The Canoe-Camper Autumn 2017
issue no 310
Your Club Needs You! There will be an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Canoe-camping Club on Saturday 4th November 2017 at 4pm at Windsor and Eton Sea Cadet Unit, Stovell Road, Windsor. All members of the club are encouraged to attend. This meeting is make-or-break time for the club. After the meeting there will be the opportunity for an evening paddle on the Thames to watch the fireworks.
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T H E C A N O E C A M P I N G CLU B PRESIDENT: Jo Ledger
VICE PRESIDENTS: Dek Davie, Fred Hutt
SECTION COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL COUNCIL ADVISORY OFFICER Tim Wheeler, 3 Birch Close, Sprotborough, Doncaster, DN5 7RE Tel:01302 645427 Tel: 01246 827202 Email: chairman@canoecampingclub.co.uk VICE CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE Graham Devenish, 13A Brunswick Place Hove, BN3 1ND Tel: 01273 821155 Email: vice@canoecampingclub.co.uk GENERAL SECRETARY/MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY (SITES OFFICER/WEBMASTER)/CHERTSEY CANOE SHEDS Fran Faulkner, 23 Somerville Road, Eton, Windsor, SL4 6PB Tel: 01753 850122 Email: Secretary@canoecampingclub.co.uk HONORARY TREASURER Brian Hamer, 16 Teal Avenue, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire,SK12 1JT Tel: 01625 879504 Email: Treasurer@canoecampingclub.co.uk 5TH EXEC MEMBER & ACCESS OFFICER / REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SPORT & RECREATION ALLIANCE Kevin East, 7 Silesian Gardens, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8SG Tel: 01932 562111 Email: exec@canoecampingclub.co.uk/Access@canoecampingclub.co.uk MAGAZINE EDITOR Josie Faulkner, 113a Upper Tooting Road, London, SW17 7TJ Tel: 07939244318 Email: magazine@canoecampingclub.co.uk
COMMITTEE MEMBERS DEE & NORTH WEST COORDINATOR Brian Hamer, 16 Teal Avenue, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire,SK12 1JT Tel: 01625 879504 Email: DeeNW@canoecampingclub.co.uk HERTS & EAST ANGLIA COORDINATOR Pete Bradshaw, 53 Hillingdon Avenue, Sevenoaks, TN13 3RB Email: HertsEA@canoecampingclub.co.uk MIDLANDS COORDINATOR Simon Beeston 11 Elston Hall Lane, Bushbury, Wolverhampton, WV10 9HE Tel: 01902 653430 Email: Midlands@canoecampingclub.co.uk THAMES & SOUTH EAST COORDINATOR Robin Hickman, 32 Shepherds Way, Roffey, Horsham, W Sussex, RH12 4LS Tel: 01403 267244 Email: Thames@canoecampingclub.co.uk WEST COUNTRY COORDINATOR Paul Whitehead 17 Whitley Crescent, Bicester, OX26 4XR Tel: 07739 840828 Email: Westcountry@canoecampingclub.co.uk CAMPING & CARAVANNING CLUB NATIONAL ADVISER Anne Dearling ARCHIVIST Janet Hales, 9 Strode Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9PT Tel: 01784 432 517 CANOE-CAMPING CLUB LIBRARY CURRENTLY WITH THAMES & SOUTH EAST
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IN THIS ISSUE 1. YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU 2. CONTACTS 4.CHAIRMAN’S THWART & EDITORS LETTER
12. SOUTHERN WILD WATER RACING SEASON END SUSAN TEMPLETON
5. EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING NOTES
15. CANOE CAMPING ON THE ATHABASCA RIVER ANNE & DENNIS KELL
7. COMMUNICATION TIM WHEELER
20. LAST RUNS LIST OF 2017
8. ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL MARY PARKER
21. NOTTS DA WEEKEND 22. CLASSIFIEDS
10. ACCESS NOTES KEVIN EAST
Please send all contributions for the Winter 2018 issue no. 311 to the editor by 21st December 2017. Email or hard copy acceptable. Please do not edit or convert photos other than by cropping and keep them separate from the text.
