ROCKHAGGIS

Well that day has arrived ..... get the kayak in the water and do whatever adjusting is necessary.... easy!

I'm sitting here a little deflated and filled with self doubt. Have I bitten off more than I can chew? After all its been a long time since I last spent time paddling a canoe and then I was a lot fitter and lighter and care free! There were some positives to come out from todays adventure....

I went through the intended daily process of getting to the launch spot, setting up and launching with out any problems save forgetting a self sealing plastic bag for my mobi. I managed not to  roll, though there were one or two moments I so easily could have, because I was really struggling at first to maintain balance. This was in part due to the positioning of the knee braces and foot plates being wrong, giving me  very little purchase and also the wind was up a bit, making the water quite choppy.

I found that there was a big difference between my recall and the reality of my proficiency .... Although I could remember the moves and theory .. clearly putting them into practice is going to take time and more confidence .... I am encouraged that by the end of my hour or so in the water I had stabilised a bit, giving me the feeling that if I keep at it , every day the weather permits, it shouldn't take to long to find my webbed feet. But non the less I am a bit anxious ... probably naturally so ...

I was quite disconcerted that I felt such a novice. Reality check needed.... just take it easy... don't push beyond my limits and accept that we might need to modify plans accordingly ... I am not in a race!!!! I definitely need to step up my fitness training .... I found that just after this short time my arms were tired and my back was complaining.

Its easy to focus on the negative, but I must not ignore it either ... the enormity of the venture is beginning to sink home ..... At this stage I don't have the confidence based on current experience and ability to set off tomorrow, but then I'm not going to .... I have nearly 2 months in which to raise my game ... will it be enough? I hope so... I intend to give it my best shot...... Tomorrow is another day ........