Canoeists in the swim
In February the IC canoeists went to the Last Chance meet in Wales. Well, this weekend’s rain has just conspired to give us not only one of the most challenging weekend’s canoeing - but also one of the most expensive.
Frank and Rob showed improvement on the upper section of the Glaslyn, whilst Jools tackled the gorge with more enthusiasm than control, after the reserve force of Garth, Colin and Adam turned up with some new kit, very handy when your best set of paddles have just become ‘missing in action’.
Food in the pub was OK, but there was a disappointing level of interest in the beer from the boys, although the backwards ladder climbing game was strangely popular on return to the hut.
Rain that night caused rivers to rise. Scouting early, the Ogwen looked ripe to paddle, but on arrival later the level had risen considerably, and just looking inspired ‘The Fear’ in most members present. Today’s paddle looked to be an exercise in proving adrenaline to be brown and to accumulate in the back of your wetty. After checking what the rest of the river looked like below the Gun Barrel (it’s that fast!), it was decided that this was probably just about within (at?, beyond?) the limits of most of those present. We’re a sturdy bunch, but this was a trip only the truly mad would attempt.
Setting off, Piers and Garth took the foolish step of running the Gun Barrel, in the Topo Duo. After a painful swim and some comedy rope rescues, we set off again, but with Jools in the front of the Duo for safety reasons. Everything proceeded without hitch, until we were confronted with a tricky section near Bethseda. Ross at this point consulted a local for route advice (he followed a duck), but Colin swam under our feathered friend’s route guidance. Plenty of choice on the next stretch as we made it to the start of the hard bit - Fisherman’s Gorge. Lots of water pouring down a boulder channel made for a very technical and intensive descent. This certainly took it’s toll on the boys - Jez and James falling early (although the Duo did land on an upside down Jez, rather prompting him to get out).
Garth and Jools ran most of the length of this section with few problems -the Topo sheds pins very easily, and they almost seemed in control. However the sheer number of drops meant that a mistake had to come.... only three more little drops to the end too. The Gorge claimed five swims, with Neil demonstrating his stunning lack of ability to paddle roll. Ben and Adam also swam on the last section, to their great annoyance (and our delight?), and so with just three left paddling, it really meant it was time to throw in the towel.Our thanks to Frank, Rob and Piers for standing in the rain and strapping the boats on must be recorded here.
Poor swimming excuses from this trip -
Nothing at all from Ross, for being the only one not to swim.
"I got stuck upside down in a hole for ages" (Adam)
"The Duo landed on top of me"
(Jez)
