|
|
                     |
Upper Dart January 1999We have had two excellent trips on the Upper Dart this season. On the 10th January the river was running at Medium levels (lapping the ledge at Newbridge) which, as far as I’m concerned, is perfect. A great run on a very cold day, with no injuries or mishaps. It kept me going all through the following week – every time a client started giving me agro I switched to visions of Euthanasia and of dropping over the lip and into its throat.
I aim to book another two trips for next season and hope that more RCC members will give it a go. Fun is guaranteed on this river. Rollalot
Arun Camping Weekend May 99Friday 14th MayEverything packed and ready, pop the canoe on the car and off we go. Just over an hour later, sky a little brighter now, we arrived at Ford and the campsite. A large field all to ourselves. As quick as we could we put the tent up and then joined the crowd swarming around Mike and Dots Barbecue. Food on the barbi, tin in the hand – heaven! Night time fell and it was said that the bar needed filling up so we followed Mike and Dot and Lisa and Helen ha ha. A few beers later and it was back to Mike and Dots for a cosy night cap – all of us except Helen – "it’s alright" said Lisa, "she’s probably lost" – ½ hour later "tap tap" on the door, enter Helen – "sorry" she said, "I got lost" – everybody laughed and carried on laughing at Mikes non stop one-liners. Dot evicted the lot of us and, not so quietly, we made our own way (yes, no help) back to our tents. SaturdaySaturday morning brought about a leisurely start, one or two people still trying to get over the ‘midnight express’ only it must have been midnight every 40 minutes – oh and then there was the M25 alongside the campsite. Hey, who am I to complain, the Guinness worked and I didn’t hear a thing. Barry having secured his tent (and what a tent, the Taj Mahal falls to insignificance beside it – I digress) sleepy eyed we all made our way to the slip way. Boats in, off we go. The flow of the river was pretty quick, it was said that the Arun has the second fastest rising tide in the country (don’t ask which one is the first). We all made good progress and it wasn’t long before we could see Arundel Castle. It appeared that we paddled all around the Castle as we saw it from several angles. Leaving Arundel behind us we passed the "Black Rabbit", it looked really inviting but we didn’t stop, boo hoo. We Stopped for a pleasant lunch at the Houghton Bridge tea rooms, the for a walk around the village – didn’t take long, not a very big village, museum on location but general consensus was a bit too pricey. A couple of hours later the tide had turned and again we were on our way for the return trip, ending with only one person getting wet and lots of shouting "mind the whirlpool". The evening brought on a different angle after everyone had showered and changed it was down to the campsite pub "Ship & Anchor" . Some enjoyed a drink and bite to eat while someone else enjoyed watching 50p making its way down the length of the pool table, then only to lose to someone almost ¼ of his age. Trying not to let my bruised ego show we made our way to the Taj Mahal where Barry was kind enough to entertain and furnish the coffee. All in all it was a good ending to a good night. SundayUp with the larks (or the early train). Big breakfasts being cooked all around the campsite and this time not to be outmanoeuvred Mike and Dot were ready to leave before Barry, but then Barry did have a big tent to take down. Cars all loaded and ready to leave for day three, arriving at the carpark we discovered we had left Liz behind. Slight panic and then Liz arrived with an unbelievably lame excuse, quote "I lost my keys then I needed a wee" . Time moved on and we were ready for a tricky launch into the river – mostly everyone got in ok, except Trish who landed with a bump. The journey was much nicer due to the river getting smaller and more interesting. We stopped off at Pulborough for lunch at a pub that wasn’t serving food – never mind, Barry and Bev had enough for everyone. I do hope Jake and Lee didn’t go without, thanks Bev. Raiders of the Lost Canal. Now we come to the highlight of the day for some. Leaving Pulborough for what we thought was to be a little way up the river before turning back, the tour took us much further, meeting up with a chap from a group making the same journey, passing the river Rother, we kept paddling and paddling and punting through narrow stretches of river, streams and what almost seemed like ditches, to Pallingham Quay Farm. Having gone past the old lock at the end of the Wey and Arun canal, we disembarked and walked across a field of what I can only describe as Texas Longhorns (big nasty looking animals with horns 4 feet across). Ducking and diving we reached the canal bridge nearest the lock on the canal adjacent to the river Arun – a picture was taken to record this epic adventure. The return trip was made harder by a nice little breeze whipped up just for us, especially the open canoes. Nevertheless the final destination was achieved. Onle last word on the weekend goes to Robert and his dear old dad Graham – "brilliant" 35 miles paddled and not a winge heard from either one. That’s it folks, thanks very much Mike and Dot for the planning, do it again. Trish and Karl
Frome April 99After some juggling around and a few last minute phone calls I managed to scrounge a lift with Graham B turning up at his place at 6:20. I was greeted by a small group of Gary’s followers. Graham was up but I don’t think his brain had jumped out of neutral yet as we had arrived far too early. 3 boats, 3 river warriors and associated kit set off in fantastic weather, the promise of a good day.
