Day 1 – Ducklings and Cygnets

• Edinburgh to Falkirk(ish)
• 46kms

What a great send-off. Getting up early enough for a 6am get-a-way goes above and beyond – even for The Team.

Once at the canal, it didn’t take long to get the boat ready and in the water. As I pulled off a recorder magically sprung into David’s hands, and a fine rendition of the Skye Boat Song sent me on my way.

Since paddling part of this section of the canal two weeks ago, it has come alive with ducklings. I must have seen 10 to 15 families in 30kms. As I approached they were always ushered into the reeds by an attentive mother and out of photo range.

The angry Broxburn swan from two weeks ago was still in location, but this time, all I got was a hiss. I could see his mate sitting on a nest just a few metres from him.

All the great photography today was done by Josh, my nephew, at the Avon Aqueduct.

Today’s paddle at 46kms was a little longer than I’d like to do on a regular basis, but I needed to find a camping spot away from built-up areas. Thankfully I’ll make up for it with a shorter paddle tomorrow.