The Canoe-Camper Front Cover - Canoe Camping on the Athabasca River by Anne and Dennis Kell Visit the Canoe Camping Club website at : www.canoecampingclub.co.uk The Canoe Camping Club is a section of the Camping and Caravanning Club (company limited by guarantee) Greenfields House, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JH T: 0845 130 7631 or 024 7647 5448 *** Printed by: The Printhouse, Hove, BN3 2FB
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C H A I R M A N ‘ S
THWART
W
ith Dave’s ongoing unavailability to undertake the duties of Chairman’s, I have stepped in to the breach. Due to ill-health sadly I was unable to attend the excellent National Easter meet organised by Martin and Fran. Those that took part in this new venue for the meet enjoyed a paddle that follows a green corridor into the heart of London, finishing at the Olympic Park. The National meet at Hereford had another good year, with 126 participants, including 34 children. However, attendance at weekend and day meets have varied, with many being poorly supported and some cancelled due to insufficient interest, despite that our membership is higher than it has ever been. The club continues due to the efforts of a dwindling number of dedicated members, to whom we should be very grateful for their efforts in organising meets on our behalf. It is very disappointing that too few members make the effort to attend, and I ask that everyone looks at the programme and tries to fit in more club events in support of these organisers. Of particular concern was the AGM meet in June, when attendance was insufficient to attain quorum for the AGM. Whilst I appreciate that committees and AGMs are not everyone’s cup of tea, they are essential to the proper governance of all organisations. The result of failing to make quorum, is that we now have to organise an Extraordinary General Meeting, notice of which is elsewhere in the issue, to complete the business of the AGM.
Tim Wheeler
By now you will all be aware of the EGM taking place on 4th November. On page 5 you’ll find an extended itinerary for the meeting, as well as a communications notice from the club in terms of how this magazine is circulated and databases, Facebook groups and ways in which the club can contact it’s members more effectively on page 6. I would also like to make an apology to Dek Davie, who rang me back in June to let me know he is alive and well. In the last issue, I managed to confuse him with Dave Ball, and having never met both gentlemen thought they were one and the same. We have some articles from him coming up the winter edition of The Canoe Camper (should the club survive). I hope you all had a tremendous summer paddling, camping and embarking on many adventures. I’m looking forward to finally getting out on the water on the 4th November and hope to see many familiar faces in Windsor. And lastly, I wish you all a fabulous end to the year with Halloween, Christmas and New Year just around the corner! See you in the Winter. Josie Faulkner Editor
LETTER
S ‘ R O T I D E
Please note that if that EGM fails to be quorate or fails to elect a workable Section Council then the Club will cease to exist. There will be no 3rd Chance. If you value the club’s ongoing existence, please arrange to attend, better still also attend local meets prior to then and offer to help with organising events in your area.
A huge apology is due for the lack of a summer issue of The Canoe Camper this year. This was due in part to the lack of submitted articles to collate a whole newsletter. But mostly, we skipped an issue because simply, I ran out of time. This summer has been epically busy for me; I went to seven music festivals as well as working full time in the big smoke and before I knew it we were already in September! At least I did manage to get myself in a tent at all those festivals, although they don’t abide by the 2 metre rule and the hygiene…I won’t go there, but much fun was had! But, I am very sorry.
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Extraordinary General Meeting of the Canoe-Camping Club 16:00 on the 4th November 2017 at Windsor & Eton Sea Cadets Headquarters, Stovell Rd, Windsor SL4 5JB AGENDA This meeting has been convened to Conduct the business of the AGM postponed from 17 June 2017. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. a. b. c. d. 7. 8. a. b. c.
