Saturday 6th July paddle

A group of 9 0f us went up to the Dee at llangollen with the intention of doing Mile End Mill. Matthew was paddling with us for the first time on moving water so Ricki suggested paddling down from just below Corwen getting on at Glyndyfrdwy. Nigel and Matt didn’t want to be back late as both had things to do. So things didn’t get off to the best start when I wasn’t sure which road to take and we ended up doing a couple of miles more than necessary. We then had to wait at the level crossing while a train went past and then just as we were getting on the river I realised I’d dropped my keys and spent 10 minutes hunting through long grass looking for them, as luck would have it we found them but were probably half an hour later starting than we wanted to be !
After that things just got better and it was a really pleasant paddle with few grade 2 sections for Matthew to get a feel for things. Weather was beautiful and only a couple of fishermen were seen. When eventually we arrived at Horseshoe weir ( Just around the next bend Rob had been saying for at least 30 minutes ! ) the river was busy with people swimming and paddling. Down we went through Chainbridge rapids, a few minutes playing and Matthew getting his breath back. On to Serpents, Ricki Rob and John running through while the rest of us chose to have a look and ask Matthew his thoughts. Much to everyone’s surprise he chose to run it, and made it through ( photos for”boof face of the month” please Geoff ).
Great to see John and Nigel both looking so confident on Serpent’s now.
We pushed on now as we were a lot later than we’d been hoping, not getting of the water ’till after 4pm !
I think a really good day was had by all. Ok Matthew did have a couple of swims, the usual problems, eddy lines and edges, but I’m not sure I’ve heard of anyone getting through Serpents on their first trip on moving water. Great day and usual great company.
Only downside Keelans split boat. Looks like the clubs playboat or Dad’s Bliss stick if we do the Lower T next week !