Lofoten Islands Expedition 2019 “The Famous Five visit Lofoten” by Enid Blyton Day 06 – Finoya Island (smiley face island) to Brettesnes Vagen harbour (lunch) to Sandvika beach (14th August) Anne “The Famous Five go to Mystery Island” The Famous Five awoke far too early and emerged from their tents one by one, bleary eyed. “What a lovely day for breakfast” said Dick, hungrily. “Err” said Julian. “It’s not a lovely day, look!” The children looked around. During the night a thick sea mist had crept over Smiley Island and enveloped it in a cloak of impenetrable grey. “Where’s the land gone?” said George “Which way do we even paddle to get to the land?” said Anne “We’re marooned!” said Julien “Oh cripes!” said Dick “Lummy” said George “Crikey” said everyone. Just then the children noticed that Timmy was already in his boat, and he was pawing the water excitedly with his paddle. “Woof” said Timmy, and then “woof woof” he said again. “Do you think…” said Anne “That Timmy is trying to…” Said George “Tell us something?” said Julian. “Yes” said Dick “I think he’s saying that if we paddle on a course of 250 degrees magnetic, we’ll reach the large island of Storemolla in around 1 hour and 28 minutes, arriving at a point just north of the Gulvika inlet” “And will a heading of 250 degrees offset the possible slight northerly tidal flow between the islands of Storemolla and Arsteinen?” queried Anne. “I don’t know” said Dick “there’s only so much information that Timmy can tell us by going ‘Woof’ three times”. He children followed Timmy’s plan. The passage across the water was eerie, with only the occasional skerry looming from the murk to provide some relief from the shrouding blanket of grey. Anne was at the […]

Liverpool Canoe Club Gazebo It made its first appearance during the Alps 2019 trip as discovered by Chris Murphy (and snapped on his FB page) when he popped by to say “Hello” to a campsite devoid of LCC paddlers. We were all out either paddling or sightseeing.  Now back in the UK it has had it’s 4 walls attached, 1 being a roll up door and 2 for windows.  Donated by a member the gazebo is for LCC club members to use in workshops or any other events at the Marina, club trips (Anglesey would be great, but it won’t fit in a sea kayak), polo tournaments and anything else we do.  It’s professional grade weighing a whopping 38kgs and can be free standing (comes with water filled weights) or on grass surfaces it can be tent pegged down. Contact Craig Ford if you want to use it for future events. treasurer@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk

Lofoten Islands Expedition 2019 “The Famous Five visit Lofoten” by Enid Blyton Day 05 – Trollfiorden to Finoya Island (smiley face face island) (13th August) by Julian “The Famous Five go to Smiley Face Island” After having had a good night’s sleep, and more importantly as far as Dick was concerned, a hearty breakfast, we were ready to continue our wonderful adventure. Anne made sure we were all aware of the need to leave the campsite in shipshape condition. (Julian thought – take only memories, leave only footprints – Yes, thank you Anne, we know, but he was old enough and wise enough not to say anything!) The next part of our journey involved some rather tricky tidal planning. This was jolly exciting as it was really important to get to the Valvagen Canal while there was enough water to ensure we could all paddle through. If we failed to break camp and be on the water at the appointed time, or we had a mishap on route, or Timmy and Anne got the timing wrong we could be stuck for some time at the entrance of the canal. If this happened there was little doubt that while we waited Anne would want to make a new camp and Dick would start eating his lunch. Fortunately, we were on the water at the right time. (George had eaten some of her irregular shaped food items and consequently packed a little quicker.) We had no mishaps as we paddled passed the islands of Ulvoya (yesterday’s second breakfast stop) and Brakoya on glorious, balmy seas in splendid weather. Timmy and Anne were spot on with the tidal planning. (Julian had confidently expected them to be but would not admit that to them.) The canal is only short but made out of enormous, […]

Three go around Anglesey on neap tides by Catriona Hare We all set off at about 4:00 in the morning to get to Gallows point in time to leave at 6:30 and catch the tide down the Menai Straits. Well nearly, one of us was a wee bit tardy and we finally set off at 6:50. I suspect there may have been some contingency planning in the start time. The straits looked magical in the early morning sun and the near absence of any other boat traffic gave a rare calmness for the start of the paddle. It made me realise the straits should not just be a bad weather option. We made good time towards Abermenai point where the tranquillity was disturbed not for the last time by speed boats. Here we picked up the flood tide, before heading to the beach south east of the light house on Llanddwyn Island, for a well-deserved second breakfast; or one of Keith’s many elevenses stops which I have learnt means eat a proper meal, because it might actually be our only stop for hours. There were a lot of small dead fish on the high tide line, and we spent some time speculating about the cause, much more productive than actually knowing the reason for the phenomenon, well…. After this we crossed Matreath and Aberffraw bays to reach the church on the rocks, a day too early for the 3rd and last service of the year. Here we had another elevenses and applied more suntan lotion. It was hot, even Ian was paddling in a T-shirt. To make the most of the flood tide we paddled across to Roscolyn Head. Along this stretch we were harassed by Smokers, numerous jet skis and speed boats creating the feeling of post apocalypse Waterworld. […]

