Afon Glaslyn:
29th March 2015
Paddlers: Bill, Ali, Chucky, Rob, Zaf, Jamie,
Brian
After a somewhat
sleep-deprived start due to the clocks going forward, our bleary-eyed but no
less enthusiastic band of paddlers gathered at Dobbies for the mandatory coffee
and breakfast stop.
Heavy rain
in Wales brought the promise of good levels and a check on the EA gauges confirmed
that the rivers were indeed starting to kick. The general consensus given the
mix of experience in the group was to go for the Glaslyn. This offered the
prospect of a nice grade 2/3 stretch suitable for all, followed by a classic grade
4 gorge section for the braver and more experienced among us.
Suitably
fuelled up, we therefore headed for Snowdonia where a layby-full of paddlers at
the get-in for the Conwy testified to plenty of water. The lashing rain and
wind continued to herald the arrival of summer (!) obliterating the usual
scenic views and threatening to dissolve all desire to leave our cosy car
interiors. However, a quick stop to check the gauge at Llyn Dinas confirmed
green for go, and the worst of the weather mercifully began to ease off as we
kitted up at our preferred get-in towards the bottom end of the lake.
The grade
2/3 section above the gorge provided some fun paddling and further opportunity
for Chucky to practice his excellent leadership skills. Bill took a back seat
for once - well, most of the time! Rob shook off the rust of his seven-month
break, Zaf and I bimbled along happily within our comfort zones, Jamie gained
more valuable white-water experience and Smiley Brian brought his usual good
humour and back-marking skills to the party.
The tree
that some of us had witnessed crash down during our 4* leadership training had
been removed so no portages were necessary. However, the main feature, a tricky
section of rocky rapid, provided some safety and rescue practice as Jamie
tripped over and took a short swim. Paddler and kit were all safely retrieved
and the only damage was to Jamie’s pride :o)
We
approached the top of the gorge in much-improved weather conditions. The gauge
was well into the green and we exited river left in order to walk down the path
and inspect. A stunning section of grade 4 water at a good medium level was
revealed. Lines were analysed and Brian and Chucky elected to run it while Rob
provided safety and the rest of us found suitable vantage points. Both paddlers
acquitted themselves brilliantly, with Brian styling the approach to The Breaker
and driving into the eddy river left. Chucky aimed for the knuckle but was
slightly off balance, missing the boof and dropping into the guts. Once
grabbed, there was no escape despite a couple of brave attempts to roll, so he
had the novel (for him) experience of a swim. There followed an entertaining
interlude with rent-a-crowd forming on the bank whilst boat and paddler were
reunited. Chucky’s Alpine-length line and a great throw from Bill did the trick
and our two intrepid brave hearts continued down to the get-out.
So, another
fab day out in great company, with two maiden runs on the gorge and some
unfinished business for next time! All rounded off by beer and chips at the
Royal Oak in Betws-y-Coed and the pleasure of meeting Zaf’s younger and much,
much better looking brother!! ;o)
Thanks guys,
it was a blast!
Ali
EA Gauge at
0.87 about 2” above the green tick
Ali and Zaf
practiced leading the rebel.