81
Trip Reports / Re: Boat Shed Tidy September 2008
« Last post by Chris on September 29, 2008, 12:17:51 PM »And thanks to Richard and Julia for providing such a delicious picnic to refresh the weary workers.
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82
Trip Reports / Re: Boat Shed Tidy September 2008
« Last post by RichardS on September 29, 2008, 09:34:33 AM »Good to see that you are training Amelia to pack a throwline!
Thanks to everyone for helping out.
Thanks to everyone for helping out.
83
Trip Reports / Boat Shed Tidy September 2008
« Last post by Peter on September 28, 2008, 06:41:02 PM »
More photos can be found at http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l90/squirrelphotos/BoatShedTidy08/
Webbpage http://www.civilservicecanoeclub.org.uk/page/BoatShedTidySeptember2008
84
Trip Reports / Re: Dorset Coast - 23-25 August 2008
« Last post by Russell on September 02, 2008, 07:42:20 PM »Hi Dan,
Glad to see your typing finger in action again............I look forward to the remainder of the trip report which describes what you did for 4 -days.
I hope you paid close attention to the operation as i believe the procedure would come in mighty useful should you decide to make your 'Inuit paddle' into a 2 - Piece set.
Russ
Glad to see your typing finger in action again............I look forward to the remainder of the trip report which describes what you did for 4 -days.
I hope you paid close attention to the operation as i believe the procedure would come in mighty useful should you decide to make your 'Inuit paddle' into a 2 - Piece set.
Russ
85
Trip Reports / Re: Dorset Coast - 23-25 August 2008
« Last post by dan jones on September 02, 2008, 06:26:52 PM »Trip report
The club made its annual trip to Dorset on the August bank holiday weekend. Daves Pearson and Pite, Lucy, Stephen, Gordon, Chris and I paddled on the Saturday. Beth, Russ, John, Hils and Pete joined us on the Sunday.
As usual we camped at the (busy) Woodyhyde campsite near Corfe Castle. On the Friday night we ate at the Half Way Inn on the other side of Corfe Castle. The food, beer and service were all excellent.
The first day's paddle started at Lulworth Cove and after the long portage from the car park we set off towards Durdle Door. The sea conditions began fairly favourably, but the wind picked up slightly as the day progressed. We had to abort our first attempt at landing for lunch, because there were too many surf waves to land on the exposed, sharply shelving beach. We opted for a more sheltered spot instead and several of us took pleasant swims (minus boats!)
On returning to Lulworth Cove, I experienced my first unintentional capsize in what must be about 200 miles of sea kayaking after unwisely opting to use my inuit paddle. I rolled up, but then immediately capsized again. Thanks for the help getting back into my boat, Stephen!
The following morning Chris found an alternative use for my inuit paddle - a support for his tarpaulin during a showery spell at our campsite.
The second day saw us starting from Studland Bay and paddling towards Swanage. Old Harry's rocks are a fantastic place to paddle, but, as on previous trips, rounding Ballard Head proved challenging due to strong tidal currents and wind. We chose to stop very soon after for a rest and lunch. Unfortunately disaster struck and I managed to break a finger while trying to assist with surf landings (twisted finger while pulling a boat clear of the waves). I was grateful that we had stopped somewhere where there was emergency access and Pete, Amelia and I made our way to A & E by car. Thanks, Pete!
I understand that the remaining paddlers did very well to 'round the Cape' once more and return to Studland Bay from Swanage. Special mention goes to John, who was on his first CSCC sea kayaking trip.
Unfortunately the Monday paddle was cancelled due to bad weather. Meanwhile I spent 3 days languishing in Poole hospital waiting for my finger to be screwed back together again. Despite having the company of some jolly fellow inmates I eventually lost my patience; I ranted at a nurse that I needed to get back to work and would leave the hospital if I didn't get treated pronto. It probably wasn't a coincidence that shortly afterwards I got my operation and I now have Barry Sheene style metal screws in my hand. If you ask nicely I will show you my CD of the x rays.
No more paddling for me for a few weeks.
'Bionic' Dan
The club made its annual trip to Dorset on the August bank holiday weekend. Daves Pearson and Pite, Lucy, Stephen, Gordon, Chris and I paddled on the Saturday. Beth, Russ, John, Hils and Pete joined us on the Sunday.
As usual we camped at the (busy) Woodyhyde campsite near Corfe Castle. On the Friday night we ate at the Half Way Inn on the other side of Corfe Castle. The food, beer and service were all excellent.
The first day's paddle started at Lulworth Cove and after the long portage from the car park we set off towards Durdle Door. The sea conditions began fairly favourably, but the wind picked up slightly as the day progressed. We had to abort our first attempt at landing for lunch, because there were too many surf waves to land on the exposed, sharply shelving beach. We opted for a more sheltered spot instead and several of us took pleasant swims (minus boats!)
On returning to Lulworth Cove, I experienced my first unintentional capsize in what must be about 200 miles of sea kayaking after unwisely opting to use my inuit paddle. I rolled up, but then immediately capsized again. Thanks for the help getting back into my boat, Stephen!
