Wast Water day 2

Some friends have noticed that I have been (deliberately)vague in my previous 2 blips. The reason was I didn't want to spoil a surprise, or put pressure on the surprisee (is there such a word!)So I have been anxious not reveal the location, or friends we are spending the weekend with.

However, at 2am this morning, our good friend Andy, arrived at the house in the Lake District, driven here by his friend and work colleague Ange. We had been holding our breath since Friday, hoping, for his sake that he would feel well enough to make the journey. Once told he was on his way Saturday evening, we just sat up last night waiting.

So there are now 7 of us. Andy's sister Cathy and her husband Keith, had booked this amazing property which sleeps 10. They have used it before for family holidays, and coincidentally had this week booked. Andy is undergoing a strong dose of treatment, but we had established at our reunion in July, of old venture scout friends, his keen desire to be able to get out on a canoe. Especially if that could be achieved in the Lake District. However his present health condition, meant that firstly travel to the lake district, and secondly getting out on a canoe, seemed an impossibility. Until today!

With a mere 6 hours sleep, we were up by 9 and planning our day. Objective: to get Andy into a canoe for a paddle on Wast Water. With a picnic packed up, and 2 vehicles loaded up with people, the canoe, paddles and a mountain of other stuff, we set off up the road to Wast Water and 11.30am.

Arrived and parked, then as we started to unpack, the heavens opened. Jon, ever the practical one, happened to have a tarp and some poles, so managed to rig us some shelter near the beach/canoe launching area. We helped Andy down to that spot and settled him in a chair and then hung around under the tarp hoping the grey clouds and rain would pass....and suddenly it did!! The waves eased, the rain stopped, and we saw our opportunity. It didn't take too long to get Andy, Angela and Jon into the canoe, and then they were off! Jon kept them to the more shallow bit of the lake, but took them quite a long way down as we all looked on in wonder, taking lots of photos!

They were out for a good 15 minutes, only losing one paddle, which Sarah and Keith successfully swam out to rescue!

Then Jon took Keith and Sarah out for a paddle all the way to the other side of the water near the screes. They were just tiny dots, so I didn't bother with photos. When they got back, we enjoyed our picnic by the lakeside before the black clouds returned, and the rain returned.

Packed up and headed back to the house after 4 o'clock feeling extremely proud of ourselves. Our objective had been achieved and although we all felt emotional, we were also humbled by Andy's message to always push yourself a bit harder, to achieve that little bit more than you think you can achieve. It was never truer than today.

Cath, Sarah and I had an hour in the hot tub, then we dressed for dinner at the local pub, where we met friends of Keith and Cathy. A lovely evening, but our very late night last night is catching up with us. Not so bad that I can't manage a glass of wine before bed.

Jon and I have 2 more days here before heading home Tuesday evening. More plans tomorrow to try and achieve the impossible!