December 29th 2009

This will be the last blog of the year, as the rains disappear, and we are left with snow on the ground and a lack of water in the rivers. However, all is not lost as an area of high pressure has meant some beautifully bright still days for lake paddling in our new sea kayaks. Christmas Day was a cold but eventually bright paddle.

With a starting temperature of - 6 degrees, it needed a good number of layers and coffee to get going. A classic temperature inversion meant a mist hung over the lake but it did clear to give us almost perfect conditions for an adventure at this time of year.

The good thing about sea kayaks is that they are fast and stable, so progress is good and 2 or 3 hours gentle but steady paddling can take you a fair distance even on England's largest lake.

With sunset imminent is was time for hot drinks, food and the journey home.

The return of the Joint Adventures Blog

November 27th 2009

Long time no blog you might say. The floods kept us busy last week and now people are well on the to clearing up. The towns of Cockermouth and Workington in the North Lakes were more devestatingly hit than the South Lakes, but that didn't stop Coniston being cut off for about 4 days to all but the largest of vehicles.

We have had our usual smattering of white water kayaking sessions this Autumn, particularly during half term at the end of October. We have also expanded our fleet of kayaks with touring boats, and some more sea kayaks. I reckon that a lot of people get put off kayaking because they get put in poorly outfitted boats and take a week to recover from a half day session. All our boats have back rests and adjustable foot rests.

With well fitting boats it's good to get people into moving water kayaking. Running rivers and surfing small waves is how we hone your skills so that the session is exciting, without being too dramatic. Gorge Walking featured as usual

It wouldn't have been half term holiday if we didn't go gorge walking! Wet suits and full water proofs were the order of the day, which ment that everyone could enjoy the fun as usual.

We even had what is probably the last of our out door climbing of the season, but as Keswick climbing wall has re-opened we have the chance to go indoors (we know about Kendal as well).

September was lovely, and October wasn't bad, but it looks like November might just prove to have been a little too wet; even for the most serious of white water head bangers. But it has been good to get out with people on the rivers, and I suppose you could say that the white water canoeing and kayaking season is well under way. I'll blog again sooon, Adam

February Update

Well the lateness of this last update leads me to the conclusion that blogs without pictures are not as and attractive proposition as blogs with. Having had technical difficulties with downloading pictures, there has been a distinct lack of photographic records. We have now sorted that.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell from Langdale

The cold spell has continued, but we've still managed to get out and about with walking, a little climbing, and some paddling. There has been a distinct lack of snow in the vallies, but I'm happy to say that the fells have had some of the best snow conditions this winter. So while the South West of the country and the Midlands have ground to a halt we in The Lakes have been having a great time.

Crinkle Crags looking distinctly Alpine

Classic winter walking weather means bright sunshine falling onto beautiful white mountain tops. With good snow conditions it was time for some of us to test out the ice axes and crampons.

Sca Fells and Bowfell panorama

On the way Home

The necessity to wrap up warm and think a little more carefully about what you're doing is rewarded by stunning scenery.

Looking forward, we have Half Term and some good deals on activities, so if you're planning a visit get in touch. We also have the start of our school group season with schools booked in for their first taste of adventure for 2009. Holiday periods are always busy, so the sooner you know what you want to do the better.

Have fun if you do manage to get out.

Adam