Lower lydbrook-Monmouth 12/5/18
It’s been quite a long while since I’ve been on the river but with the promise of sun, i decided to get back on the water. for the 12.5 miles trip on the Wye from lower lydbrook to Monmouth rowing club, with beautiful scenery. So I donned the kit again.
After doing the 3 car shuttles (there was a lot of cars), 4 canoes and 13 kayaks/ 20 paddlers plus Zara was keen to get on the river.
With quite a good flow we all got in to a good rhythm and headed downstream making quicker progress and clocking the miles up quicker than expected.
We took in the beautiful scenery of seven sisters and yat rock along the way and soon found ourselves at splat rock where Martin Cattell and Andrew Walker entertained us by launching themselves off, after getting help to get in there boats-watched on by a few people on the opposite bank who must be thinking how crazy they are!
After a very quick paddle we arrived at Symonds Yat where Alison Hardy met us, as a possible get out if anyone wanted to get off the river.
So with Neil on the bank with throwline on standby we all headed down the very bouncy rapids of the yat, we had 3 swimmers but everyone did amazing and gave everyone a chance to play and the people who have never been on moving water a chance to learn.
So after a bit of excitement and a few soggy bodies it was time for a lunch stop on the beach below the rapids,after a much needed leg stretch and a bite to eat and Zara enjoying the Clarke sausage rolls we headed of.
After a few little rapids and features and going under Biblins suspension bridge the rest of the trip was very peaceful and tranquil, I think possibly the quickest 12.5 mile we have possibly done!
Well done to everyone who paddled and especially those who have never paddled that far or never been on moving water. I hope everyone enjoyed as much as I did, with great company and a lovely river.
Thank you to everyone who organised and the trip leaders, you all do an amazing job.
I can’t finish the trip report without sending out deepest sympathy to Neil Kat and Alice on the loss of Zara on Sunday , a gorgeous dog who is going to be truly missed but who had a lovely weekend/ paddle before she went over the rainbow bridge-our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
See you all the water soon – Paula Clarke