Lofoten Islands Expedition 2019 “The Famous Five visit Lofoten” by Enid Blyton Day 04 – Island at North end of Raftsundet to Trollfiorden (12th August) by George “The Famous Five forget they are on holiday and get up very early” Anne, who is very organised, had brought lots of useful information with her to Lofoten. With the help of Timmy, she planned today’s paddle to minimise the threat of the Raftstundet narrows. This meant being on the water by six. Dick was very concerned about breakfast, early morning porridge being an integral part of his daily routine. George still had too many irregular shaped food items at this time meaning her boat packing could be a bit slow. Maybe, there needs to be an EU Directive demanding that all vegetable shapes can tessellate. Anyway, this meant most of the group got up between 4:00 and 4:30 am. The exception of course being Timmy who can get ready jolly quickly. However, George is convinced that Timmy sleeps in his paddling clothes and having glimpsed the thread-bareness of the floor of Timmy’s kennel, this is probably also necessary if he is going to stay dry. We set off down Raftstundet, where we all failed to resist the urge to take multiple photos of the stunning scenery. Julian was often at the rear of the group camera in hand. Anne was getting increasingly concerned that we might not get through the narrows before the tide turned. George took the lead and paddled past the marker buoy at the start of the narrows, setting a responsible example. The rest of the group, including Anne stopped at the buoy and played in the flow around the buoy. Luckily, we made the end of the narrows before the tide turned, and George really wished she had also […]

Lofoten Islands Expedition 2019“The Famous Five visit Lofoten” by Enid Blyton Day 03 – Krakoya Island to Island at North end of Raftsundet (11th August) by Dick “The Famous Five and the mystery of the large boulder” After a gruelling day 2 on the water the famous five enjoyed a leisurely morning catching up on sleep and cups of tea, Julian fancied something stronger, but Dick said it was a little too early for ginger beer! Anne had promised the gang a day off, however the forecast dictated otherwise, and a decision was made to press on continuing along the north coast of the island. Dick complained about his sore shoulders having not paddled for some time and being hungry, though the latter was not unusual! Leaving the pretty little island of Krakoya the gang set off heading east along the rather relatively flattish coastline, first to Fiskebøl fergekai where they had to negotiate the ferry crossing, Timmy insisted the gang maintain current speed and heading stating that “the ferry will jolly well have go around us!” It was a grey day but that didn’t dampen the mood of the gang as they paddled along, Dick periodically needing to stop to bail his cockpit out, at times it seemed like he was paddling a bathtub! As they paddled along, they spotted an unusual object on the small island of Myrlandsoya, it was rather large man-made looking cuboid with what appeared to be a patch of red on the top of it. The five speculated about what it could be, with suggestions of boat shed, sheep shelter or secret military aircraft hangar. Imaginations were running wild. Dick was just hoping it was a KFC. The five decided to take a late lunch, or 3s’s on the island and investigate further. Dick […]

Lofoten Islands Expedition 2019 “The Famous Five visit Lofoten” by Enid Blyton Day 02 – Lyngvaeret Island to Festvainset Ruberthelmen (elevenses) to Felvika beach (lunch) to Krakoya Island (10th August) by Timmy “Five discover the Arctic Ocean” Anne was feeling so much better this morning having been reunited with her belongings. She now had two pairs of undies and her own Macintosh to wear should the weather turn dastardly and more than enough food to last for the whole holiday. The group had also solved the other big issue uncovered the previous evening. Anne had asked Uncle Jann for “Magic fuel” for the stoves. Please Uncle Jann, they run on “mystical white gas” or even “Arctic Coleman fuel”. Well it turned out that Coleman fuel in Norwegian means Kerosene (Paraffin). “Blimey” said Julian, “this mystical white gas will not light, how are we going to cook” “I’m hungry” said Dick. “I am used to three full meals a day after all those iron men” Julian eventually found the secret of lighting the mystical white gas. We first make a bonfire around the stove with paper and sticks and then set it all on fire. When the flames eventually die down enough to approach, the mystical white gas fires up into action. However, Anne’s and Dick’s stoves did not like the bonfire approach, and we were to use them as extra ballast in the bottom of the kayaks for the rest of the trip. “Woof” said Timmy. The Famous Five set off extraordinarily early from Lyngvaeret Island just as the sun was rising. Anne had read that the Northerly flow would speed us under the road bridge and out into the Arctic ocean. It was a fantastic red sunrise, but George’s eyes were still closed and would not open for at […]

