Four Go On A Journey

As a small group of open boaters we usually paddle our craft, on one-off day runs or play on our local white water spots. However when we can, we enjoy the longer overnight trips for which these boats are ideally suited.

With this in mind and a chance for a winter's run to include some whitewater, four of us made plans.

Mick and I would paddle doubles in my Dagger Legend 15; John would solo in his Prospector, as would Andy in his Dagger Reflection 15.

We would be paddling 35 miles over 2 days. The first 20 to include the white water and the final 15 would find us finishing at the sea.

Less than a week before we started out the rivers were in a serious flood state but things had now settled with good levels and still dropping.

I met Mick at the egress, where thick fog shrouded the sea. We set off to meet the others at the start. It's amazing what these boats will swallow and apart from the quantity of food we find you need almost as much kit for a weekend as for a two-week paddle. No doubt we all had far too much spare clothing as we would be bivvying in low temperatures and you never know when a capsize will happen.

At the start we met a group of play boaters who were a little concerned about our plans, but we explained that we did have a certain level of experience. It's nice to know people care.

We set off slowly, adapting to the different feel of laden boats and instead of heading directly for the wave trains, judiciously skirted (most) of them.

By the time we reached the bigger water we were confident of our charges.

We came across a big party of play boaters in the capable hands of some well-known personalities who wished us luck in our endeavours.

Two rapids we had some concern over were scouted and discussed and with safety cover in place we all ran them successfully. I am continually surprised at the versatility of my Legend either as a solo boat or doubles whether loaded or not - Mick is a lot taller and heavier than I am, but with adjustment of trim the boat is very responsive.

As a bow paddler I did keep reasonably dry, apart from one drop when I think I disappeared -I certainly remember swallowing some river water!

We portaged the next rapid, as this is definitely a boat swamper. We had decided at the start not to take a trolley, but it would have made life easier if we had brought it. This obstacle took 45 minutes from start to finish.

We continued on, taking the easier option on the last rapid of the day, made less difficult as the level of water had covered the slabs which at normal levels are clear of water.

Daylight was now running out and we had some miles to go to our proposed bivvy site and, being of certain age, tiredness was creeping on.

Our site had been picked out from a previous recce and we were soon on dry land with a superb site in which to pitch our bivvy. Stoves were lit and food quickly prepared and eaten. A toast was made to a lost friend who other colleagues were remembering on a memorial trip in Devon.

By 2030 we were in the land of Nod. The plan of being up at 0600 was missed and most emerged at 0730. S till this was to be an enjoyable weekend and not the stressful time we spend Monday to Friday.

Bellies full and boats loaded we set off again. Our last Portage was some hundreds of yards away, but thankfully shorter than the last.

The rest of the journey was without the adrenalin of white water, but the scenery was equally stunning and four tired but fulfilled paddlers pulled up at the slipway at the end of their journey and ate our late lunch.

Plans are being discussed for another weekend or longer at another venue.

(I've kept the venue somewhat vague on purpose but would be happy to share the trip
in more detail with those who make contact.)

Bob Andrews
welshpaddler@hotmail.com
01267 244832