24 – 15 = 9 or “Lose the pie paddle” on the River Dee by John Cooke

With the thought of strong winds, force 4/7  and temperatures of -2 forecast, the drive to the get-in was filling me with dread.

As the reduced group assembled, we had a couple of options and chose to start at Sandy Lane and paddle against the current, perhaps down to Eccleston and then return. As we started off, the sun was shining and no sign of any winds. People were actually removing bob hats, etc, as they started to warm up with the paddling.

John and His son were leading in the only open boat with a single sea kayak, a white water boat and multiple GP boats all following along. The sun was low in the sky and shining straight at us, keeping the temperature at an acceptable level but making it difficult to see where we were going.

Fox enjoying the taxi ride.

These open boaters even bring tablecloths!

We carried on past Eccleston, down to the Iron Bridge and just passed we found a small muddy place to get out and enjoy a quick snack and hot drink, then back on the water for the return leg. With the flow, it did seem a bit easier coming back, but every now and then the wind would pick up, but only in very short bursts and only strong enough to cause ripples on the water.

Back at Sandy Lane, boats loaded up and changed back into normal clothes. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the trip, which was so much better than expected, sunny, crisp and a lot warmer than expected. See you all on the next one!