I'm really enjoying being back on the River Medway, my local pond.
After a 3-mile paddle downstream from Hampstead Lock, I paused at Teston Lock to rest and enjoy the surrounding scenery before beginning the return journey upstream to Hampstead Lock.
Setting out from Teston Lock, the challenge of paddling upstream on the River Medway immediately presents itself, transforming each stroke of the paddle into a deliberate act against the gentle yet persistent current and strong winds. The initial stretch past Teston's iconic bridge quickly gives way to a tapestry of lush green banks, where ancient trees dip their branches into the water, and the occasional glimpse of a sleepy riverside cottage hints at a life lived in tranquil harmony. This section of the Medway is a haven for wildlife; ducks glide effortlessly, swans majestically navigate the wider stretches, and a flash of iridescent blue often betrays the presence of a darting kingfisher. The effort is constant, a quiet test of endurance, but richly rewarded by the serene beauty that unfolds, bend by slow bend, the world seeming to slow down, leaving only the whisper of the water against the hull and the rhythmic dip of the blade. As you press onwards, deeper into the unspoiled Kentish landscape, navigating the subtle pull of the current and the winding path of the river, the sturdy gates of Hampstead Lock finally appear, a quiet triumph after a journey that is as much about inner peace and physical exertion as it is about covering distance, marking the successful completion of a truly immersive Medway adventure.
Paddling my kayak often brings moments of introspection. Towards the end of this video, I share some personal reflections, including thoughts of my late wife, whose 70th birthday and our anniversary were approaching. I also reflect on my cancer scare during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. I hope you'll find it meaningful to hear about these significant life events.
Intro soundtrack by David Wilson.
Title: Nature's Being.
Copyright © 2025, David Wilson Out and About.
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1 comment:
Paddling my kayak often brings moments of introspection. Towards the end of this video, I share some personal reflections, including thoughts of my late wife, whose 70th birthday and our anniversary were approaching. I also reflect on my cancer scare during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. I hope you'll find it meaningful to hear about these significant life events.
David Wilson (The Wandering Widower)
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