Canoe with a View : : Canadian Open Canoe forum

Last weekend saw another gathering os CWaV's finest at the Wingfield Arms Campsite on the banks of the river Severn just out side of Shrewsbury.

The friday evening was the usual planning session for the weekends paddling plus a couple of beers or two which made for a very pleasant evening.

Saturday saw us up and ready for the water, every one was so eager to be on the river we had the cars shuttled to the get out before the planned shuttle driver was out of bed.

(Thanks for offering to do the shuttle for us Jammy, maybe we will take you up on your offer next time, or better still paddle with us)

We were on the water by 10-30, for a very uneventful, but pleasant paddle down to Shrewsbury.

All we could here was the ripple of the water over the stones, the lowing of cows on the bank, the tweeting of the birds on the riverside and the plaintive cries of our very own Biff, lamenting the lack of brew stops. Poor Biff was so frustrated at the lack of them, on one occasion he was tempted to get out midstream. Hopefully Simon has the picture of that.

Simon and Chris,

Judy still enjoying the the darker side of the paddling scene.

Sadina, Ashley, with Mike in the foreground

View of the river

Charles Darwins house on the outskirts of town

Back at the campsite our little camping spot had been invaded by dozens of tents for someones 30th birthday party. We all gathered round our caravan in the other field for an evening of banter and beer before heading off to bed before midnight, the days 12 mile paddle had tired out several of the party, Biff was suffering from dehydration due to lack of brew stops.

The weather on sunday turned very windy, some of the party decided that the change in the weather also they they had long drives to get home they decided to give the paddling a miss.

The rest of us shuttled up to the Royal Hill and had an interesting paddle back dow to the campsite, sometimes fighting the wind, other times using it to our advantage.


Who needs to paddle when you have one of these

Red sailing by

Red (note to self - Must think up a funny caption to this one)

Mike and Carol

Judy at the getout

All to soon we were back at the campsite, everyone packed up and headed home.

Thanks everyone for turning up, the River Severn is a great little river around Shrewsbury and deserves to be paddled more.

Till the next time .

Terry

Nice one Terry, 'twas indeed a grand weekend.... Many thanks for organising it...

There's a bit more to come, but as Mad Max would say, 'that's for another tell' ....

I did notice these three shots and thought they might have told a different story....




mmmm, that looks interesting, I wonder what it is.... I'll drag it closer with my blade...






Terry darling, I've got something for you.....






There you go sweety, I found this 'floater' further upriver.....



Cheers
Red.

Thanks Red

Looking forward to seeing your pictures and reading your post of the weekend.

See you soon.

Terry

I'm sure I was there!
maybe it was just a bad dream!
Ric

(05-07-10 07:23 PM)deepkeel Wrote: [ -> ] I'm sure I was there!
maybe it was just a bad dream!
Ric

LoL.... You were mate... the question is... Do you want everyone to see the photo's....

Cheers
Red.

How bad can they be?

Ric

What a Weekend, no honestly, I mean WHAT A WEEKEND....

Personally I felt it was extreemly successful (apart from the incident with the spider... ), I didn't crash into any gates, and my plan to mask the late evening Noise on Saturday night worked like a dream..... (Well, it worked, but I didn't manage any dreams.. )

Ooooo, Ooooo, and I got a half decent photo of a critter that's easy to spot, but very difficult to photograph, much harder to photograph than an Otter I'll have you know...

On Friday Night, after work, we headed over to Montford Bridge, and after the short drive, for a C-WaV meet, we were pulling up on site at the Wingfield Arms, Shrewsbury where Sir J, Lady J, Rik and Boff were sat around a table, enjoying the evening sun and contemplating the fayre that was to be their evening meal....

When we pulled onto the camping field it was aparent that nobody was speaking to each other as the closest any tent was pitched to another was a good 30 yds, and Sabina, who was also there, was right down t'other end of the field... Now, We've been on the Noise Police's radar at the last few meets, so with this in mind, I implemented Phase 1 of my masterplan for avoiding an ASBO.... We went down to the second field and pitched as far away from everyone as was physically possible....

Once the 'van was setup and the awning pitched, Chris started to 'Make home', so I popped off to fill up the Water container... I was a bit delayed as "I was a bit delayed as Deepkeel had very kindly exchanged some groats " for a flaggon of Grog on my behalf, and, of course, I couldn't refuse, as this was equivalent to an exchange of at least 3 of Sabina's best brooding ducks... (Yes, they have a forum for that... )

I was further delayed, when the discussion turned to the preponderance of Rabbits on the periphery of the site, when the second young waitress in three minutes turned up to check that 'we were enjoying our meal' she was informed that the meal was very nice indeed thank you, but we wouldn't be eating with them on Saturday as we'd brought our guns with us and were going to help them out with their Rabbit population at no extra charge...

