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Hi all,
Ken and myself are down to run the first river trip of the season this Sunday, 4 October. We are aiming to run a beginners’ trip and the likelihood is that we will run the Lower Dart, (Holne Bridge to Buckfast) but it’s too early to commit to anything yet. There is a lot of rain in the forecast so Ken and I will be watching the river levels with growing interest over the next few days
This will to be our first river trip of the Covid pandemic so we will need to organise ourselves a little bit differently from previous years.
Our first consideration is that we can only paddle in groups of 6. To achieve this there are going to be 2 coaches for each river trip and we should aim be separate. The 2 trips may go to different parts of the river but we won’t make any decisions until we see who has booked. If more than 12 people indicate a wish to paddle then we will try and organise a peer paddle to run alongside the club trips to ensure that no-one is disappointed.
Despite the pandemic parking will still be tight at the river, made even worse this season because the Salmon Steps café at Buckfast remains closed, thus parking at the Lower Dart will be in the adjacent laybys that you seasoned paddlers will remember. We will still need to travel to and from the river in the minimum number of cars possible. To try to keep everyone safe we will be insisting that face coverings will be worn whilst travelling to and from the river and during the shuttle, both before and after the paddle. Please ensure that you turn up with a face covering and that you remember to keep it with you whilst paddling, or have a second mask with your dry kit if you are going to be involved with the post paddling shuttle. NO FACE COVERING EQUALS NO PADDLING.
Unlike in previous years we will need to know who is intending to paddle, so please put a note on the forum before 18:00 on Saturday if you are going to attend. If for any reason you can’t get on the forum then my contact details are given at the end of this note, send me a message. Please don’t post on facebook or any other form of anti-social media as I won’t see it.
I will speak to Ken on Saturday and will post trip details after 18:00.
I know this all sounds a little draconian but we are living in strange times. We are on a bit of a learning curve and we do need to get it right. No doubt once we have a feel for how things are actually working out we will be able to be a bit more relaxed, but until then let’s err on the side of caution.
Despite Covid’s best endeavours it is my intention to have another very enjoyable season of river paddling with you lovely people. Let’s make it a good one.
Splish splash,
Clive A.
Tel 01752 344425
Mob 07854 648584
E-mail cliveandjoy01@gmail.comPaddlers so far:
Clive Ashford (Session leader)
Mr Fossil AKA Ken Hamblin (Session leader)
Joy Ashford
Jane Hitchings
Patrick Bradley
Jack WoodsI forgot to mention that we will meet at the car park adjacent to the Co-op at Plympton ready to leave at 09:00. Details to be confirmed on Saturday.
Clive A
Well from the look of the gauges at present and the forecast there should be some paddling so please count me in.
Hello,
I’ll be along on Sunday if it’s on, I am happy to paddle on the trip as cover or if theres cover and there is too many I am happy to peer paddle.
George
Well well well, another white water season begins and it’s coincided with rain for a change! With a bit of luck, this well timed rainfall will be a common theme for the next 6 months (minus the wind).
If you haven’t already guessed, it’s my intention to join the river trip tomorrow. I’m happy to fit in/help out wherever, but if I had a choice it would be to paddle the loop.
I do have some work related stuff I need to complete this weekend that will potentially scupper my plans for paddling tomorrow; in which case I will be in contact. Otherwise, I shall see all of your beautiful, mask clad faces tomorrow morning.
Steve
Well boys and girls its rained, but not too much and its going to stop soon, so levels should be friendly tomorrow. We will meet at Plympton a previously mentioned ready to leave at 09:00 with the aim of running the Lower Dart.
Those going directly to the river we will meet you at the layby opposite the Salmon Leap café at 09:30.
In previous years our early season paddles have been in warm sunshine and we have stopped for lunch part way down the river. Conditions are not so warm this year, in fact with the wind they are on the chilly side so you may like to consider wearing a bit more than you would normally expect to at this time of year. (Your Mum told me to write that.) By all means bring a flask and a snack but I don’t intend stopping for lunch.
Don’t forget the face coverings.
Paddlers so far:
Clive A
Mr Fossil AKA Ken
Joy Ashford
Jane H
George
Keta
Steve H
Big Al
Old man Adam
SeanClive A.
Tel 01752 344425
Mob 07854 648584
E-mail cliveandjoy01@gmail.comWell, that was fun wasn’t it?
Firstly, my thanks to all of you for your company, you all contributed to making my life very easy and today reminded me why I do this.
Today’s highlights were:
Jacks almost constant smile that made a Cheshire Cat look positively grumpy.
Steve demonstrating that we are all between swims.
Old man Adam demonstrating the downside of the aging process by forgetting to get into his boat prior to launching.Today’s lowlights were:
Changing in a very wet and windswept layby at the end.
Myself choosing an ill-advised line on Furzeleigh Weir.I’m now sitting in the warm and dry with what I consider to be a well-earned beer.
We must do it all again soon, so until next time, cheers.
Clive A.
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