Texted Mick-the-taxi, and booked him for 2.30.   I could have asked Gilbert, but he had joined others for a long paddle in the morning, and I knew he had plenty to do. 

So, all set fair for a lovely paddle, with just two minor problems.  Arrived at Lochearnhead and dropped off canoe under the trees, well hidden from passersby.   Weather sunny periods, 12°C, wind Force 3. Westerly

Drove back to St Fillans and waited for Mick.  He was late – I was just about to abandon ship in frustration, when he turned up at 2.45, full of apologies – he had fallen asleep after lunch – I know the feeling.  
Charge for the trip, £40.  Used to be £35.  A bit expensive to be honest, but that’s the way things are now.  Will I use him again?  Probably not.  I’ll just paddle with chums, or get my daughter to drive if she is about!

Wind just 12mph gusting to close to 20 perhaps.  So, I knew it wouldn’t be fast, but I was looking for a paddle I would enjoy, rather than a battle for survival.  Set off in my River-Racer and got average speed up to 10.5 kph quite quickly.  But as the waves got a little bigger, it dropped to 10.3.  
Of course, they are too slow to surf, but must be paddled over to maintain any kind of speed.  About halfway down, I started to gain speed again and towards the end got some lovely runs which brought me up to 10.8kph.  
Virtually no white horses, but nice temperature and some sun at my back.  A great paddle.  Thin long-sleeved vest and lycra shorts, with deck.  
No hat, no BA, and I was still a bit on the hot side.  No other boats on the loch at all.

Got to the finish – second problem:  I fell in getting out.  Not the easiest place to get out, but all due to a lack of strength in the old bones  = wet, plus hurt pride.  
No witnesses fortunately.  I always remember old John Young at the age of 75 complaining the biggest problem was getting in and out of his canoe, and I turn 79 before the end of the year.  Mmm…

Other data:

VO2 max 46.  See chart on next page for ref.

Heart:

70% time in orange zone and 25% in red zone.  An excellent workout for exactly 10km. (6.21miles)

Average speed for last 20 minutes 7mph (11.25kph)

Overall 6.7mph. Slow, but great to still be able to do it. 

Long may it continue.