Now said waitress was very young, and, as you can imagine, we looked like a rite motley crew (Lady J being the exception of course), said Waitress looked a bit concerned and said, "no you can't do that..", it was obvious that she was going for the bait, so the Sir J's reply was, "Don't worry, we've got Licenses for the shotguns", Biff piped in with, "Yeah, and we'll only go for the young un's, they're not as tough"...

The poor lass had obviously seen SAW 3 at the cinema, and at this stage, she was looking decidedly worried about the helpless bunnies in the field, so I piped up..."It's OK, we won't disturb the other campers, I've brought some of those new 'Quiet Cartriges'..", by now she was apperpleptic.... and we had to own up to the ruse, but as she walked away, she gave us one of 'those' unsure backward glances....

We all congregated around Terry and Jude's 'van for the early evening on Friday..





And as the time ticked by, and the banter flowed, we were treated to a marvelous sunset and the promise of a delightful day ahead....





Later on Phase 2 of the master plan was implemented, we moved over to the Naughty area, Sabina managed a "Split Double Roll" that the Red Arrows would be proud of and mosied off to sort out the Dogs, Kids and Grandchild, with the promise of "I'll be back...!"..

Once it was dark, Biff felt that it would be OK to bring out the two 'Essex Girls' that had been sent up to remind me of what I'd missed last weekend... And to Biff's supprise, he got a free lap dance (there's now't like a bit of Southern Comfort... )....





It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening...





And many a chuckle was had....





Unfortunately we were away to bed a bit early for our visiting purple rinse Grandma', and by the time she was ready to come join the party, all was quiet on the western front...., she wasn't happy, but there again, have you ever seen such a cool Grandma'...





For some strange reason, we were all up early the next morning, I was sauntering across the field at just after 06:00, Biff was out with Porridge on the go and Ric was sat outside contemplating the late dawn chorus... After a quick chat Me, Chris and Ric decided that, rather than Porridge, we'd chance our arm and head off to the very nearby transport caff at 07:00... We should've bought lottery tickets that day, it was open, extreemly clean, staffed by very friendly peeps and, after a Normal, Large, and Half a Farm breakfast, we worked off the calories walking back to the site...

Mike called, to say that he'd managed to wangle an extra day for some reason... And he would be with us before we set off....

We managed to get the car shuttle sorted early, Sir J had, very kindly, volunteered to do this, but it was soooo early, there wasn't a hint of movement from his tent, I did suggest pushing a car up to his tent door and then sitting on the horn, but Biff felt this wouldn't go down well with the other campers....

So off we mosied, down to the put in.....

Where Terry turned into a 'Terry the Canoe Terrorist'..., as you can see from the smile on their faces, diplomatic relations with the fisherfolk were proceeding quite well...





Until Terry decided to fart in the guy's ear.....





It was a fantastic day for paddling, and after everyone had successfully negotiated the 'Old Hat Rapids', we stopped for a much needed brew stop...





Everyone enjoyed being on the river....





But some were amazed at the brew stop opportunities that were missed....





Biff, and his rocket ship...





And one of Michelle, Sabrina's daughter, who had only paddled 2 miles previously and did the whole paddle like a pro, out front most of the time..... It did take a couple of shouts and insults to get her to smile, but we got one, eventually....





Jude was a real socialite and used the manouverability of her 'ack to move around the group all day, bringing extra sunshine to all that she talked to...





One of Mike, enjoying the way of the Wav....





Sabina and Ashley agreed to take part in the best photo of the weekend competition....





And Ric figured he'd best enter, just to prove he was there.....





At this stage, I would like to say that I definately DO NOT have a 'thing' for cattle... It just happens that on the last two trips I've been fortunate enough to see two of the slightly less common breeds....





'Spirit' and Ranger striking a Pose at the lunch stop....





Muff and Bob, doing the same....





During said lunch stop, it was time to try to catch a few new portraits...

Ric...





Ashley.....





See, it's easy to get a smile out of some....





Others don't like having their photo taken....





You have to work on it....





And talk them around.....





Until you finally get the smily shot that you're after....





Like mum, Michelle took a bit of work to get this one....





Mike didn't take any prompting, he just flicked his hair and looked straight down the lens...





Our Biff was happy, he had a brew on the go.....





We were soon on our way again, and an hour or so later Biff was lost for words as brew stop opportunity after opportunity was passed by.....





Soon enough we were back at the site, after a good day's paddle, just another 'big up' to Michelle for paddling the whole lot...

As we drove back onto the site, I was more than pleased to see that the final part of my masterplan, Phase 3, was well under way.....




The whole bottom field was full of 30 somethings, from all around the country, here to Party 'till the sun came up, there was no way anyone was going to complain about the noise comming from our 'van....

