Rod came round about 6:30am, planning on leaving around 7:00am, after packing the car up. We had forgotten how much kit is needed for a canoeing weekend. We used to do it all the time! After checking that we had everything, we were on our way, just like the old days.
We arrived about 10:00am; Stuart was already there as he had gone down on Friday. We booked in and then Chris and Clare arrived, so that was good timing. Rod and myself put the tents up in super quick time as they are “pop ups” brilliant! Can definitely recommend these!!!
Not long afterwards Rob and Diane arrived and pitched their tent nearby. We had a catch up and a coffee. Just like the old days!
Mick’s group had a de-brief and paired up with coaches 1 – 1 then got on at the top of the river. This group consisted of Mick/Dave McGeachey…Tim/Taz Smith…Mark/Martin Cattell…Scott/Dave Walker. The rest did the lower as a warm up or just to give it a go after such a long retirement! Chris, Clare, Stuart, Rob and last but not least, Rod.
Diane and I waved the group on the lower goodbye and wished them all the best of luck. Then we went back to watch the group on the upper to give encouragement and enjoy taking the mick. No pun intended!!!
Everyone did very well, there were a few swims by one or two but lessons were learnt that day, and I’m sure everyone had a good time and got a lot from the experience. Well done to you all.
I forgot to mention however that one paddler did lose his paddle on this day, a bit of bad luck I think.
The group that did the lower thoroughly enjoyed themselves also and had a few tales to tell around the barbeque on Saturday night.
The barbeque was really good thanks to Chris bringing it with him…thanks Chris. The food was appreciated by everyone. Drink was flowing and everyone had a good time except Clare who was suffering somewhat with stomach cramps and feeling quite ill most of the night. An ambulance was called for Clare about 1:00am and poor thing spent the night in the not so local hospital in Wrexham!!
We found this out in the morning from number one son Mark, who had to go and pick them up. Good lad.
Some people got on the water again on Sunday and the rest watched and walked the bank in the not so nice weather as it had been…it rained most of the day. About 3:00pm we decided it was time to start making tracks and come home. Just before we left there seemed to be a lot going on, on the water so we investigated as to what had happened? The same person as the day before had, yes you’ve guessed it; lost another paddle, this one was a borrowed one though!!! This was definitely “bad luck.” What can I say?
We had more or less packed up in the morning so we said our goodbyes and came home; we stopped enroute to see Clare but she was in bed looking quite poorly.
However, it was a brilliant weekend, everyone got on and a good time was had by all (except Clare) and one I would like to repeat. Thanks to Mick for organising and leading and thanks to everyone else for just being there.
See you soon… Lesley