In my canoe was Co, Connor and myself. In another was Mark, Lesley and Luke. And in the third canoe was Jake, Zoe, Flynn and Dotty the dog. It was well balanced, two adults and one child in each canoe. We started off with a gentle paddle, absorbing the rays, taking in the views, moving along with the gentle flow of the river . . . then the boys started fishing – leaving us girls to do the paddling! I didn't mind but I've only got little arms!

The first person to catch a fish, or 'monster' as he called it was Flynn. From that moment on we often heard Flynn yell ''Dad! Dad! Help me, it's a monster!'' – Flynn caught five fish in total that day, unfortunately his dad Jake caught nought! Connor was next to catch something, the fish was wriggling like mad, touching my bare legs as Connor bought him in – uck I really didn't like that! Co blamed his lack of fish on me asking him to help with the rowing - yer right! Mark caught a good sized Rainbow Trout.

On approaching the Warren in Hay, we decided to stop off for some lunch. There were many other local families enjoying the Warren, it's a good place to be as the water is mostly shallow so children can paddle. So after eating our sarnies, a few cocktail sausages . . . our batteries were recharged and it was time to head off again!

Just past Hay Bridge we saw a swan with her cygnets – even Connor, a twelve year old lad, commented on how cute they looked. A bit further down stream and a group of girls on a hen party decided to shoot us with water guns – I was not impressed, Connor on the other hand thought it was highly funny! On the next straight stretch it became evident how many canoeists were out on the river that day, I've never seen it so busy, the river was dotted with green canoes.

Our destination was The Boat Inn, Whitney. We got there in one piece but all in need of a beverage. Once our canoes had been dragged up the bank, personal items taken to the campsite, it was time to enjoy the sun again but this time on dry land and a pint in our hands (alcohol only for the adults of course). We'd pitched our tents earlier that morning in The Pound Campsite opposite The Boat Inn, this is owned by the 'pub and restaurant legends' Rob & Carol Taylor. Both my sister and I used to work for Rob and Carol many years ago, I call them legends as they've owned and run a few establishments in our area, each one a success food and beer wise, they're reputation follows them from place to place. At present they own the The Boat but lease it out to John and Carole.

We were so lucky with the weather, me being pale had applied factor 50 sun cream but that didn't stop my skin from burning! Lesley was trying her best not to get 'strap marks', this would not bode well for her outfit she intends to wear to Ascot this week! We had an afternoon relaxing in the sun, the campsite was reasonable full but plenty of space for the children to play. Later that evening we had a meal at The Boat, we treated ourselves to some bubbly, a toast to Co being one year older!

The next morning the boys went fishing at god knows what hour, I was so cosy in my sleeping bag I didn't want to get out and look at the time! Colan yet again came back empty handing, he couldn't blame this on my rowing now could he! Once all up, we were off for our full English breakfast, the weather was still divine so we, and many other campers sat in Rob & Carols garden eating a very nice fry up – setting us up for the day.

All of us enjoyed the weekend, we're in the process of organising our next trip!

Lisa Marie x