canoedling

Today my favourite boy turned 33 and I surprised him by hiring a canoe and taking a little trip down the river.

We paddled upstream, through lush farmland, towards the very source of the Thames. The river was so peaceful we honestly didn't see a single other boat or person for the whole afternoon. We found a secluded mooring spot to tie up the canoe and sheltered under the willows from the light rain with a very special birthday picnic.

Paddling back was much easier as we had the current to help us, which was just as well as we were feeling rather full and lazy after our feast. After a few collisions with branches and a near miss with a swan, my tummy muscles were also aching from laughing so much.

I want our own canoe more badly than ever- I am totally hooked!

messing about by the river

How I love a sunny weekend! We've spent the entire day by the river- picnicing, swimming, paddling the girls' dinghy and making new friends. It's been utter bliss.

We are extremely lucky to have this beautiful spot just a couple of miles from home. If you fancy a dipping your toes (or more!) into some fresh water near you, check out the Wild Swimming map for the best local spots.

I am river-obsessed at the moment, especially since Steve went on an outward bound trip with his pupils earlier in the year and came back raving about canoeing. I am desperately coveting a Canadian canoe, it needs to be big enough for the whole family and camping gear. This one would be perfect. Better start saving, I suppose!

the river at sunset

I, for one, am loving this scorchio weather on the first day of October. We made the most of this beautiful, warm autumn evening and headed down to the river for a stroll and spot of duck-feeding. It was so strange to see crimson leaves, shiny conkers and crispy teasels amongst the blazing sunset. Long may it last!