Dart Loop 1997

From ICCC

A fairly normal late Friday departure, after the usual late attendance of the driver and thus the trailer, led to a long journey, mostly caused by large numbers of traffic cones. Finding the bunk barn empty of all people other than Ross and Rich City Boy, who had driven down seperately was a definite improvement over last year, and we welcomed the opportunity to sleep without fear of being thrown across the bus by Garth's driving. Breakfast was accepted with mixed enthusiasm, those on their first trip ignored the suggestions that they should eat all they could, and then some more, clearly failed to appreciate how long it would be until tea time. Finally, before midday even, we were ready to go.

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One of the weekends highlights was immediately obvious in the form of a large trailer proclaiming 'Dagger Boats - free trials'. In light of this, 3 members decided paddling with beginners wasn't so much fun and got themselves the silliest boats possible to paddle down with. The rest of us got on and spent a considerable length of time teaching whitewater basics before setting off down the river.

At this water level (a bit low) there was little to worry anyone, and so we had a good first run, with only one swim, something of a club record (previous trips have netted about 10 swims in one descent) The few good bouncy rapids were well negotiated, a capsize from Dean causing him less worry than us as he spent a good while upside down before rolling. Most problems were found in the shallow rocky sections, and Nicky's intimate embrace with a tree won't be something she wishes to repeat soon.

At the end of the run a successfully set up shuttle meant mimimal waiting but there wasn't really enough time left for another full run of the river. In light of this, those with enough energy and enthusiasm left (4 of us) borrowed a spanky new Dagger boat and went to play (should that read fight?) on the first wave for half an hour or so.

Back at the hut, immediate preparations were made for food, and the fire and radiators combined to make the place positively hot! Finding there was nothing to actually cook the rice in, and so a decision was taken to add more beans to the chilli. The result wasn't quite as volcanic is Neil's famous bean bonanza last year, and it certainly wasn't going to reduce our drinking time too much. The local pub (bar so small they have to put the till out the back) was packed, and we had to wait an hour or more before comandeering a table, where we proceeded to make merry for the remainder of the evening.

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Sunday morning wasn't so unwelcome, and all the food got eaten this time. Quite by accident we were down in the car park and getting ready to paddle before 10 o'clock (no one noticed the clocks went back an hour). A little mix up with the Demo trailer led to Garth being chased down the river by a car, and promises to rush the boat back at the end were made, and the first run was done at super speed, with no swims, and minimal playing around (until the bottom, where jumping off the bridge was taken up by anyone loony enough). Everything being done in good time, we set off down on another run, a little more casual and a very enjoyable afternoon paddle in the sun. Sam (Goldilocks) and Colin assumed the roles of river psychos in the Topo Duo, but managed to swim from it on Triple Falls, as did Sam (Yank). A pin for Nicky marred her 100% record for the day as well.

The journey home started well, but a misleading signpost to Bristol (where we wanted to get some food) added a few minutes to the journey time, but the resulting chips 'n' chinese was well worth the wait. Roadworks near Swindon were truly a Swine, causing a return to IC at a most disappointing 10.45. So close, but there was no arguing with the bar staff.