The Exe Descent - February 2007
Terry Calcott writes.
Yealm estuary trip - 24/02/07. (Terry Calcott.)
I thought I would write a short account of the first estuary paddle of the 2007 season to give the newer
club members an idea about what happens on these trips.
An early start was required due to the mid morning high tide, a few bleary eyed paddlers turned up at MB
to pick up club boats and sort out transport. We then met the rest of the group at the prearranged
rendezvous at the Yealm steps (I love it when a plan comes together). I am not sure why, must have
been the combination of good weather (although not according to the inshore forecast) and the smell of
spring in the air but 21 hardy soles presented themselves at the Yealm pontoon ready to paddle. The
group consisted of the usual suspects who have paddled throughout the winter and some who were
dusting off their kayaks and equipment for the first time since last season.
After a comprehensive
and concise brief from
the leader (well I at
least managed to do a
head count) the group
paddled off to explore
the Yealm estuary.
The first 5 minutes
passed without
incident, the usual
conversation and
repartee was evident
amongst the paddlers.
Then for some reason I heard the cry of ‘swimmer’, I thought I was day dreaming as this was a leisure
paddle on flat calm water and not one of Clive’s W/W trips. But sure enough the youngest member of the
group (Will) was indeed cooling himself in the Yealm. The excuse was a combination of a small collision
with a red kayak (Steve) and a drain plug not fitted.
We continued on following the left hand bank on into Cofflete creek. On this still and calm morning some
local wildlife was evident, the usual abundance of white egrets and a lone heron. Also the odd cry of
‘kingfisher’ from our resident bird expert (Joy), but unless you have perfect eyesight and actually believe
‘Joy’ then you have little chance of seeing one. Some of the group managed to paddle up to the top of
the creek and touch the stone bridge, while others refused
and were getting themselves into a mutinous state and
demanding a coffee stop (it was an early start they
moaned). A 10 minute rest break was hastily arranged on
one of the nearest landing spots.
A quick retreat from the creek followed, to stay ahead of
the receding tide and the slowly appearing Yealm mud.
The group then paddled out past Steer point towards
Warren point for the designated lunch break. I became a
little concerned at this point, not only did the hungry
paddlers bring out the usual flasks and sarnies, but Tony S
set up his gas stove and started to brew up. Before long a
steaming pot of cooked ‘sea spinach’ had materialised,
being handed out for tasting (Jane H had picked it earlier
from the shore somewhere). Thoughts of a mass group
poisoning flashed in my mind as more people tasted it, but
days later I still have had no stomach cramps (although it
tasted like !!!!).
The final leg of the paddle followed into a little head wind
and a few ripples on the sea to contend with, not long after the Yealm pontoon appeared in the distant
and the end of the paddle beckoned.
A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all (well that’s what they told me). Time spent paddling about 3
hours, time spent resting about 40 minutes. Total distance paddled (approx 7 miles).
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