Afon Dulas 02/04/05 Trip Report

[Tim]

Todays Happy Paddlers were Dave (Mr Map Man), John (Mr National Trust Expert), Rich (Mr I’m Just Cashing Up at the Laundrette), Geoff (Mr Rolling Coach Extraordinaire) , Tim (Mr Falls out with Everyone) and Steve (Mr This boats too big)

Silliest looking person turning up at Dobbies…….Tim in running shorts having just run the Shrewsbury Parkrun.

Paddle Distance ……..11 km. Described by Rich as “definitely a Tim paddle!”

By popular request we found ourselves paddling the Dulas (Corris) today. At least three people had this on their “to do list” and we weaved our way through the narrow streets to the get in at a lovely secluded picnic spot named Foel Friog near Aberllefenni. (Yes, I checked these spellings on google and yes we were too scared to ask directions in case the welsh speaking natives covered us with phlegm.)

The first rapid is in fact a grade 4 drop with a tasty stopper below. This can be seen in the footage below. Onwards we paddle along a lovely river over nice grade 2/3 rapids and get out at a caravan park to inspect the next section. A nice drop and slot in a very picturesque setting. A bit like a Constable painting. After a five mile walk we get back to our boats to find them covered in cobwebs. *Note to self……get out to inspect further down the river!

A nice couple of grade 3 rapids led towards a grade 6 portage and safety was set up in case anyone decided to have a little dip. A very friendly, excitable lady living in a nearby house took photos, gave us the thumbs up, smiled and would probably have invited us round for coffee. Anyway, moving on……… we arrive at the horseshoe weir which can be run but we decided to give it a miss. “There are old paddlers and bold paddlers but no old, bold paddlers.” Try and say that after a few drinks!

And then out of the blue we arrived at what we decided to call the “Ricki surprise” rapid. A fairly fast bouncy section of water fed into a diagonal stopper which caught us all by surprise! Side surfing, one handed paddling, overtaking, swimming. It was all there!

We arrive at the get out, duck under the bridge and then I enjoyed what can only be described as a feast. This included Dave’s jelly babies, Rich’s pizza and Geoff’s chocolate bars!

I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as me and lets look forward to paddling the baby dulas and the twymmmmmn. How do you spell it?

[Tim]

[Richard D]

Great report Tim very amusing. We’ll have to have a scouting outing at the Twymyn and baby Dulas.

[Geoff]

Certainly wouldn’t have been my 1st choice but looking back I’m really glad I did it. A great river to put that smile back on your face Gaz.
Thanks to all for the support but especially Dave for all the advice and encouragement and Tim for those wise words of wisdom at the top of “Ricki’s surprise”

[Richard D]

Well said Geoff, Dave and Tim offer great advice and it’s great that we all support each other as a team and everybody can portage without feeling under pressure. I bet you’re looking forward to going back there………next week !!

[admin]

A great report for an excellent day enjoyed by all, which I now completely understand why Ricky’s had the desire to return to this river. Good company and lets continue exploring new rivers whatever the grade.

[Steve]

Terrific report Tim – captured a fun packed day brilliantly. Looking forward to a dry return visit already.

[Nigel]

Super, funny, entertaining and enjoyable report Tim 😉
Well done to all who paddled. The footage is excellent and it really sounds like you had a fabulous day on what can only be seen and described as a great piece of water.

[Author]

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