventurous.

We were cold, but happy. After lunch the finale. Into the cold water, not very deep, but quite deep enough for Angela, we practiced some rescue and recovery. The assisted rescue was not as easy as David made it look. Haul yourself onto the boat, roll to one side, drop in your seat. Work in progress. We would need to practice back home in Poole harbour. 

Job done though. We now had 'most of the gear, and a bit more idea', than when we started three days ago. We also realised that we did not really need our sit on top kayaks back at home and that our pack rafts would suffice. With David's instruction and knowledge we leave Scotland a little more confident. The downside of the day, we have a lot of wet clothing to try and dry.

There is a white water slalom competition here on the river this weekend, so there are plenty of other people drying clothing. Marge's shower room has been turned into a drying room, so hopefully by tomorrow we will not have too much damp clothing to pack up. What do you think Marge? Shall we start heading back home tomorrow? Before we leave we just want David to know how incredibly grateful we are to him for the last few days. If you fancy having a go at packrafting or other outdoor pursuits take a look at his website. www.emmaus-adventure.co.uk