We arrived at our access point to find another group of paddlers. Graham did a fantastic job at shuffling cars but admitted making an honest cock up by not having a car to return to the access. We were soon on the water – there was very little of it but the sun was shining and there was a buzz of excitement in the air. The first weir was almost dry. Gary wanted to shoot it first (the chocolate Sundae must have worked) and Graham suggested he chose his own line – Gary ending with his nose cone pinned vertically, while everyone shot the normal route on the right, Pete (with an expression of glee on his face) sat above Gary and pushed him over . Most weirs were a plastic stripping scrape. The whole in the wall provided the most entertainment – much calmer than normal and there were no swimmers, although Karl Wiggins was under the water most of the time in his funny shaped yellow bananna. Graham was paddling a brand new Kendo in a very powerful green and black paint job. There was a mixture of funny shaped boats in our group Kendo, Enigma, Attak, etc. all doing or trying endos and all sorts of peculiar manoeuvres. We played here for w while, those with normal boats practising break ins, outs and high crosses. Helen had a lot of brave tries at getting into the jet and more. We stopped at the end of the zoom flume for lunch. The wave was smaller than usual and after lunch, following Grahams example, some of us had a go at riding the wave. It was a challenge to get past the rocks. Lisa got alongside Graham and was going for it when an almighty shove from Graham had her surfing the wave. When she dropped off the other side another shove from Steve and she was back on the wave again. Steve and Graham had found a new game. The mill provided fun for some. Pete demonstrated how to sit under the man made water fall – the only thing it proved was that you got wet. This year the trip finished at the mill although we paddled on to the diving boards to find that the top two had been removed (not that that worried me). Steve assisted those that wanted to go off the boards with his ‘almighty shove’ technique. We then paddled back up the river to the mill and found a suitable egress. The cars were there waiting and we were soon on our way home. We spent some time on the return journey racing around looking for a Dandy – not a two legged one but a comic for Sarah. Thanks to Graham for organising the trip and everyone for making it enjoyable. Mike Scott
'Introduction to 'White Water' (Raging Torrents') weekendsExe / Barle October 1999Most of our 'beginning of season - introduction to whitewater' trips in the past have been bumps and scrapes down dry river beds. This year it was slightly different! - a very wet September and torrential rain on the Friday had brought river levels up to the best I have seen them. Saturdays paddle of the Exe (from the Black Cat to Tiverton) saw waters flowing fast and brown - perhaps not ideal for members who had never paddled on a river before. Fortunately, there proved to be few hazards and so novices could concentrate only on battling the unfamiliar current. A rapid learning curve, with some inevitable swims, but everyone took it in their stride. Congratulation to Margaret, Sue and Peter Chase, some impressive paddling on their first river trip. A great curry, with all the trimmings, (thanks, Lisa), and a few pints (thanks Driver Nick) and I scarcely noticed the snoring that was the subject of accusations and counter-accusations the following morning. Sunday's paddle on the Barle (Tarr Steps to Exebridge) was more of a challenge. The river was running fast at the put-in and setting under trees. There were also reports of numerous trees down from the recent gales. Eddies that could accommodate 19 boats were few and far between - but we used these effectively to hop cautiously down the steepest part of the river, avoiding the strainers on the way - for an early lunch huddled under a tree in the wind. The gradient and flow slackened and, as everyone began to relax, the rest of the day offered some really excellent paddling (I have paddled the Barle a dozen times over the last 5 years and have never seen it as good). Plenty of waves and small river features to play on - and trip up the unwary. Dot was clearly revelling in her new short boat, and Peter Chase was game to tackle some of the largest waves and stoppers that the river had to offer - on his first weekend!. I think everyone learnt lots and had lots of fun in the process. Thanks to Dot and Mike, Pete Moreton and Lisa for the catering, Barry for the organisation, and everyone else for the entertainment. Rollalot
