Wensum Ospreys Canoe Club

Tryweryn trip to Wales—October 2011

Friday evening saw our rapidly shrinking band of paddlers set up in the Bala backpackers hostel, a luxury compared to ones previously used.

After a good night’s sleep and Stella’s breakfast bun we arrived at the centre on the Tryweryn and met up with Dan and Claire. Sorting ourselves and the shuttle out took a while but eventually we were starting the lower section.

A good standard of paddling meant we had to wait a while for our first swimmer, but that was convenient as we could stop and take off some layers, because it was so warm. (Also convenient for an open boater that we rescued.)

The day seemed to go very quickly as we had a pleasant paddle down the rest of the lower, practicing some rescue skills along the way. Soon Bala falls appeared and we managed to find a way down between all the paddlers.

The rest of the afternoon was spent at the upper, eating, showering or paddling. Soon everyone was cream crackered and heading back to the hostel.

An early but lengthy meal at the White Lion followed and then a strangely early night.

Next morning, we worked out where the put in for the Dee was and after retrieving our dry (yes dry) kit from the drip room, we headed out. The weather was perfect, dry, clear and warm. We put in just below Horseshoe Falls and sooner than expected, Serpents tail was upon us and managed to unsaddle two victims. After recovery we headed down toward Mile end mill, where we met zillions of paddlers. We managed to get some space for a few goes  on the bottom wave before heading down to…….Town falls! We all found this very exciting, but managed to get down in bigger water than when last paddled, although Mark did have to employ his throwline.

We were all pumped at the end, a fitting end to a great weekend. Thanks to all and especially Martyn for all his leading.

The Bewick team on the Tryweryn

Serpents tail

Rescue practice