Seven intrepid Nomads paddled the Dart over the weekend. We met up on Friday evening at the Dartbridge Inn to plan Saturday’s paddling and to wine and dine. We decided to paddle the Loop from New Bridge to Holne Weir and then continue down to Buckfastleigh water permitting. After all these years of paddling and with so many experienced paddlers you would not have thought it so difficult to organise the shuttles, but, with some cars without roof racks, someone’s wife taking a car, some without spare straps, wanting to leave a car half way ((Holne Weir) in case of emergencies or conditions not being conducive to paddling all the way) and a certain amount of taking the Michael the normal fun a games was had deciding who should go in who’s car to where…… Thanks to Sue for joining us at the start so no cars needed to be left at the top!
After a short safety briefing, warm up and a quick group photo we all got on the water at about 10:30. The levels were fairly low so it was a bit of a scrape but great fun was had by all practicing their break ins, break outs, ferry glides and a bit of surfing. We proceeded slowly down to Holne Weir where we stopped for lunch at about 1:30pm.
In the afternooon and we paddled a little quicker down to Buckfastleigh and egressed the river at Strawberry Fields Farm Shop and Cafe where we all had a hot drink.
With an almost incident free trip particular congratulations go to Chris and Antone for their paddling improvement over the last 12 months.
A few Pictures from Saturday on the water.
On the Sunday, due to the low river levels, we decided to paddle a different stretch of the river from Holne Weir to Staverton station. With shuttles completed and with everyone at Holne Weir we launched just above the Weir where Nigel and Nick took a different route. Unfortunately our trip photographer, Sue, had a camera malfunction and missed the photo. With the weather gods again shining on us we had a beautiful paddle down the Dart to Staverton. We stopped about half way for customary Jelly Babies and a warm drink and then proceeded to Staverton our final destination. Another enjoyable day on the water with a great group of Nomads.
A few pictures from Sunday
Well done Nigel for organsing the trip & doing the write-up Nigel.
The first paddle trip in my new FireCracker kayak was great & for everyone else in the group being good company. And thanks again to Nigel for retrieving my wallet from the Dartbridge Inn.
Cheers Ian