Open Canoes on the Dee, Ponsonby to Ty Mawr Park

Open Canoes on the Dee, Ponsonby to Ty Mawr Park By Sue L

With the sun shining bright and virtually no wind, it was another amazing day to be on the water.  Eleven paddlers gathered at Ponsonby and off-loaded 7 open canoes and gear, and a shuttle of cars and drivers to Tŷ Mawr Country Park. We were soon on and straight away into training! 

We were a mixture of solos and tandems, those with lots of experience and those with less experience.  Most impressive was Marco going solo for the first time on a river.  John was keen to try out his new lines; Keith obliged and promptly got out again to do exactly that, lining his open canoe along the bank and up towards the Llangollen Bridge and Town Falls.

John quickly followed and showed that his new lines are indeed very effective, and he was soon back on the water.  Um… before long, Colin was untying our painters to make one long line, and I was told: “out you get, grab this!”  So glad I paid some attention and was soon negotiating the rocky bank, pulling the canoe behind me, taking advice and guidance from wherever it came.

Back on the river, we sat proud of our success and new skill.  We learnt that two lines are indeed better than one, so that’s something we took on board. After running the little drop (the broken concrete weir below Town Falls we were straight into practising ferry gliding and breaking in.  My first as a stern paddler, and we didn’t capsize, so I’m going to pat myself on the shoulder for that! 

After lots of playing, we were eventually ushered along the river and quickly appreciated just how low the water level was.  However, the sun was shining, the sheep were bleating, and the ducks amused us as we paddled along.  It wasn’t long before we had more opportunities to again practice breaking in and out.  Ella and Adya were encouraged along with “what could possibly go wrong” (no need to say who from!) and were quickly showing us all their composure and skill in getting across.  Mike’s instructions resulted in lots of success and excellent fun.  

We watched the procession of our paddlers bump and scrap along, trying to find a good flow and admired the impressive bumping from Dom to get off when he beached.  The low water levels resulted in many shufflings off rocks and then an actual need to line the boats around a tree which was totally blocking he whole river.  Our earlier rehearsal allowed us to put into effect previous learning, and this time we used 2 lines; one to control the front and one to control the back.  I even remembered last year’s instructions on how to hold the rope and ensured it wasn’t wrapped around hands or fingers. Everyone made lining the boats look so easy, but it was definitely easier with two.  All successfully back on to the water and more ferry gliding and break-ins/outs and S turns on the rapid on the right-hand bend. Mike and Joe made it look easy.

Have I mentioned how low the water level was?  You’d think that this would make it easier to spot the obstacles.  You’d think.  Somehow, Colin and I managed to see the obstacle (the big, big rock) and headed straight for it!  No left, no right, just straight for it!  It was a good impact!   Don’t tell our scout leader!  How we stayed dry and not capsize is a complete mystery.  We’ll work on our communication skills tonight at the Monday night open canoe session.  At this point, let us apologise to our fellow paddlers for our shouting… the gushing water made it hard to hear!  Honestly!

Lunch was of course along the river, where the willow branches met the water’s edge with the bend of the river gently flowing behind.  Some shaded beneath the bow of trees, others stood in the glorious sunshine; all reflecting on how well we’d done and how gorgeous the day was.  I am thoroughly jealous of Adya who’d seen a kingfisher and then later told me she’d seen it twice!  I’d seen the hawk…. oh and ducks… and sheep.  Am grateful, though, to the wonderful skill, encouragement and guidance of Mike and Keith and to our fellow paddlers for a great day on the water and the fun along the way.

Can’t wait for The Tweed.  (Mike, don’t mention the new boat I want!😉)