We spent an excellent evening discussing the mysteries of life, like, if you let rip in a Kayak, why doesn't it stink when you pull the spray deck....

And if you drop one in the toilet, why can you not smell it, unless you leave said toilet block and return two minutes later whereupon the gentle rose like smell is replaced by the stench that only an Ork could leave behind.....

Some, more memorable Adventures were talked of, like pulling off the ferry to Eire, on a Motorcyle and sidecar outfit, with your two year old grandchild, in the pouring rain, without a penny in your pocket and no idea where the nearest campsite is....

Later, much later, the noise reduction system was still going strong.... I suppose it could be known as Jammy's revenge....




But I did manage to find a quiet moment and raise a glass to mi ald mate...

On Sunday morning, the weather was looking changeable to say the least, and Biff, Sabina, Michelle, Ashley and Ric were suffering from the effects of dehydration from the day before, so decided to head for home...

Mike turned up with Carol...

So Chris shuttled us up to the Royal Hill Pub, near Henry's Knob.. Billies Pole or something like that... Terry had a chat to the Landlord and there's tell of a rite good sounding meet being arranged..., I'm sure Terry will keep us posted....





I didn't get many shots on the second day, but I did manage to get one of Carol, who has promised to attend more meets.....





And one of this little chappy...., He promised me that he'd wear his Otter suit next time....





It really was a great weekend, some great paddling and, of course, it's always good to spend quality time with good friends....

Huge thanks to those that made the effort to travel the big miles...

And of course to Terry and Jude for providing a weekend to remember....



Cheers
Red.

Hi Simon.

A great read and some nice photographs

You have some very good wild life shots there.

I like the ones of the Long Horn Cattle, the Kingfisher and one of Sabina.

Not sure which order I would put them in though.

Looking forward to the next paddle.

Terry

Guys a fantasticly written trip tale.
You have now set your own standards and I guess we all look forward to you being out on the water again

Good read and photos as always shame i missed it .. maybe next time

"TERRY - nice beach!! Brew Stop???"

A plaintive cry that echo'd down the River Severn all Saturday.

All had started well. Biff and the new BiffMobile had turned up at the camp site quite early - so early in fact that there was No-One there, and they were no help at all! Was this the right place, he wondered. In true Biff style, he retired to the pub for some lunch, a pint and to watch if AnyOne Else would turn up. They did, in the shape of Terry and Judy with a TinTent.

Biff pitched and we waited for some others. Sir Jammy and the good Lady J-D, and DeepKeel (Ric). All pitched then followed Biff's example to the pub for tea where Sir Jammy, in true princely fashion, bated the local serving wenches. Redframe was seen approaching, with another TinTent, in a fetching shade of YELLOW, and was enticed to the gathering by promises of Ale.

The evening progressed until an exhausted Biff retired to his humble abode for the night, only to be awoke at Silly o'Clock by the A5 .


Biff's humble abode.


The palatial abode of Sir Jamatrad and the good Lady J-D

After a substantial breakfast, Biff introduced his friend Yaful to Muff

He took him under his wing - of such are friendships made.

So onto the river. The put-in was close to the camp, but a shuttle had been arranged the evening before. This immediately fell into chaos as the chief driver was a-bed even as we drove out of the site. Ah, from such chaos CWaV was born.

Yes - the river and the paddle:





DeepKeel (Ric) in 'Spirit'.


Mike


Judy in a 'yak.




Nice house!!


Biff's Green Canoe (#2)



A great time was had by one and all, just ...

It has to do with our devotion to St Jamatrad, the patron saint of the BrewStops

Not Enough Brew Stops!!! There must be something the CWaV rules - 'Rule 10b: Brew Stops must be taken every 20 minutes and be of at least 30 minutes duration.' It has to do with our devotion to St Jamatrad, the patron saint of the BrewStop.

HeHe. Had a great time, and the weather was just about right. I'm told the river level was a bit low, but it was fine by me. Couldn't have had a better time. Looking forward to the next one.

an excellent addition to the post

Brilliant TT from all concerned, very funny and enjoyable read, and excellent photos. Congratulations Red on bagging the Kingfisher.

Spot on, looks like you all had a great time, sorry I missed it, been saving for new wheels Maybe next time!

Thanks for sharing.
Nige.

I would like to appologise for no pictures, I've forgotten how to post them, May be in a day or so. Still Terry, Red & Biff posts give a pretty good idea of the weekend on the water.

The weekend was a great couple of days on the Severn with great company, who could ask for more.

Thanks to all for making it happen.
Mike

Brill pics and write ups - except for the ones of me of cause!!

Your write up made is laugh - which is better than a smile.

Michelle and Ash both loved their first canoe trip and the friendly welcome by all. Especially Michelle having a paddling partner in Jude.

There was more brew stops, they just had cow poo on them!!!

Brill time thanks to all

Sabina