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Opawa River, Blenheimby Kevin AndrewsOn a sunny day I finished mowing thelawns and suggested to 11 year oldgrandson Johnny “Shall we grab thekayaks and head down to the river?”“Great idea grand dad, what do I needto do?” “Just grab a bit of lunch while Iput the kayaks on the car.”In a cool easterly breeze we were on the waterat the Simonsen Reserve just south of Blenheimby 11 a.m, paddling up stream with the wind onour backs.On the falling tide there was plenty to see. Ducks,geese, pukeko and shags were having a ballfeeding in the shallows.Johnny headed off with gusto to prove that he hadnot forgotten any of his skills. But, his kayak wouldjust not stay straight.His rudder’s steering strings were a wee bit astray.I suggested “Have a look at the position of the flapsabove the foot rests.” Ah ha! The left one was tootight. We rafted up, he fixed it and we were underway. Watched by spectators on the bank, we wereinto some serious paddling until out of sight, thenback to cruise mode and looking at the sights.Ducks on their heads waggling their feet, poppingupright to be confronted by a grinning kid in akayak alongside, were a delight to watch. Rabbitsfirst hid in the grass on the bank, then bolted fromcover and disappeared across the paddock.As we rounded Butter Factory corner the RiverA happy young Johnny about to turn around and head back down stream to the car Riverside residents reuse an old parking meter in front of their picnic area18 ISSUE FORTYthree • 2 0 0 7
Queen majestically cruised downstream towardsus. So it was line astern and stick to the right handside, (“That’s starboard granddad.”). Once againthe wee fella enjoyed being the star attraction.12.30pm “What say we have a bite to eat?” We tiedup to was a wee jetty and enjoyed the sandwiches.Then came the big question. “Do you want to keepgoing up stream?” “ Yes please, how far to town?”We were a little over halfway there after cruisingfor 90 minutes, the time it usually took me to beclear of the other side of town. However, Johnnywas still keen so we carried on to see how far hewould push it.We rounded the next two bends and housesappeared. Spirits lifted and paddles flashed aswe headed into the centre of activity around thenew riverside development. The fountain was notoperating but there was a large group of young ladybicyclists, one of which hollered out “I know thatguy in the kayak!” Johnny emphatically deniedthat she was a girlfriend of his. Then it was underthe Crinolen Bridge to the Arthur Street bridge andhere we turned about. An Asian lady photographedJohnny as he cruised past giving her a big smileand a wave. At 2pm heading downstream, wemet the River Queen as she was approaching herberth. We glided past her and the passengers againgave Johnny a big wave. The tide had turned andwe faced a head wind and current. By 2.30 Johnnyfinally accepted the offer of a tow and I hookedhim on behind. Serious paddling got us back to thelaunching ramp by 3pm. People were whitebaiting,picnicking or just looking on. I had unhooked thetow rope round the corner so Johnny finished thetrip in grand style, leaping ashore on the ramp. Hepicked up the two bow handles while I took thestern and we carried the kayaks up to the car. I wasreally proud of his effort and suggested “You’veearned an ice cream!” We stopped at the milkbarand he asked “Can I have a pie as well?” “Surething, go for it.” He did, ate the ice cream then thepie! Who said dessert had to come last?It had been a great day out on a pretty part of theOpawa. I got a couple of good pics and in spite ofthe very cold breeze thoroughly enjoyed the day.Hey grandad how are we going to get around the River QueenNow available in New ZealandContact your local Canoe & Kayak CentreISSUE FORTYthree • 2007 19
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