The last section of our challenge will be along the tidal stretches of the Severn so we decided we would head up to Gloucester and paddle the 18 miles downstream to Arlingham. The aim was to get miles in, track the route with Viewranger to get a better idea of the speed we were travelling and also to test out clothing and watertight bags.
Little did we know as we were being dropped off in Gloucester, that things would take a very unique, interesting and unexpected turn!
We kitted up and paddled away from our drop off point, and with in a few miles, I heard a strange sound coming out of the water behind me. Looking around I was amazed to see a grey seal playing with my leash! We were after all 40 miles inland!
I quickly grabbed the camera and switched it on to film, hoping to get a glimpse of it, but instead of a glimpse, the seal played up for the camera. In fact it was as interested in us and our boards as we were with it! It was a bit of a worry at first though as the Red Paddle Co SUP's are inflatable, and with a mouth full of sharp teeth it could have all gone wrong!
At times we were within a few feet from it as it played with our SUP's and rolled, jumped and at times swam alongside us. It was a truly amazing experience for us and one that we will never forget.
For the rest of the paddle, although very scenic and full of other wildlife, we were in a bit of a daze, wondering what to do with footage, what to tell friends and family. It was all a bit exciting and as soon as we added it to Facebook, it went viral! Various papers and the BBC have been in contact, all good advertising for our challenge, but will also hopefully show what amazing wonders are tucked away in the river and why we should protect it!
http://www.facebook.com/Source2Sea2013
Since then we have discovered the seal has recently been up near Worcester, and has been named "Keith" strange for a female seal, but matching the markings on its neck area confirmed we had the right seal.
We managed to cover the 18 miles in 4hours 44mins which we were also very happy about!!
May the good times on the Severn carry on in to our challenge in April!
Remember you can follow our progress whilst we are on our trip by liking our Facebook page or following us on Twitter!
http://www.facebook.com/Source2Sea2013
https://twitter.com/Source2Sea2013
Thanks for your support so far! Tristan Bawn
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