Hi All, Just a little reminder about etiquette when paddling with the club at the docks. 1/ All paddling must be on the calendar. Experienced paddlers must be in charge and are responsible for the session. Our licence relies on good relations with other water users. 2/ Always keep well away from moored boats (at least one kayak length) and other docks traffic. 3/ Never get out on the Marina or HMS Eaglet (Navy) pontoons or any pontoon that is not public. 4/ Keep to the right when passing other users – especially at the bridges. 5/ Please ensure the locking bolt is properly slotted into the gate when locking up. Around our compound please take away all rubbish that you find, return boats to the correct rack, empty of any water. Sea kayaks go in threes with one reversed. Please report all faulty equipment to equipment@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk

Lofoten Islands Expedition 2019 “The Famous Five visit Lofoten” by Enid Blyton Day 01 – Orsvagen campsite to Henningsvaer (shop) to Lyngvaeret Island (9th August) by Anne “The Famous Five and The Riddle of the Missing Bag” Anne was feeling most perturbed. Those beastly people at the airline had failed to put her bag on the right aeroplane to Lofoten, and that meant that she had no clothes or camping equipment or food for the holiday. She was so looking forward to lashings of ginger beer and bags of tomatoes around the campfire with her chums, but now it seemed that she would have to spend all her pocket money to buy more food. She would also have to rent camping gear from Uncle Jann (the kayak-hire man), although Timmy had offered to share his kennel with her so that she didn’t have to rent a tent. This was very kind, but Timmy was going a bit mangy (he had already lost the fur from his head) and Anne thought that she might prefer her own little tent. How Anne wished that her bag of things had made it to Lofoten. Just then, Uncle Jann turned up and said “Anne, I have just been speaking to the airline. Your bag will be on the 7:00pm flight from Oslo. You must camp near the village of Lyngvaraet tonight. Your bag will be delivered to you at Lyngvaraet by courier at 7:45pm.” And with that he was gone. Anne was sure that this was a clue, but what did it mean? Could the Famous Five possibly solve the riddle and find Anne’s missing bag? Anne continued to ponder the riddle as she packed her boat, which contained nothing much at all. She then paddled with the rest of the group along the […]

Fabulous day on the intro to canoeing 🛶🛶🛶 course down at the docks. Everyone did really well, with paddlers progressing from never being in an open boat to paddling solo, others playing with running pry’s, and some people rescuing fully swamped boats! Well done all 🎊🎉. Can’t wait for our trip down the Dee. Link to video about rescuing a capsized boat / swimmer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksR4bh3ZGBs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBf8MMJP3H4&list=PLG39ew-O5f_2KmRRuBmeye8KoeGdBCFR-&index=28

Lofoten Islands Expedition 2019 “The Famous Five visit Lofoten” by Enid Blyton Anne Dick George Timmy Julian Andy Garland Karl  Winrow Catriona Hare Roger Coleman Day 00 – The Journey Out (8th August) by Julian “The Famous Five find their way to Lofoten” Anne had been to Norway before back in 2015 and although a little grumpy on that trip she definitely wanted to return. Anne was very organised and put together a detailed plan of action for the summer holidays. We all immediately signed up to her plan and could not wait until school broke up later that summer. Anne kept sending out details of what to bring and where to be. Some of her notes were umpteen pages long! She even reminded us that we were all flying from the airport in Manchester, “the big one!” As we left the UK; George, Anne and Julian all stocked up on lashings of ginger beer for the trip from the large shop at the airport. Here they met some friends, “Jo the gypsy girl” and young “Tinker Hayling”. They were going to the islands to walk and take photographs and hoped to meet up again with the famous five for the last few days of the trip. Upon arriving at Bodo, the group waved goodbye to Jo (the gypsy girl) and Tinker Hayling. They had heard about the size of the airplane on this 3rd leg of the journey and instead ran away to catch the ferry to Moskenesoya which was due to leave the next day. Timmy was a little concerned as the tiny plane taxied to the end of the runway and whimpered a little as it took off and swung round to head towards the tiny landing strip at Svolaer. Anne tried hard to calm everyone with her […]

Photo of the Month September 2019 Please send any photos to website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk Click here to see the photos and to vote for your favourite.