Dart : October 1999.There were 14 of us staying at Pengelly Cave centre, with various members 'plugging in' at various times. The Chairman joined us on the Sunday, and the Chairmans wife came along for Sunday lunch - graciously foregoing her rightful claim to a Loop ticket. After some debate Saturday's paddle was confirmed - Buckfast > Totness. After a few days of rain the river was flowing well - in fact at optimum levels with plenty of waves to surf and jets to learn on / fall in. I think we had 5 or 6 swims across the group, but as Paul T commented it was "friendly water" - a view that was, perhaps, not shared by all!. A rope swing at our lunch spot gave all swimmers a further opportunity to get wet. Those that had remained upright in their boats elected to watch (over hot soup, etc). Since it was Barry's birthday, he had been left in charge of Jake and Lee and spent the day riding Thomas the Tank Engine, Henry, Percy and friends. To reap revenge, he suggested that we paddle beyond our normal get out at Staverton, and on to Totness (claiming he had never paddled this section before). He had also saved us all £1 parking fee by suggesting we move cars further down stream to the bottom car park. After 5KM of flat paddling, against a head wind, from Staverton I think all of us would have gladly paid Barry well over £1.00 to move the cars back! We were off the water at around 17:00 - a long days paddle. Sue Chase slaved in the kitchen preparing a huge dinner which we washed down with more than average quantities of wine before deciding not to walk to the pub. The lighter sleepers spent the night listening to the rain hammering against the roof of the centre (all night!). Seven of us had elected to paddle the Loop (aiming for 8am), arranging to meet others at Holne for a paddle to Buckfastleigh. We did get to Newbridge just after 08:30 (a record) - the river was running well above the ledge and, while we waited for Elliott to join us, we watched it rising very fast. With no sign of Elliott by 09:00 we carried on without him. The river was high, very fast and perhaps not ideal for the 'first loopers' Dot, Mike and young Paul. We hadn't travelled very far before we spotted this strange bloke standing on the bank waving his arms furiously - "strainer up ahead ?", "get out for your lives ?" - no, I saw the grin on his face and realised it was Elliott, very relieved to have found us, (even though it was above the washing machine!). We proceeded cautiously - largely owing to my poor memory - I couldn't be sure that I would recognise the Washing Machine in time to let others know. When we did find it, it was fairly unrecognisable anyway - almost washed out but with a 'chicken shoot' through the trees on the left. Everyone settled down and, I think, started to enjoy it. Young Paul tipped in somewhere after Lovers Leap and must have swum on the back of Barry's boat a good 500M avoiding a strainer on the way, until we eventually got him and all his kit to the side. Shaken (but not stirred) he gamely got back into his boat and carried on.
Having almost back-looped the first stopper on the way down this fall I realised what a good opportunity it provided for rescue practice! I yelled to Elliott to find a place to 'pick up pieces' just as Dot went over, followed closely by Paul T, while young Paul sailed through confidently! It was either the water or me yelling at Dot to kick her legs as she clutched the back of my boat that finally persuaded Dot to call it a day. The tow back was evil and, having retrieved Dot we watched helplessly as her boat was drawn back into the stopper. Dot, shaking herself down, quickly grasped the situation (her new boat!) - honestly, she stood up, beckoned it and the boat turned round and drifted to her feat! (spooky!). Having arrived at Holne Bridge we had disappointing advice for the less experienced members of the second party (who had waited for us, fully kitted up, in the cold). They all accepted that it was probably best to forget paddling for the day. Barry, Paul T, Albert and Elliott carried on with young Peter Chase joining them. Apparently they arrived at Buckfast around 12:30 (a good few hours before expected). Both weirs were unrunnable, Abbey Weir full to the extent of providing a river-wide stopper. In previous years our October 'introduction to White Water' weekends have proved to be bumps and scrapes down dry rivers. This years 'Introduction to Raging Torrents' weekends have been very different. The Barle and Exe were running swift and high at our weekend at the beginning of October and the Dart this weekend took the paddling a stage further. It was unfortunate that some were not able to paddle on the Sunday but I believe that everyone enjoyed the weekend Rollalot
Erme November 99
I joined Victor, Andy and James from Poole Harbour CC for this years trip. Technically it was a Solent CC trip but, having tied my boat on the rack on the Saturday night Mike Tonkin phoned to cancel. Having then removed my boat from the rack, Victor phoned after 11pm to say he was going anyway. Increasingly, the 3 clubs get together to muster up enough bods for this kind of trip. It proved to be low conditions, just above 'paddleable' limit - but it still provided a lot of fun with some very tight and steep falls and much 'boofing' off slabs. The drop and slot was no problem. But we found an even better gorge to paddle in the afternoon - awesome (but I have promised not to divulge it's location to anyone!!) Can I persuade any RCC members to try some of these Dartmoor spate rivers - they are really entertaining ! (and ideal for the Chairman's and Quartermasters Spuds!) Rollalot
