Summer is finally here and it was time to get back on the water. First we had to see if we could get the bike rafting gear into the van alongside the bikes but that turned out to be no issue at all so off we set.
We took a late Friday afternoon spin out to Loch an Eilein to a small beach where we launched the rafts. This beach is known locally as the nudist beach although I’m not sure where it got that reputation as in the summer you get eaten alive by midges and the rest of the year it is too cold to get undressed!
It was a lovely paddle, exploring the remnants of the castle in the loch and enjoying the evening sun. Illya snuck into the castle for a look whilst his bike took a dip as his raft tipped upright in the loch. I’ve never seen the water so calm and flat. Beautiful evening.
With another hot day forecast, today we headed for the river. We paddled 9k from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and then cycled back along the Speyside Way. Rivers are a bit different to lochs, not least of all because they flow and rafts don’t have brakes which makes me quite anxious! But today the river was fuller than usual so the water was smoother as the usual obstacles were below the surface. Illya did manage to ground himself on a rock just below the surface though and had to bounce himself free, much to my amusement.
After a quick stop for supplies on the way home Illya made a lovely curry (should have moved that towel though as it now smells a bit aromatic).
Wee Van Tour 