We had a good trip to N Wales – rained hard on Friday – did U Wye on way up (I had a rest due to bad back). Sat did Conway – some got off before grade V section (including me as I didn’t want to have to carry my boat round portages) – remainder walked the two big grade Vs anyway!
Heavy rain Sat night into Sun, so some did Dwyfor in big Spate, exciting big water paddling with some top probing by John L. Exciting military style farmer evasion needed to avoid unfriendly welsh at get in. Kath didn’t find farmers or water exciting enough so decided to add to the fun by losing car keys!
Glanced at Aberglaslyn on way back – in huge spate – so on to Llugwy. Got in below Brown’s falls, plenty of water, nice grade 3 with harder bits every now & then. Caught up with 2 guys at Cobdens, combination of eddy blocking (by me) and tactical advice (by Nick) saw them go first & both proceeded to get caught in the top stopper & swim (great video now on the club website here)!
BCC rescue team soon saw them safe again & reunited with their gear. We then all showed them the line & styled our way down.
Dry night Sunday night so off to the Ogwen – some of us feeling a little nervous as it sounds fairly full on in the guide book. John L shot/sealed down the middle of Ogwen Bank falls, rest got in halfway down. Top paddle with lots of great grade 4 boulder gardens – well worth another visit – nice lowish level for the first decentists. John L & Kath had a couple of rolls each & I enjoyed some serious down time when I managed to jamb my paddles in something half way down a drop – just managed to hold onto the end of them and drag them clear – then had to get hold with both hands before I could roll up.
Usual non paddling entertainment – “mentions in despatches” are due to Nick & Steve for New Years Eve activities in the pub including a strip by Nick and “fraternizing” with the natives by Steve!
Made a great change from all my water free previous trips to n Wales, I think we are all inspired to get up there for more soon.
Mark Aplin