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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
| > Home > Newsletter > Canoeing > Easy |
EasyI have very distinct memories of several of our female paddlers saying how they would like to see more easy trips put on the programme. So there it was 'Sunday 12th January - Anna - Easy'. An indication as to the level of canoe difficulty I like to think rather than any reference to my morals. And did any women turn up? Did they heck! So with an entourage of four male companions we arranged to meet at Winston bridge on Sunday morning. As I slid smoothly into the lay-by it soon became clear that this really was the end of my journey as the wheels spun on the ice. I was early for a change and as usual in need of a bush. Luckily I'd just finished admiring the view when I heard the heavy tread of what must be other canoeists. Modestly adjusting my garments I strode out to meet them. It was my first time on a river since last February and I was really looking forward to the trip. We were going from Winston Bridge to Piercebridge. A lovely and unchallenging stretch of the Tees and one that we rarely paddle. Just right for a freezing January day. Fleeces were donned and then a few more layers added just for luck. As you might expect it was an uneventful trip. A lot of rocks got visited which warmed everyone up as they put great effort into getting unstuck. Clive and Andy managed to find waves to play in/on while the rest of us found break outs in which to sit and admire their efforts and the views. A quick stop at Gainford Spring allowed us to sample the waters (yuk) and enjoy the unmistakable aroma of rotten eggs. As we passed under an old railway bridge we were just speculating on how secure it was when a car going over tested it for us. The passengers waved merrily to us, unaware perhaps that the last supporting pillar had toppled and was now replaced by a very rusty pole; the other pole had already rusted through. I can only assume that their cheery countenances were due to the fact that they didn't have the view we had. A bit of a haul up the river bank to get off and warm up and it was back to the pub car park. It seemed unfriendly to park in their car park all day and not go in, so we had no choice really. A very welcome bowl of soup rounded the day off excellently. Thanks guys for a really enjoyable trip. P.S. I hope you weren't disappointed that the programme defiantly referred to the level of canoe difficulty. Anna Broadley |