The message from my son came through the family group chat on Whats App.
How about we get together on my birthday, and try out some canoes on the River Wye?
So that’s how a family group of 11, including 4 children got together on Saturday 8th October at Symonds Yat East, hired 3 canoes and set off with surprising ease! After a cloudy start to the day the sun came out, the sky was blue, the river calm and the beauty and peace of the surroundings invoked a sense of well being.
In me that is, and those in my boat.
My husband who was sharing with 2 of our grandsons (aged 4 and 7) found he did not make the progress the rest of us did and was heavily splashed, emerging after an hour with soggy trousers! His experience was equally enjoyable but different to mine.
The hiring of the canoes was easy, not too expensive, the staff friendly and helpful, mindful of health and safety which was reassuring for us as we had young children with us.
I would certainly recommend this as a family outing, a lovely way for a family of mixed ages to enjoy spending time together. And the memory of the sunlight dappling through the trees on to the tranquil water, the reflections of sky and nature in the still shallows of the river is reviving as I contemplate the busy week ahead.
