Easy Like Thursday Evening

Thursday 29th April 2010

Our smallest group yet – Phil, Andy, Tim and guest Judy Armstrong, all the way from Stellenbosch, South Africa, via Southfields.

Pleasant weather and a strong ebb tide saw us go up river. The idea was to take it fairly easy but seemingly little effort saw us all the way up past Putney Bridge to the ramp that Battersea Canoe Club use to access the river. This saw us right across from Craven Cottage where Fulham were playing Hamburg for a place in the Europa League final. We were there at half time, with Fulham trailing 0-1 and the mood of the fans grim. Tim and Andy hung about to hear the roar of the crowd when the half started up again – if there had only been a big screen we could have watched it would have been like being in the grounds.

A nice paddle back, with the ebb tide, and a chance to have a look at a couple of drilling rigs on the river that are working on the super sewer. Think oil rigs only smaller.

As we approached Wandsworth Tim noticed the sound of a huge, but distant, roar – “Fulham must have scored!”

Back to the centre, Andy set a precedent by NOT going for a drink (he was blaming babysitter issues – WEAK) but Judy was impressed enough with us and we with her that she joined up.

And Fulham won 2-1 and went through to the final.

Andy McM