Chairmans Opening remarks Apologies for Absence Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 18th Juneth 2016 Matters arising from the minutes. Chairman’s Section Report Treasurer’s Report. Accounts for the Year ending 31 December 2016 Auditors Report Adoption of Accounts Appointment of Auditor for 2017 (note 1) Other Officers’ Reports (note 2) Notification of Officer Appointments Confirmation of Presidents and Vice Presidents Treasurer SYLO
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Election of Members to Section Council (Note 3)
10. 11.
Motions - None Date, time and venue of next AGM.
Close of Formal AGM Notes: 1. Auditor may not be proposed or seconded by the Treasurer 2. Written Reports to be provided, preferably brief. Members will have opportunity to ask questions. 3. Annually 4 elected members of council retire, but are eligible for re-election. Written nominations to be submitted by 11 June. If insufficient written nominations further nominations may be made at the meeting. 5
Due to Retire in 2017, but eligible for re-election: Brian Hamer Tim Wheeler Paul Whitehead (notified not Standing for re-election) Also Martin Gamage and Graham Devenish were co-opted since 2016 AGM to fill a vacancy and are eligible for election. Election is for 4 posts for 3 years (retire 2020). There is also 2 vancacies for 2 years (Retire 2019) and 1 post for 1 year (Retire 2018), due to insufficient nominations last year/resignations. Thus we are seeking 7 nominations. Councillors remaining in post are: Retire by rotation 2018: Fran Faulkner, Simon Beeston, Robin Hickman Retire by rotation 2019: Pete Bradshaw, Kevin East General Members Meeting 1. Announcement of Officers for 2017/8 (Subject to approval by National Council) 2. Section Structure 3. Easter Meet 4. Communications 5. Any other Matters Members wish to Raise (note 1) Notes: 1. Members may raise any matters they wish to discuss. The meeting may not make any formal proposals, but any issues raised will be considered by Section Council.
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COMMUNICATION A topic of discussion at Section Council was lack of effective use of electronic communications. The Camping & Caravanning Club has barely moved with the advent of the Internet, still largely relying on paper publications: Camping & Caravanning Magazine with Out & About and our section’s Canoe-Camper. The only significant change has been groups replacing paper mailing lists with email lists, though we are unable to link these to the club membership and therefore they only reach those who have requested to be included. We have recently trialled bulk emailing to Section members, but cannot select by region and soon this may not be permitted under tightening Data Protection Regulations. The ideal solution would be whereby we could link to the Parent Club Database, which we understand has email address for circa 85% of all members, to select C-CC Section members, by club regions if applicable, to circulate information about meets. However, at present there are no plans by C&CC to include this in its current review of web services, (though District Associations similarly have difficultly contacting members resident in their area). In the meantime, the following electronic sources of information are available: Section Website – www.canoecampingclub. co.uk All current events are on here, together with further information about the section. At present this does not have facility to register interest in an event, and certainly not payment – that would require significant update and probably professional hosting – at a cost! C&CC Website http://www.campingandcaravanningclub. co.uk You need to log in to member area (email address registered with C&CC + membership number), select Magazine, then Out & About. All club meets are there. 7
This is useful if you are visiting an area and looking for low cost camping, as well as checking C-CC events. This works very well, using the detailed search. On the site you can also search the campsite database for registered and certified sites, for which a phone app is available, linked to Google maps. The above are accessible by all members. The following two requires you to request to join. Sorry we are unable to link this from the club membership without a huge amount of work. Facebook – Closed Member only Groups named ‘Pitch & Paddle’ and Canoecamper Magazine’ The site is used to post information and discussion related to club activities and originated within Midlands Group, but has been opened to all Section Members. At present just over 150 C-CC members are members of Pitch & Paddle. Not all groups’ meets are posted here, but for those that are, you may indicate if attending or maybe, which will ensure that you receive updates about the meet. To join email Secretary@ canoecampingclub.co.uk, with your name and C-CC membership number using email attached to your Facebook account and you will be invited to join. This does have similar problems with the need to ‘weed out’ ex members, but there is no cost. For those wary of ‘social media’ and without an account, you don’t have to input any personal data/information, many use it purely for canoeing matters, or if you wish to keep things separate, create a 2nd profile using a 2nd email address. Group Mailing Lists: Each Coordinator (or an assistant) operates a free email list for circulating details of events to members. To be included, email requests to the coordinators. You may subscribe to as many as you wish.
