Leisurely Bank Holiday Docks paddle

Leisurely Bank Holiday Docks paddle by John Fay

It would have been a crime not to have put a docks paddle on with the weather being so lovely, and 17 paddlers took up the opportunity to get on the water, including two brand new members.

The paddle started with a bit of drama when Roger heard what sounded like a creature in distress. Sure enough, clinging to the wall under the bridge was a squirrel trying desperately to get up the wall to safety. Of course, we had to help and approaching the squirrel, it decided to jump, for it landing on my Virgo. After running up and down a couple of times, it went into the water, and we followed closely as it headed towards the ladder around the corner. However, before getting there, it climbed up a chain, but that was about 2ft short of the top.

So there it sat. John Ennis asked if anyone had a tow line with the idea of climbing up the ladder and dangling it to assist with the last bit of the squirrel’s ascent.

Roger, with a tow line in hand, left his boat and was halfway up the ladder when the small creature made a scramble to the top.

Sure that the squirrel was safe, we continued our paddle and on approach to the Albert Dock we saw the mast being greased for the climb/runs later. We had to stop on the way back to watch half a dozen attempts to reach the end of the mast, but all ended up in the water with a big splash.

The paddle included some stand-up paddleboard antics and the usual rolls, etc., from Marty and Roger.

A great bank holiday paddle with all the usual fun and the enjoyment of refreshments at the end.

John Fay