After a late decision, a post on Facebook and some frantic phone calls on the Saturday evening, a final decision was made to paddle the Upper Avon starting at Newbold-on-Avon (Rugby).
The River had dropped and was just right for Myself, Dale, Richard, Simon K, Stuart R, Martin W, Gavin and Becky (guest).
We launched in the car park on the Sunday morning and had a paddle around the football pitch (wishing we had a Polo ball).
As the river was so high, Dale and Becky went ahead and scouted the river for low bridges, trees down, etc.
I lead the group down behind them, meeting up at the features. It was a ten mile trip down to Wolston/Brandon bridge. In places it was really narrow and fast with lots of trees to negotiate and in other places like a lake over the fields and very windy, which was not easy for Gavin in his open boat. We had to negotiate a few low bridges and portages as well.
It was a great trip with something for everyone and perfect timing to catch the river at the right level. Thanks to Dale, Becky and Simon for your help on the river and Simon and Becky for doing the car shuttle.
Dave Clarke