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David Pite, Chris, Diane, Beth, Bridget, Dan Jones, Alex and Luis went
to Symonds Yat on the River Wye for the weekend 18-19 September, with
Matt Savage joining them for the first day only.
Saturday morning found
the water level of the Wye up and the river fast-flowing, muddy and
containing a moderate amount of tree debris. A visit on foot to Symonds
Yat rapids confirmed that they were washed out and the white-water
skills training which had been the object of the trip was not going to
be an option. While debating what to do instead, the group walked up
the
steep path through the woods to the top of Symonds Yat to be rewarded
with spectacular views of the Wye meandering through its valley below
and, through a powerful telescope (courtesy of a friendly bird watcher),
of a Peregrine Falcon on the rock bluff high above the river.
After
suitable refreshments in the tea shop it was down the hill and back to
the campsite at Symonds Yat West. A decision was made to do a flat water
paddle from Kerne Bridge to the campsite in the afternoon, a distance
of
about 8 miles. The speed of the current made it quick and easy going.
While pausing in an eddy we saw more birds of prey, this time soaring
above us, which Matt identified as Red Kites. A pleasant evening
followed in the local hotel where a wedding reception was in progress.
On Sunday morning we found that the river had only gone down a foot
or
so during the night and using the rapids for white-water practice was
again not possible. Instead, after a prolonged breakfast and faff, the
group paddled the six miles from the campsite to Monmouth, shooting the
washed-out, but nevertheless fast-flowing and bouncy, rapids at Symonds
Yat on the way.
Although the trip didn't achieve its main aim, everyone
at least had a couple of very pleasant paddles through exquisitely
beautiful scenery, nobody swam, the weather was kind, and everyone had
a
thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable weekend: so heartfelt thanks to Turtle
for organising and leading the trip. Watch out for a Wye tour, possibly
in Canadians, next Summer!
All images ©2004 CSCC/Chris Stephens
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