Why oh Wye? A canoeing adventure.
As a financial planner, my daily life revolves around advising clients, managing investments, and staying updated with market trends. However, everyone needs a break from their routine, and I recently took the opportunity to spend three enriching days canoeing down the picturesque River Wye, accompanied only by my trusty Springer Spaniel, Bracken.
Our adventure began in Glasbury and stretched over a serene 60-mile journey to Ross on Wye, covering an ambitious 20 miles each day. This excursion wasn't just a physical challenge; it was a profound journey into the peaceful embrace of nature.
The River Wye is renowned for its breath taking scenery and wildlife. As we paddled downstream, the early summer weather was perfect, enhancing the vivid greens of the lush riverbanks. The tranquil waters mirrored the sky, occasionally broken by the swimming of young ducklings. Bracken, ever curious and lively, was particularly interested in these playful creatures, watching keenly from the canoe, his tail wagging in excitement.
Each night, we camped along the riverbanks, setting up a small tent and a campfire under the stars. These moments were perfect for unwinding after a long day’s paddle. With just the crackling fire and the soft river sounds, the simplicity of this experience was a luxury in itself.
One evening, while setting up camp, I decided to call my 14-year-old daughter to share the day’s events. I mentioned having a "falling out" with Bracken, referring to his incessant whimpering at every bird we encountered (he ended up swimming alongside the canoe for a while!). Misunderstanding my phrase, she was amused and concerned, exclaiming, “So how did you get back in the canoe?” She thought we had literally fallen into the water and was undoubtedly more concerned for Bracken’s welfare than my own!
Despite the seclusion, we weren't entirely alone on the river. We occasionally encountered fishermen, silently casting their lines into the river, and the vibrant Hereford Rowing Club. One morning, I joined the rowers for a hearty 'eat as much as you want' full English breakfast and Bracken was overjoyed to receive a sausage.
Our journey down the River Wye was not just a physical adventure but also a spiritual and emotional rejuvenation. Marked by peace and quiet, it was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of daily professional life. This tranquillity allowed for introspection and a deeper connection with the surrounding nature, reminding me of the importance of stepping away from my daily routine and reconnecting with the natural world. It's experiences like these that recharge my batteries and give me renewed energy and perspective for both my personal and professional life.
As we returned to Ross on Wye, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment and peace. This trip was a reminder that adventure doesn't always have to be about conquering peaks or crossing seas; sometimes, it's about embracing the quiet moments and the simple, unspoken beauty of nature.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, consider taking your canoe down a river. You might find that the world looks a little different when viewed from the water, and what seems crucial on land often drifts away with the river’s flow.