All’s Well That Ends Well by Mary Parker
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Arriving at Hereford there were lots of people there to welcome me and help me set up.
Full of great expectations, I set off on Friday at 6am. To my surprise the A23 was already full. The M23/25 was my idea of hell. (We don’t have motorways here in deepest Sussex). I only took two wrong turnings, but with my little Nissan Micra and small caravan I was able to swing round quite soon so the journey only took 7 hours pretty much as expected. The road from Gloucester to Ross was much more hilly than expected and there was always a steep bend at the base of every hill so one started the climb at 20mph in second gear — but my little red motor managed it. Arriving at Hereford there were lots of people there to welcome me and help me set up. My first mistake was not to check the distance of the run on Saturday. The abseil down to the put-in was OK as I have done climbing, but I was glad of the rope as the ground was wet and slippery. The River Wye was looking lovely when, hey! What’s that ahead? White-water waves? With a quick silent prayer I got through alright; an exciting first for me. After an hour, as my arms started to become leaden, I asked if we were nearly there and was told there was 8 miles to go - Shock! Horror! A big thanks to Bob
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for giving me a tow and then a lift. I really did try to keep paddling as commanded by one of our leaders. I learned later that my narrow kayak and wooden paddles were all wrong for me. Thank you Fran for letting me try out a siton and a wider kayak. On Sunday the training started. Under Paul’s excellent instruction, seven children and I learned to go forwards, backwards, sideways, hold still and spin round. Then we played a ball game. We were divided into two teams of four. Suddenly my long-lost childish instincts rose to the fore. I wanted us to win. When I couldn’t reach the ball I blocked the other team from reaching it. We won 10-1. Well done team! Actually, I now feel ever so slightly embarrassed by my behaviour. A big thank you to little Tod for offering to help me out of the boat and to all the others who did so. That evening we were well entertained by our musical members and, emboldened by the day’s activities, I achieved another first…singing solo in front of people. On Monday we enjoyed a delightful five and a half mile paddle. The ‘white waters’ dissolved into mere ripples. Pity about the rain, but it was interesting to see the pattern on the water and wonderful to get so close to flocks of swans. Surely paddling is not just about achieving a run, but also appreciating the river?
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That evening I found my way to the Cathedral and arrived just in time to hear the choir singing the last hymn of the service. Well worth a visit. And so on Tuesday I set off for home full of happy and exciting memories and lots of useful knowledge. When I got home the electrics that had refused to work since departure suddenly started to work. So all’s well that ends well.
Surely paddling is not just about achieving a run, but also appreciating the river? 9
ACCESS NOTES BY KEVIN EAST ACCESS OFFICER TAKING FORWARD WALES SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Published in June for consultation, the Welsh Government has made proposals “ to manage natural resources more sustainably to deliver economic, social and cultural, as well as environmental benefits to ensure the continued prosperity of Wales”. The document can be viewed at: https://consultations.gov.wales/sites/default/files/ consultation_doc_files/consultation_document_-_english_published_version_-_21_june. pdf The content detailed for “Access to Outdoors” is welcomed in recognising the value of the recreational sector and in particular for the club, the proposals for access to waterways and camping. The Canoe Camping Club has responded positively with the view the proposals would deliver the required outcomes the Welsh Government is aiming to achieve. For paddlers this could mean a move towards access as enjoyed north of the border under the Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003. CCC has further commented the paddlesport sector should have representatives at national discussions and any mediation for access to and along water; and ensure Local Access Forums also have paddlesport representative members to balance interests that all too often can be dominated by other user interests. The next steps will be closely followed as any changes that introduce a certainty of access rights to waterways in Wales could influence the policy at Westminster for access to waterways in England.