  Alpine Paddling Holiday 2019     LCC Home   Site Map   News items or reports on club activities should be sent to website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk Archived Newsletters  Major Trip Reports.… Each year the club runs a trip to the Ecrin National Park in the South of France. We paddle many of the exciting rivers, walk up to local glaciers, watch the Tour de France, cycle, Via Ferrata and explore the local villages, towns and culture. This year’s full account can be found in the trip reports section of the clubs website…..

French Alps 2019 paddling trip Day 14 The Lower Gyronde by Keith It was the last day and only 5 paddlers were up for the early morning challenge of a quick trip down the Gyronde onto the Durance and down to the slalom site. We were to be a team of 6, but the “Welsh Wizard” was still under a sleepy spell. We drove out of the campsite at 8:00am leaving the others to start to pack away the camp. We put on under the campsite bridge (the lower one!) and paddled off being pushed quickly along by the fast-flowing water. They were still working on the dam and HEP Scheme above so all of the Gyr`s water flowed directly into the Gyronde making it a great level for paddling. It was an exhilarating paddle into the gorge with the water flowing over most of the normally exposed boulders. We stopped in only two eddies, just long enough to catch our breath before heading on down to the weir. This is now well signed, and the potentially boat pinning boulders have all been swept well to river right by high floods. Without stopping we followed the flow over the middle of the weir and on down below. Ian did talk a line slightly over to the right and glanced one of the boulders, but all ended well. Hannah lead the last section though the mini gorge. No sign of the old embedded bicycle wheel and we were soon swept on towards the confluence with Durance. Plenty of water sped us down through the town and under the old Hydro Electric pipe that used to feed the power plant for the old Aluminium works. Without so much of a single breakout we then charged on down through the slalom course. A […]

French Alps 2019 paddling trip Day 12b The Ubaye Racecourse by Martin Aldridge Off the Upper and the shuttle complete, we all stopped for some lunch in the glowing sunshine. I on the other hand, returned to patching my boat, which to be fair had been holding up surprisingly well all things considered, but needed a bit more TLC to protect the crack. A choice was then offered – people could paddle, or people could relax at the lake, get some rays and play on the SUPs. Some chose relaxation, whilst others chose crazy paddling instead 😊. Boats loaded and then on the road we went, for what seemed like ages. At the get in, boats unloaded and off to shuttle again, as a very nice man (who should have been paddling) offered to bring us back without the need for a shuttle at the end. Groups sorted, on the water we went for my boats retirement paddle ☹. Then I started seeing things, I was sure I could see a Helen doppelganger, but wasn’t she back at camp? Thankfully it turns out it was Helen, who had magically appeared with a different group – I’m being told there’ll be a separate write-up, but we’ll see. Even though the water levels were lower, you still couldn’t see the rocks, the water being the same colour. Sarah: “what did we do today”; Martin: “hit a lot of rocks” Our illustrious leader took point and meandered his way between the rocks. An amazing river and well worth the paddle even if low, we all got to the get off having successfully navigated our way down, to then enter the actual carnage of the day, the raft get off. What a palaver. Absolute chaos, with idiots parking and even bigger idiots being impatient. […]

Skin On Frame Christmas Kayak. When my eldest lad gave me a Christmas card endorsed ‘do not open until Christmas Day’ and no actual pressie I thought, ah must be a voucher – better yet, cold hard cash. I was wrong. He had written inside that he was going to build me a Skin On Frame (SOF) Kayak and would source and buy all the material needed to do so. And he has. It has taken a while, life happens to get in the way at times, but on the 1st November I took ‘Romeo Charlie 1’, as she is affectionally known, on her maiden voyage. In truth I was somewhat nervous about this. (I was concerned that with all the time, effort and cost he had put into it even if it was crap I would have to keep it.) I should have had more confidence in Russell, who really enjoys woodwork in his limited spare time and has already made a number of really nice, top quality pieces, although of course nothing like this. She paddled straight and true, seemed fast and turned beautifully on an edge. For those of you who are interested, after a lot of research Russell chose to follow the main instructions, initially, by Native Waters on the Instructibles website. However these were modified quite a bit to suit the keyhole cockpit that I wanted. We also looked at Kudzu Craft Skin Boats and Cape Falcon, among others, and this helped when deciding on how to do the skin. He used Spruce for the keel, gunnels and stringers and oak for the ribs and cockpit. Initial steam bending of the ribs was time consuming, wasteful and basically a failure. Further research, building a new and better steam box and experimenting with the amount of […]