After meeting with Barry at The Unicorn we travelled to Jackfields and had a quick run through before Kevin, Darren and Richard arrived.
Unfortunately Kevin was unable to paddle with us but the other 2 were right up for it, deciding to carry all their camping gear & food with them.
We got on the water at 10.40 and shot the rapid then started our journey. We paddled on mainly flat water with little flow to aid us, stopping once for a rest and passing many anglers (who were happy to share the river with us) we arrived in Bridgnorth a little before 1pm.
A one hour stop for refreshments, fish & chips for me and Barry and real ale & chips for Daz and Rich. We set off again.
For this leg we were joined by Paul and Andy & Dylan Gough. We paddled on down, Andy and son in an open, stopping again half way for a break.
Here Darren used his phone to chart our progress on his map and Andy to check the scores on his, Barry unearthed some ancient pottery and Dylan smashed Nigel’s stone skimming record.
We carried on, passing anglers and swans and reached our overnight destination at Hampton Loade around 4.30 pm.
Me and Barry ran shuttle as Darren and Rich made camp.
Paul and Andy stayed for a drink, but had to leave shortly after we returned. (thanks for coming guys)
A quick drink at the pub and then coffee at the camp followed by another visit to the pub for a meal and an early evening.
Sunday morning started with a drive to Arley to time the run (and warm my bones) then a bacon sarnie and coffee……Thanks Baz….!
A surprise visitor arrived in Rob and I collected Dave B from Arley.
We set off a little after 10am and started our final leg of the journey. Rob opted to paddle Barry’s open and received some coaching form Dave. We paddled down to the play wave but were disappointed to find a tree trapped across it.
Carrying on down we passed many swans, ducks, anglers and kingfishers, and 2 canoes paddling up stream.
We arrived in Arley at 12.30, ran shuttle then went our separate ways.
Great weekend and thanks to all who came.
There is already talk of a similar trip next year, with the Dee as a possible location.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzLHjQAHPew
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