Hopwood to Shortwood canal trip 2nd Jan 25

Location: Hopwood House to Shortwood Tunnel on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal
Distance: 10.6km
Duration: 3 hours
Leader: Chris

Happy New Year from Birmingham Canoe Club!
Our first trip of the year was a beautiful, crisp Winter's day paddle along a picturesque stretch of the Worcester and Birmingham canal.

It was the first club trip for new member Michael, and he gave us this wonderful write up:

"The frosty morning air bit at Chris’s cheeks as he rallied his team beside the icy Hopwood Canal. “Ready for an adventure?” he grinned, eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Are you sure this is a good idea, Chris?” Jo shivered, pulling his jacket tighter. “It’s freezing!”
“Come on, it’ll be fun! Look at that brave narrowboat cutting through the ice!” Chris gestured, and the team watched the boat’s engine chug and crackle as it made a path.
As they climbed into their kayaks, Di glanced at the frozen surface. “Just don’t tip us over, okay?”
The boats glided forward, the ice crunching beneath. “Paddle harder! We need to warm up!” Chris shouted, his breath visible in the cold air.
Gus, ever the helpful one, spotted a fisherman struggling. “Hey! Need some help?” he called out, manoeuvring his kayak closer.
“Yeah! My lure is stuck in those bushes!” the fisherman grunted.
As they pressed on, a swan flapped threateningly nearby, hissing. “Stay back, you feathered menace!” Anna laughed, her voice echoing over the water.
Finally, they approached a dark tunnel. Chris halted the group. "This is where we turn back. We haven't got our head torches."
With a collective sigh of relief, they turned back, the thrill of the icy canal adventure still buzzing in their veins.