Just Keep Swimming
Since our TIs always seem to be away these days and despite me pestering them for interesting stories, all I ever seem to get are in jokes that either I don’t understand or are marginally too inappropriate to repeat on the blog, especially since I know a lot of TI parents read this – Hi Parents!! So, as there is a massive lack of real stories to tell you I’ve decided to make some up. Please note, anything you read from this point on may or may not be true and are strictly the opinions and inventions of me, Laura the ACM at Ardgour and do not necessarily reflect those of Abernethy.
Once upon a time, a group of fine young men and women training to become outdoor instructors went on a journey along some rivers. Now, what you need to know is that most of our trainees are new to this paddling malarkey and as such, haven’t necessarily developed all of the appropriate skills and techniques to get them safely down the river without falling in. Alas, the brave, courageous Trainee Instructors decided to give in their best shot and hopped onto the river singing heartily along to their favourite song “I’m a Barbie Girl” originally performed, rather ironically, by Aqua!
A little way down the river, Fraser found some rope in a bag and decided he wanted to stop and skip a little as this is his favourite hobby; he also enjoys posing for photo shoots! Meanwhile, Andrew, bored of watching Fraser skipping, found some exciting looking rapids to send his canoe down. He thought it would be fun to go with his canoe down the rapids but part way down his canoe, who had, had just about enough of Andrews Irish accent complaining about the taste of cheese threw him overboard, plunging Andrew into the icy waters below! Nevertheless, in the face of such adversity, the group pulled together and rescued both Andrew and his boat reuniting them in a rather tearful and emotional gathering on the river banks.
Later, Reid was enjoying playing on some other rapids that they had found in his little green kayak. However, Reid had just eaten a little bit too much lunch and was a little wobbly and uncoordinated, he decided to go left, whilst his kayak went right and the river actually wanted him to stay in the middle, resulting in the paddle getting scared and running away and Reid hanging upside down in his boat. Thankfully, Reid was quick to forgive his kayak for this evident lack of communication and even gave him a little hug and a pat on the back before popping his deck and swimming alongside his little green friend. I can only hope that Fraser was still hanging about on the shore with his new rope-in-a-bag toy and was able to help Reid out with his soggy predicament.
By the end of the day, all the boats, paddles and students had semi-successfully completed one of their first river descents and lived to tell the tale (though not to me!!) and now, they are all away on their first paddling course learning how to coach others in this exciting, wet, watery world. Although, you’ll all be glad to know that they will only be allowed to coach you on flat – loch water, no rivers just yet!
Until next time!
