Todays paddle Saturday 31st August. ( The West Midlands Descend on The Lower Tryweryn )

“With a hint of Autumn in the air early AM today”,

A “PLETHORA”, ( loads ) of us descended upon the “Lower Tryweryn” who’s names I cannot confidently confirm, so numbers 1 to 17 will have to suffice.  These candidates came from most areas of the West Midlands, Walsall, Cannock, Wolverhampton, Stourbridge, Hagley, Sedgley, Gornal, Aldridge,Bilston, yada yada yada, YES we had a group of 17 paddler’s in total, of mixed experience and ability, some very new to the sport.

The more experienced members of the pack, showed great leadership skills by coaching and supporting individuals of lesser ability and most importantly giving great moral support and assistance on a one to one basis, great team spirit Guy’s, excellent work. 🙂

We put in at 11-45AM, just below Chapel falls, at the usual spot, the weather was sunny and starting to warm up after the cool early start and the water felt reasonably tepid to the touch !

A number of swims were taken, which is only to be expected by beginers to the sport on a first paddle down this lovely river, as there are a number of boulder beds and hidden boulders awaiting the inexperienced or even experienced paddler’s  for that matter, who have a lapse of concentration.

We arrived at Bala Mill Falls, the grade 4 section of the Lower “T”, the guy’s who paddled this last week, commented on how much greater the volume of water was flowing through Bala Mill today and it’s speed, compared to last week. All the paddlers who tackled the fall made it through, albeit in many varying styles and lines. One member of the Team, who for legal reasons cannot be named so we shall call him No 13, took an extreme line river left, excited his boat clambered out on to a large boulder emptied his boat climbed back in then seal launched approx 3 feet into a fast flowing river with great success, only to be grabbed and turned upside down by the mighty Jaws of the River T, he took a shortish swim then climbed back in his boat to paddle the last half a mile of flat river to the take out.

We excited the river at 15-20PM, changed clothes had some light refreshment along with plenty of banter and general chat, then ran the shuttle back to the main car park with a total of 6 drivers.

All in all a rather hectic day, but great fun Fantastic company as always and no injuries or loss of kit which is a real bonus. “WELL DONE TO THE NEW TEAM MEMBERS”.

Thanks to all the participants lets organise the next paddle.

PS: I want a lift with Dave Yates next trip, he has 3D Television in  his VW, I saw him driving behind me wearing his very fetching 3D TV glasses, how cool is that ? lol.

Cheers to everyone, I thoroughly enjoyed today, after not paddling for several weeks it is great to be back. 🙂