PORTAGES ON THE LOWER RIVER MOLE
Works by the Environment Agency on the River Mole have created problems for canoe access paddled by the club between Esher and the Thames at Hampton Court. EA land used for the Agency to access the river that is also a portage route as part of an Access Agreement is planned to be fenced. If this is carried out the portage point will be lost. Other changes have seen booms installed below sluices and made portaging awkward, but it is still possible to reach Walton campsite from the Thames at Hampton Court. British Canoeing is in discussion with the Environment Agency to maintain access under the Access Arrangement and has queried if installing booms below sluices is a new policy. BARCOMBE MILLS, SUSSEX OUSE
Regularly used by paddlers and frequented by CCC, this access point on EA land to the non-tidal section of the river that has a public right of navigation was under threat to be lost earlier this year. A local angling club had lodged a legal challenge to the EA maintaining their fishing rights lease with the Agency provided exclusive use and all boating and swimming should cease. It led to reports of the angling club challenging paddlers on EA land that British Canoeing reported to the Agency. In the past few weeks the Agency has successfully dismissed this legal challenge and access is maintained as detailed in the newly placed information on the site notice board... 10
TRANSFER OF ENVIRONMENT AGENCY NAVIGATIONS TO THE CANAL & RIVER TRUST
At a recent Thames Navigation Users Forum the EA announced a meeting with CRT in September with the expectation an announcement will be made on whether the transfer will go ahead. A key issue has been the “dowry” CRT is seeking to cover the liabilities of the infrastructure from adopting the navigations.
ABBEY RIVER, CHERTSEY
The riffles on this Thames side stream continue to cause an obstruction to navigation especially with the regular low flows on the main river. The EA have been pressed yet again to address this issue that arose when both riffles were installed in 2015.
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY REGISTRATION CHARGES
Also known as licensing, the Environment Agency announced in July proposals the charge for an unpowered vessel to be increased by 7.7% for 2018/19. Powered craft have increases up to 10% on some navigations. The EA have consulted on the proposed increases and has asked what services should be reduced or stopped if there is a lower increase. CCC have commented to British Canoeing who provide the licence for many of our members that the service level for keeping locks serviceable, operating weirs and camp sites should be maintained. The increases reflect the state of EA finances for extra funding when government grant in aid is being reduced year on year. This year the EA sought £6m GIA from government and received £3m.
PORT OF LONDON- PADDLING ON THE TIDEWAY
A new publication jointly produced with British Canoeing was launched in June with an event at Chiswick that included groups of paddlers being introduced to the local navigation practices on a river busy with recreational users, particularly rowers. To assist the PLA and British Canoeing two experienced CCC members who know the river assisted with leading groups of paddlers. The publication is posted at www.boatingonthethames.co.uk and you may recognise the paddlers from the image of the open canoe. 11
SOUTHERN WILD WATER RACING BOAT SERIES SEASON END
“Maximising potential, opportunities, excitement and fun: Paddle the wild side”
WORDS & PHOTOS BY SUSAN TEMPLETON
“MESSING ABOUT ON THE RIVER” The Southern Boat Series (SBS) race finale for 2016/7 Wild Water Racing (WWR) Season was held at Manor Farm Country Park on the River Hamble (where the TV series War Time Farm was filmed) on 8 July 2017. Like last year the sun shone brightly and after some competitive racing many paddlers (as the song goes) “Went messing about on the River”: practising rolling and just having fun. The SBS series this year consisted of eight events, both national ranking WWR/wavehopper and non-ranking open races, held at seven different venues across Hampshire and Dorset run by/or in conjunction with Itchen Valley (IVCC), The Sharks, Hamble Sea Scouts, Winchester and District (WDCC) and Poole Harbour (PHCC) Canoe Clubs and the Hamble River Raid Committee. Thank you to the many venue managers who gave their facilities for free to the events. 94 different paddlers ranging from age 8 to 78 from 13 clubs raced
with over 28% racing two or more races. The aim of the Series was to encourage paddlers to try racing, in particular WWR, and commit to the discipline by racing regularly. The series winner’s points were structured to reward frequency of racing, rather than just winning as the winners were rewarded with trophies at each event. The SBS winners for 2015/17 were: 1st: The Hamble Sea Scouts Runaway Team victors with 53 entrants 2nd: Winchester & District Canoe Club 29 entrants 3rd: Itchen Valley Canoe Club and Poole Harbour Canoe Club 28 entrants each.
