Sat 9th From : SY59BG =>Montford Bridge / Severn House campsite
Sun 10th From : Montford Bridge / Severn House campsite => Shrewsbury Weir
(In a nutshell, a most enjoyable weekend, but I am guessing that is not going to be enough detail to satisfy Hayley)
Saturday morning driving along the M54 heavens opened – why do we need the river? let’s start paddling from here. Phil and team Clarke were not hanging around as they passed us along the A5 – Keen to get into the water – and to let some go! Arrived at start point not long after, with a minor mystery tour thrown in from an over anxious sat-nav system. By the time we were unloaded the rest of the team had arrived the weather had eased off.
Canoe’s in place, ready to launch, now for the car shuffle – an interesting journey from finish back to start – were we being kidnapped in the back of Dave’s van pitch black and a quick introduction for me to Wendy and Colin before the doors closed. Once on the water, the weather cleared and the river had a good stream, nice paddle to a small beach for lunch. Break out the sandwiches and flask. Tom and Jan set up the jetboil for a hot lunch on the bank. Good progress had been made.
Enjoyable paddle in the afternoon in sun and by now we had all mostly dried out including Radley who showed he was most certainly the captain on his boat. Campsite ahoy we exited the river a boat at a time, a steep muddy bank, but teamwork made light work of it all. Tents and bashers set up, stoves on to boil, that first cup of tea, hits the spot.
As if the paddle was not enough exercise for some, a few wanted more, so off for a swim they did go – Sarah, Maxine and Jan made Duncan Goodhew look like and amateur.
Split up at dinner with some at the camp and some in the pub, a dodgy mural to discuss, the secret of a smuggled hairdryer and why only one steak and ale pie on a Saturday night.
Back to the camp for wine and a lesson in marshmallow BBQ techniques. A very adaptable sweet product as they can also be used as sunglass’s as I found out. The evening continued with animal games, we all paid attention, we dare not get it wrong as Jasmine was a split second slow and paid the price. The remain camp had a party of their own with a bottle of JURA, one of Scotland’s finest. A pleasant evening and not a ring tone heard.
Sunday
A gentle start to the day, again a swim for some – the brave few. Hayley was clear we needed to be ready for 9:30. River had risen overnight, but that was no issue as teamwork again got everyone onto the water in good time. Still flowing well the wild life passed gently by. A carp was spotted poking its head above the waterline and buzzards observed gliding above.
Tom was nursing a pretty nasty sunburn from the day before, but did it with great style, fully reclined and legs up in his boat – was he paddling or asleep? The more experienced paddlers kept the pack together with time for a raft up of 13 boats and Dale walking from one end of the raft and back and staying dry.
Then came the floating entertainment with a group of four performing – head – shoulders – knees and toes, they know who they are! Singing and happy people.
I learned that wine gums are the preferred trip sweet as many of them were tossed between boats, some made their target, some did not, I guess the swan’s won’t mind. A late morning / early lunch stop in a cow field full of angry cows, Radley showed them who was boss. What on earth was happening between Dave C and Phil in that field – That’s a smiley face Dave!
Soon after we floated into Shrewsbury spurred on by the promise of Mr Whippy and a flake. Eating ice cream, drinking tea, having a chat and watching Paula giving Radley his first swimming lesson (twice) a pink balloon left the clutch of its young owner and floated into the river, but no worry we had a super hero to hand as Dale sprinted to the end of a boat and gracefully belly flopped into the Severn to save that balloon. Dale and balloon safe and climbing the bank to a round of applause and cheers from all, re-united the balloon and young owner and a very grateful high five from dad.
Hayley’s concern was did it get on you tube and would it go viral. Well does anyone know? Back into the water and a short paddle to the finish – the weir leaving Shrewsbury. This was the final opportunity for folk to get wet and hold an audience of Sunday strollers on the bank. The safety in place with lines at the ready the brave and the bonkers went for gold. It all looked great from the bank, some stayed dry some did not, again many mobiles captured the excitement. Trip completed all returned safe and sound
boats and kit loaded we all homeward bound.
One last thing – many thanks to all for a most enjoyable weekend. It was a pleasure. A BIG thank you to all those that organised / administered / planned and managed this trip.
Mike C (smiley face) can’t find the icon!