Date:    16/01/2022
River:    Avon River, Christchurch, NZ
River Conditions:   2.718 cumecs at Gloucester Street bridge. Water clear. Grade 1.
Weather Conditions:   Sunny and warm, strong nor-east winds.
Number on Trip:    1 person.
Time on River:  1.75 hours.
Comments:  The weekend weather had been beautiful and while I couldn’t head off to the Hurunui with the club, I could still clock some outdoor time on the mighty Avon. Lauri was worn out from yesterdays cat walk, when Peri spent some time with Barry, a young male cat, relatively new to the neighbourhood and very keen to play. So while Lauri slept, I shouldered the Blitz and trotted down to river.

The tide was in and I launched straight off the bank into the river, before paddling off downstream. There was a strong wind blowing from the coast, providing a bit of resistance and kicking up a bit of chop on the waters’ surface. It was nice to be back on the river and to be able to actually do some exercise in an enjoyable manner.

There has been a little bit more progress on the Medway Footbridge, with the access ramps almost completed, so hopefully the bridge will be open soon.

I powered on downstream, allowing the stress & worry to melt away in the beautiful surroundings. I had the river mostly to myself, except of the various water fowl that call the river home. Below the Gayhurst Road Bridge, work is continuing on the Dallington Landing area and a start has been made on the Snell Footbridge. I carried on down to Kerrs Reach before turning about and heading back home. The outflowing tide made upstream progress a little more difficult.

I followed a group of adults & children, enjoying an outing on the river in kayaks, back up to the Gayhurst Bridge before overtaking them and continuing on alone. It is always nice to see young people enjoying exploring the natural places in the city.

I paused briefly under the Medway Footbridge, contemplating getting out and re-crossing the bridge again, but in the end I decided not to and continued my paddle home. I passed the get out and carried on up to the Swanns Road bridge to see if I could see the “Rev”, a large Muscovy / mallard cross duck, who lives in the area and we feed occasionally. Spotted him hiding in the trees by the south bank, with a posse of female mallards, so that was good. We were worried he might have been “rescued” (abducted) and there has recently been a number of ducks killed by unrestrained dogs.

After going under the bridge, I paddled back down to the get out and clambered up the bank, shouldered my kayak and walked home for a shower & a rest, with a well deserved cup of tea.