Two rest days, 3 back at work, then 16 days off.
Unfortunately, I took a backward step (pun intended) when my right knee gave out while showering on Saturday. It took nearly 2 hours before the pain eased enough to bear weight on this leg.
After three weeks of pain in both knees it is time to go down the medical route and visit my doctor to get referred for tests on both knees.
With this in mind, I have decided to cancel my kayak camping trip to Norfolk and plan some single-day solo paddles. I feel that with pain relief and wearing my neoprene knee supports, I should be able to still load, enter, and exit my single-person kayak. Long walks and camping are out at the moment.
My first trip out will be on the River Medway from Tonbridge Slipway to Oak Weir Lock early next week, portaging at five locks out, and 5 back with a total distance of 12 miles. With a load of approximately 18 kg (39Ib) should be a good test of my current capabilities and mobility. Depending on the outcome of this trip out, I may then spend several days completing the whole 29 kilometres of the Medway Canoe Trail, including the unofficial start point, which is Leigh Flood Barrier.
Other outings may include travelling down to Hampshire for a day out on the Basingstoke Canal, paddling the Barley Mow to Crookham section of the canal, which is an 11-mile out-and-back trip.
Obviously, I am disappointed that I am not able to pursue many of my outdoor activities at the moment. Yes, I am feeling a bit down, but one thing is for sure, I am certainly not out 😉
"It's not about the destination, it's about the journey
