paddles, boats and elbows

Hot already by the time we loaded up into the vans at 8am this morning and headed to the course. Kids a bit amazed at the chinese family at breakfast this morning who had chosen from the buffet, chopped up red and green peppers and sliced tomato with runny strawberry yoghurt poured over the top ..... eaten with a spoon. We are assuming they couldnt read the Slovenian signs ... mind you neither can we.!!! Water came on right on time again however the kids were all on the water chaffing at the bit at the top of the chute waiting to launch into it. We have been very lucky with the kayaks being stored on the trailer at the course and locked up each night by the kind raft operator whose business is next door to the course.

 

 This mornings session was thirds with video being taken - Pavel and Wendy left the course a little early to take the van to the auto shop to get welded up and collect fresh bread for lunch - managed to navigate the way there and back in time for video review and early lunch eaten under the shade of the boathouse and to the sight of Haylees boat lying injured on the grass - Callum also had a wee turn upside down being worked in the top hole but finally managed to roll up - no way was he going to bail. 

There is a Slovenian junior camp happening at the course from now on and the place was swarming with little kids. Our kids indulged in a push-up demonstration which keep the wee kids amused and impressed with New Zealand paddlers.

Robin, Dan, Callum and Deahna

  Back on the water after lunch - for some reason the water level had dropped a little and it was a bit shallow in parts - paddles didnt like it much and Finn and Matthew both needed repairs tonight.

boat and paddle repair, Wendy, Patrick, Martin

 The C2 boys of Dan and Luke gave us all a great show coming down the chute and missing their line and flipping over - a very high speed crash with crunching and banging noises to accompany the show - they didnt come out but had a bit of skin off elbows and water up the nose, head shaking and loose looking arms and caused Wendy to think she might need the elastoplasts, but they are tougher than that, and got out and headed straight back up again.

 The girls, except Jess who is looking after her arms, did a flat water session in the afternoon with Haylee using Jess's boat so hers could dry out in readiness for mending tonight

. Finn and Pavel ended up having the whole course to themselves near the end of the session as the shallow water, hot sun and tired bodies gave up and packed up.The wee kids were all ready to go and we wondered where on earth the training was going to be held, however they all got in at the bottom of the chute and with arms as fat as our kids big toes and heads barely above the top of the spray decks they swished off down the course ..... no wonder European paddlers are so good.  Headed back to town, quick change for some, and  into the old town centre to explore and shops and eat yet more icecream. We all met up at the three bridges and went to our half price pizza place for tea again - not worth cooking as we were all feed and watered for less than 5 euros each. Kids went off in groups for more exploring of the old town as the sun went down and the night life started to kick into action - some went to the top of Ljubljanas highest building to take in the view, others walked up the narrow cobbled track to the castle on top of the hill, and others sat in the town square and listened to buskers and watched the street performers.

family photo after tea -( Patrick Washer photographer)

 All back on time to collect yet more finished washing from the piles on the floor of Wendy and Dales room - funny how there are always undies and socks unclaimed - someone will be going commando soon if the stash keeps getting bigger. Very early start tomorrow, van needs to be loaded by 6.45, breakfast from 7 till 7.15 then straight to the course for a single session before the long 8 and a half hour drive to Poland.