The following morning Chris found an alternative use for my inuit paddle - a support for his tarpaulin during a showery spell at our campsite.
The second day saw us starting from Studland Bay and paddling towards Swanage. Old Harry's rocks are a fantastic place to paddle, but, as on previous trips, rounding Ballard Head proved challenging due to strong tidal currents and wind. We chose to stop very soon after for a rest and lunch. Unfortunately disaster struck and I managed to break a finger while trying to assist with surf landings (twisted finger while pulling a boat clear of the waves). I was grateful that we had stopped somewhere where there was emergency access and Pete, Amelia and I made our way to A & E by car. Thanks, Pete!
I understand that the remaining paddlers did very well to 'round the Cape' once more and return to Studland Bay from Swanage. Special mention goes to John, who was on his first CSCC sea kayaking trip.
Unfortunately the Monday paddle was cancelled due to bad weather. Meanwhile I spent 3 days languishing in Poole hospital waiting for my finger to be screwed back together again. Despite having the company of some jolly fellow inmates I eventually lost my patience; I ranted at a nurse that I needed to get back to work and would leave the hospital if I didn't get treated pronto. It probably wasn't a coincidence that shortly afterwards I got my operation and I now have Barry Sheene style metal screws in my hand. If you ask nicely I will show you my CD of the x rays.
No more paddling for me for a few weeks.
'Bionic' Dan
86
Trip Reports / Re: Dorset Coast - 23-25 August 2008
« Last post by Peter on August 29, 2008, 11:57:37 AM »Russel has uploaded his photos to..
http://www.civilservicecanoeclub.org.uk/csccgallery/thumbnails.php?album=8
http://www.civilservicecanoeclub.org.uk/csccgallery/thumbnails.php?album=8
87
Trip Reports / Tryweryn - August 08
« Last post by Peter on August 27, 2008, 10:11:39 AM »Report by Martin ..
There's something quite satisfying about arriving at the campsite by the Tryweryn, just in time and with daylight to pitch your tent. And then relaxing in Gordon's caravan, sheltered from rain and midges, while you watch those from the car that set off earlier than you pitch their tents in the dark ...
Despite this we were up bright eyed and bushy tailed the following morning, and on the Lower Tryweryn before midday. Rescue practice was kindly provided by Mark as he discovered that playing on an awkward wave is made more difficult by being surrounded by kids in enormous white water racers trying to do the same. Vel, on a club trip for the first time, preferred to just get his head wet, and succeeded in this until Martin pointed him towards a tiny tree-infested eddy in water too shallow for a roll.
We were almost around the first bend when we stopped for lunch. Refreshed, we carried on, with Stephen practicing eddies and ferry glides while Dave M showed how it's much easier in an inflatable. Mark and Martin did a demonstration run of Bala Mill Falls, where Mark and his boat managed to demonstrate two different lines in one run. Despite this, Gordon, Vel, and Stephen ran the falls for their first time, Vel even finding time for a victory roll.
Martin, Fi, Dave, Gordon and Vel then went to try out the upper river, with Stephen generously providing photographic support. The rafts showed no solidarity with Dave's craft, but nonetheless it was a good run. Gordon recognised Chapel Falls from his White Water Safety and Rescue course as where we had practiced swimming, and couldn't resist the temptation to demonstrate. The opportunity to earn rescue beers was appreciated.
Saturday night and Bala's pizza emporium was booked out, much to our consternation, despite Martin's insistence at arriving at 6:55 to beat the crowds. Instead we went posh at a restaurant, before leaving for drinks under Gordon's awning.
On Sunday the plan was for a quick run down the Upper, then meet up with the rest of the group for the Lower. Unfortunately "quick run" and CSCC don't really go together, especially as Martin, Fi and Dave were caught up helping to look for someone's paddle. They arrived to see only Stephen, who was looking around him wondering where the others were. He'd been so engrossed playing in a wave he'd not spotted the swim and rescue operation going on behind him. By the time we all regrouped, Gordon had had to leave for home. We moved on relatively quickly, and waved to Gordon as he drove over the bridge halfway. By now Bala Mill Falls was easy, and everyone managed it without getting their heads wet.
Thank you to Fi for organising an excellent trip, and keeping everyone as dry as can be expected.
http://s138.photobucket.com/albums/q256/stribblehill/tryweryn%200808/?start=all
There's something quite satisfying about arriving at the campsite by the Tryweryn, just in time and with daylight to pitch your tent. And then relaxing in Gordon's caravan, sheltered from rain and midges, while you watch those from the car that set off earlier than you pitch their tents in the dark ...
Despite this we were up bright eyed and bushy tailed the following morning, and on the Lower Tryweryn before midday. Rescue practice was kindly provided by Mark as he discovered that playing on an awkward wave is made more difficult by being surrounded by kids in enormous white water racers trying to do the same. Vel, on a club trip for the first time, preferred to just get his head wet, and succeeded in this until Martin pointed him towards a tiny tree-infested eddy in water too shallow for a roll.
