An Icy Dulas and No Wise Men

[Ricki]

Saturday 13th December 2014

With –1.5c on the gauge and a set of iced boats, two cars and five grown men (Dave Yates, Andrew Gough, Bill Maisey, Keith Turner and I) decide to brave the snap and head to the river of much recent debate….The Afon Dulas. As we all know, the level has been this centre of debate with 1.5m being the assumed level required on the Dyfi. Well, the level on departure was 2.5m on the Afon Dyfi and 1.5m on the other Dulas (running into the Severn), so I could only assume there was going to be another long drive and potentially a boat ride at the other end.

Anyhow, after a drive through frost, ice, fog, McDonalds and a number of rivers to gauge the ‘great level debate’, we arrive at the first bridge and settle our concerns….yes, it’s running! A further inspection at the ‘Slot of Doom’ (as I will refer to it), confirms it’s on a fairly decent level….low to medium in my opinion. The Slot of Doom is a V-shaped slot, as the guide states ‘not much wider than a boat’. The slot also has a rock at the bottom of the pour over.

After a change and a shuttle, the Michelin Man (extreme woolly bear wear) and the merry men head to the river. A hard left into the Eddy was the instruction, which we all managed to achieve the desired route fairly well. Well, until a fight with the stopper decided to give me a good bashing (uphill struggle, lots of rolls, surfing and trying to get out, and eventually a swim). I well recommend a good fight in icy water after you’ve just got on!! This was soon forgotten, as the river presented the most beautiful blue foggy seen with II/III-III+ water.

Anyhow, after a little play and fun, we all end up at the Slot of Doom….another point of debate. Bill and Dave Y decide to run a boof off the right of the slot, Andy close on left centre, and Keith and I through the middle. There was a bit of pressure for myself, as I had a swim here two years ago. Anyhow, this slot of course produced an element of carnage, with rolls, braces, etc. I am personally proud to say that I managed to get through well, albeit still created a dent (I guess not out the ordinary for any boat I own!). I think the conclusion relating to ‘which is the best route’ has not yet been reached.

A further trip down some rapids lead us to the must portage Grade V-VI. A quick look and a mighty seal launch leads us down to the rest of the river. There are two notable features of interest, a weir and good rapid. The weir seems to be made-made pour over which creates a minor tow back. It is suggested to run left just in case a line is needed. The notable rapid is probably my favourite bit of the river. Prior to proceeding down the rapid, Bill identified the rapid to us and noted a nice surprise at the end. On the basis that it was a surprise, I think it should be retained as a surprise and I look forward to taking Rich D (as promised) and the rest of the club to experience this lovely river and experience the surprise!

Another great day. Thanks to Bill for leading the way and all the paddlers for braving the chill. Thank-you for the inventor of heated seats!

For those who still confused about levels…..the only way is look at the other levels, have a debate and take a risk! I expected 2.5 on the Dyfi to send it miles high, but the reality was rather different.

We also spoke to Tim on the way home and he suggested trying higher up the river. Sounds like a great idea.

[admin]

Nice 1 Rickki,a cracking sunny day in the end .The water there is amazingly crystal clear .Another day with the club would b good soon.

[Tim]

I looked at it once and the river was going over the road! Too high. Sounds like a fun river.

[Author]

Posts