The Fifth Gate at Hurley

I couldn't take it any longer (waiting for the weather to warm up a bit, that is); so was very glad Ivan decided to join me in our first visit to Hurley in almost a calendar year. Sure enough it tried to snow just as I left home but once we were both booted & suited and on the water it wasn't so bad at all.

 We arranged a very late start out of courtesy  to 'Team GB Juniors' who were having a team practise from 10.30 am; however when we arrived at 3.30pm they were still playing the weir so not only made us both feel very old but very inferior too!  I do wish them all the best in the future and it was great to share a session with such talent, especially with our up and coming HPP showdown with ugly sister canoe-club ('Putney') next weekend.

Was really nice to pop into the Red Lyon  (aka the Fifth Gate) afterwards for a pint of bitter and a warm up by the blazing log fire.  Can't be waiting another year before next time so hope to return soon.