River Usk, November 99.This year Bev just couldn’t face another weekend of sleepless nights in Wales, so there was just Paul and I to represent the family. The trend ran right through the group, and the numbers fell from nearly a full house of 16 booked the weekend before, to just 7 turning up for Saturday. Unfortunately for the ‘drop outs’, the conditions on the river were probably the best we have had on a club trip there. On Saturday we paddled the usual section from Sennybridge, with its excellent moorland scenery and small waterfalls over rock ledges. There had been plenty of rain during the week, but the river level drops very quickly after the rain stops, and we have paddled it at higher level on one occasion. Bird life was abundant with dippers almost at plague proportions, and it looked as though Nick had come under attack at one stage when three or four of them were circling over his boat. My son was a bit hesitant at first, with memories of an early swim the previous year, but he was determined to stay dry this year, and portaged that tricky drop. New member, Ben Laker joined us for his first taste of white water and, with admirable enthusiasm, took Paul’s place as riverbed inspector in one or two interesting spots. Also paddling were Steve Sambell, still nursing an old shoulder injury, with his usual reckless abandon, Jill Toynton, reunited with white water after a long interval of staying dry on the flat, and Albert, our out of town member and natural history advisor from the moorlands of Devon. We had a great day, with our unusually small group giving none of the normal leader’s headaches, and we were on the water earlier than ever. For lunch we dined on the bank on sausage and egg-mayonnaise sandwiches, because Nick had bought the breakfast stocks at the beginning of the week when there were still 16 on his list, so we had a lot of perishables to consume. We did quite well on that score of course, even without Elliott and Karl. We got off the river in time for a range of aprés kayak activities, ranging from a walk up Table Mountain to view the sunset, through viewing rugby on the TV for the less energetic, to a beer for Nick. Well what else ? Albert had cooked us a great meal, for which Paul Toynton appeared, to swell our number to eight. We kept tradition going with the usual walk down the hill to the pub, and stagger back up. For those who haven't been, the stagger is induced by the gradient not the beer. Honest.On Sunday we paddled the popular section through Mill Falls, which involves a couple of miles of virtually flat water, then about 150 metres of the Mill Falls, followed by perhaps another mile of good rapids with loads of good waves to play with. On inspection from the bank the falls looked a bit tricky, with the safe line on the far side as usual. With three relatively inexperienced paddlers in the group, I volunteered to paddle down, while they watched, to try out the route. It is easy to underestimate the size of features on the other side of a wide river, and the first wave took me a bit by surprise, while the small stopper I had planned to go through looked a bit more daunting at close range. As the planned route was adjusted, I struggled to achieve the new line because of the fast flow, and made it look hard enough to put most of the others off. The river is too wide here for throw lines to reach the stoppers in the middle, and it was too wild for me to be able to put my boat in the holes to pull anyone else out, so everyone portaged, to my relief and Ben and Steve’s disappointment. This is a wonderful grade 3 rapid in medium conditions but that day it was just a bit high, and a grade 4 with high penalties for mistakes. We have paddled it with the river in spate, and there was no problem then, with most of the hazards washed out. The waves below it were exciting, many of them too fast to get on, but all great fun. This section is always too short, so I had little trouble in persuading Jill, Ben, and both Pauls to keep going on the next section through the Glanusk Estate, while Steve and Nick volunteered to round up the cars and Albert headed away to visit his mum. Spuhlers Folly is the first feature and is a long diagonal fall of about a metre. Again the only safe route was on the far side from the viewing spot, and it looked simple enough, if narrow and close to a hungry looking hole. I ran it first, then decided that, if anyone missed the line, which was less than a metre wide, on the bend and hard against the bank, they might end up in the hole and I wouldn’t want to paddle in after them. I jumped out and ran up the bank with a throw line to offer some safety cover. Unfortunately I was a bit late and still in full flight when Jill came around the corner. The sight of me running with throw line at the ready completely psyched her out and she flipped upside down right on top of the drop. She was fine, swimming along with her boat having missed the hole by a small margin, and admiring the opposite bank oblivious to my throw line which dropped in on the other side of her boat. The others missed her performance and when young Paul came around the corner he was psyched out too. This time by the sight of Jill’s boat upside down and me preparing for a second throw of the line. He showed a better sense of self preservation, got out and portaged. It was all very unnecessary, the others had no problem at all, and couldn’t understand what the fuss was about. Being a bit under staffed, we proceeded with some caution and inspected one or two more features, but there were few hazards and no serious mishaps. This section of river has a brilliant close succession of rapids which were all grade 3 that day, and definitely shouldn’t be missed by stopping the trip short of Crickhowell. Well done to Ben, Jill and Paul who all put in great performances on some challenging water, and thanks to Nick for another masterful piece of organisation. We all had a ball. Barry.
|
