Fraser, Phil, Robert, Kenny, Stan, Simon, Nick, Shakey and Mike.
Talybont-on-Usk to Llangynidr Bridge. Llangynidr Bridge to Crickhowell.
It was a very dark, wet and windy early start to the day as we made our way towards Wales and Crickhowell. Due to the weather conditions there was a chance that river levels were going to be too high for the group so the plan was to meet at the get on with the possibility of changing the plan at the last minute and moving to the Cardiff white water course. Fortunately river levels had dropped over night so after sorting the car shuttle out it was time to get on the water and for the fun to start.
Shortly after getting on Kenny was kind enough to take a swim and provide me with some rescue practice. There was no impending doom close by so Fraser, our leader for the day left me to it. I’m pleased to say Kenny survived, it was good to get some practice, but there’s lots of room for improvement on my part, practice makes perfect after all.
Some good wave trains followed as we made our way down river until we neared Mill Falls where we got out to inspect. At Mill Falls there’s a handy wobbly foot bridge giving a good view of the falls for inspection. Nick and Stan opted to portage the falls. It looked like carrying the boats round the falls took far more effort than any potential swim would have done. Everyone else successfully ran the falls with Phil managing what looked like a slow motion roll half way down.
At the half way point of Llangynidr Bridge we had left a car just in case we needed it and Nick and Kenny chose to get off at this point. From the bridge we could see the next main feature in the distance. Fraser led and we followed while keeping our distance. From behind it looked odd that Fraser was sticking so close to the bank, nearly having to duck branches on the way but as I got closer the reason became obvious, a very sticky looking muncher of a stopper which he was avoiding and guiding us around. One of those go left or die moments, ok maybe not die but definitely something very unpleasant to avoid. Thankfully everyone followed the line perfectly with no problems.
From here there was just one more main feature of Spuhler’s Folly where Fraser jumped out and guided Mike through. We all then paddled through as a group staying left away from a nice chunky stopper in the middle. Lots of nice views throughout the day and even nice weather with only light rain for a short spell. There was quite a bit of flat paddling leading up to Crickhowell but despite this we had a great day ending with a pub tea near the get off.
Considering the conditions were looking questionable leading up to this trip it turned out to be another great day on the water in the end.