We were almost around the first bend when we stopped for lunch. Refreshed, we carried on, with Stephen practicing eddies and ferry glides while Dave M showed how it's much easier in an inflatable. Mark and Martin did a demonstration run of Bala Mill Falls, where Mark and his boat managed to demonstrate two different lines in one run. Despite this, Gordon, Vel, and Stephen ran the falls for their first time, Vel even finding time for a victory roll.
Martin, Fi, Dave, Gordon and Vel then went to try out the upper river, with Stephen generously providing photographic support. The rafts showed no solidarity with Dave's craft, but nonetheless it was a good run. Gordon recognised Chapel Falls from his White Water Safety and Rescue course as where we had practiced swimming, and couldn't resist the temptation to demonstrate. The opportunity to earn rescue beers was appreciated.
Saturday night and Bala's pizza emporium was booked out, much to our consternation, despite Martin's insistence at arriving at 6:55 to beat the crowds. Instead we went posh at a restaurant, before leaving for drinks under Gordon's awning.
On Sunday the plan was for a quick run down the Upper, then meet up with the rest of the group for the Lower. Unfortunately "quick run" and CSCC don't really go together, especially as Martin, Fi and Dave were caught up helping to look for someone's paddle. They arrived to see only Stephen, who was looking around him wondering where the others were. He'd been so engrossed playing in a wave he'd not spotted the swim and rescue operation going on behind him. By the time we all regrouped, Gordon had had to leave for home. We moved on relatively quickly, and waved to Gordon as he drove over the bridge halfway. By now Bala Mill Falls was easy, and everyone managed it without getting their heads wet.
Thank you to Fi for organising an excellent trip, and keeping everyone as dry as can be expected.
http://s138.photobucket.com/albums/q256/stribblehill/tryweryn%200808/?start=all
88
Trip Reports / Dorset Coast - 23-25 August 2008
« Last post by David P on August 26, 2008, 11:05:20 PM »I'll write up a quick report from the weekend as soon as I can, and add it here. Meantime, I've quickly edited some of my pics from the weekend - at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/pearson.dj/Dorset08082325.
Do, others, point us to other online albums!
I intend to use this, with Peter, as a worked example for the best way of getting current trip reports onto the website.
Do, others, point us to other online albums!
I intend to use this, with Peter, as a worked example for the best way of getting current trip reports onto the website.
89
Trip Reports / 9-10 August 2008 Symonds Yat, Herefordshire
« Last post by dan jones on August 19, 2008, 06:34:45 PM »Due to higher than normal water levels the Symonds Yat trip turned into a touring trip and there was limited opportunity to hone our white water skills.
Bridget, Russ, Beth and Dan paddled on both days. On the Saturday we drove to Symonds Yat East and paddled around the 'rapids', but as the features were virtually washed out and the flow very strong we had to content ourselves with practising ferry gliding. The portage through the slippery mud to get back up stream proved extremely tricky and we ended up sitting in the river to clean ourselves up! We also tried paddling upstream for about a mile - this was HARD work in white water boats.
On the Saturday night we had a meal out at a pub and met two of Bridget's relatives. We had a very pleasant evening.
On the Sunday we paddled from Ross on Wye to Symonds Yat (about 16 miles). It was a very scenic trip and the sun finally came out. Ross on Wye offers excellent access to the river with ample room for parking cars.
Three of the paddlers braved generally poor weather and stayed at the Bracelands camp site. The facilities there are good, but most of the campsite slopes heavily. The rules of the campsite are strictly enforced by eagle eyed employees and Bridget was refused permission to put up a tent or drive onsite after she had been heavily delayed leaving London on Friday night (another paddler failed to show up).
Dan
Bridget, Russ, Beth and Dan paddled on both days. On the Saturday we drove to Symonds Yat East and paddled around the 'rapids', but as the features were virtually washed out and the flow very strong we had to content ourselves with practising ferry gliding. The portage through the slippery mud to get back up stream proved extremely tricky and we ended up sitting in the river to clean ourselves up! We also tried paddling upstream for about a mile - this was HARD work in white water boats.
On the Saturday night we had a meal out at a pub and met two of Bridget's relatives. We had a very pleasant evening.
On the Sunday we paddled from Ross on Wye to Symonds Yat (about 16 miles). It was a very scenic trip and the sun finally came out. Ross on Wye offers excellent access to the river with ample room for parking cars.
Three of the paddlers braved generally poor weather and stayed at the Bracelands camp site. The facilities there are good, but most of the campsite slopes heavily. The rules of the campsite are strictly enforced by eagle eyed employees and Bridget was refused permission to put up a tent or drive onsite after she had been heavily delayed leaving London on Friday night (another paddler failed to show up).
Dan
90
Trip Reports / Re: Eddystone Challenge
« Last post by Gordon on August 18, 2008, 08:15:41 PM »Well done all three, the conditions sound challenging, should we start training for next year now?