|
Tuesday, 28 July 2009 22:05 |
Ten of the Underground Canoe section ventured to
Shropshire for a weekend paddle down the scenic Severn Valley. We were
missing some regulars but welcomed James and Siebel on their first trip
- hopefully no swimming this time! This trip was postponed from earlier
in the year and was close to being cancelled again as the recent rain
caused river levels to rise 4 feet. The canoe hire company warned that
they may have to cancel at the last minute but thankfully everything
went ahead as planned. Unfortunately the river levels meant that the
small rapids and riffles were washed out but conditions made for some
interesting paddling nonetheless.
 Torrential rain made the drive down tricky but when we arrived at
the campsite the weather had cleared up making pitching tents easier.
The campsite was on the banks of the river and in the grounds of a pub
- strange how we always seem to end up at these sites. Using the excuse
of a hard weekends paddling ahead of us the campers loaded up with
calories in the pub and yet more calories the next morning with a fry
up on our various camping stoves. Geoff and Cassy took the concept to new levels with their adventurous breakfast menu, Masterchef would have been proud.
At the start point in Coalport we were a bit phased by another
group of paddlers sporting "GB Canoe Team" t-shirts. Competition we
thought, but it turned out they were a group of Auzzies who had never
paddled before - phew. We nearly got away without mentioning the
cricket but it would have been rude not to say something. After more
calories in Bridgenorth we swept into the campsite at Hampton Loade in
double quick time. The fast flowing river
making for swift progress and good racing conditions - did I mention it
was a race? (Modesty prevents me from mentioning who won).
The campsite was yards from the Severn Valley railway so we decided
get the chuff chuff into Bridgenorth for the evening. Little did we
realise we'd be on the party train. As soon as we got on the train we
were directed to the bar where we joined in the fun with some liquid
calories. A brisk walk
into town for fish and chips before returning on the party train to the
campsite. We'd never experienced seen anything like it, great fun and
clearly the highlight of the week for the local folk.
 Sundays paddle took us into Bewdley,
bringing up the rear, team "Mad River" didn't win but since it wasn't a
race I didn't mind too much. We all returned on the chuff chuff to our
base at Hampton Loade before packing the cars and returning home.
Another great weekend blessed with good weather and some great moments
- Geoff performing his freemason paddler impression, Denny doing
something unspeakable to his air bed, and off course the party train.
Special thanks to Darla who organised the trip but had to pull out
at the last minute due to work commitments. See you on the next one -
as always all are welcome.
|