Richard Davis age 79 Itchen Valley Canoe Club closely followed by 54 year old Richard Kent Hamble River Racing Squad then 70 year old Danny Dalrymple Itchen Valley Canoe Club. Last year’s men’s winner, Dr Selwyn Richards coming in Fourth. Ladies Champion, not surprisingly as she had to attend every race as the organiser!!, was 59 year old Susan Templeton, Itchen Valley Canoe Club, second 13 year old Rachel Jones from Winchester & District Canoe Club and 12
third 11 year old Elizabeth Akhurst from the Hamble Sea Scouts. Rachel also won the under 14 prize of a signed copy of Dr. Gillian Mara’s inspiring book (kindly donated by the author) “Climbing Back” of her comeback from a 200 foot fall. Dr. Mara was a GB WWR and dragon boat paddler and rowed the Atlantic with four other women in July 2016. U12w U14w U16w U18w U23w Master w U14 C1m Master C1m Senior C2 M Master C2m 1st Master C2m 1st U12
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Age Group Champions were: Elizabeth Akhurst Hamble Ss Rachel Jones Wdcc Jasmine Baker Adur Lucy Brown Wycc Dani Brook Hamble Ss Susan Templeton Philip Smith
Wdcc
Philip Brown
Hamble Ss
Scott & Steve Mceleney
Phcc
Daniel Gusterson & Lew Peren Adur Phillip And Tom Brown Hamble Ss Jacob Lines & Aimee CollinsFrome Cc
C2 Mix Master C2 Mix U10m U12m U14m U16m U18m U23m Senior M Master M
David Mckay & Sue Bell
Wdcc
Noah Dance Jacob Law Rory Anderson Alistair Brown Patrick Wilkins Conor Buckman John Dyke
Phcc Wdcc Wdcc Hamble Ss Hamble Ss Hamble Ss Hamble Ss
Richard Davis
Ivcc
The organisers’ favourite moments, aside from the competitive racing, were variously; how everyone (paddlers, friends and parents) pulled together to support each other young and old to run the races, get to the races and help each other on and off the water. Paddlers encouraging each other and pushing themselves to improve over the season. Young Alfie Hoey age 8, Hamble Sea Scouts, in his first race, battering the banks either side of the river but being encouraged to finish by everyone and his smile getting his first canoeing medal. A number of paddlers having started the series this year, or previously, branching out on their own and doing other canoe events/disciplines. Finally, the camouflage theme of one race, in homage to the Cockleshell heroes, with young and old getting into the theme. Next seasons events are already taking shape with a new and exciting venture with the New Forest Kayak Club, Wendy Stowe the Beaulieu River Harbour Master and by kind permission of Lord Montagu. A River Beaulieu ranking WWR/Wavehopper and open race, two distances 1.3 miles and 5 miles (latter up
to Beaulieu Palace and back) both starting from the historic Bucklers Hard (ancient ship building, smuggling, secret SOE (Special Operations Executive) war venues nearby, second world war Mulberry harbour production) and of course the world famous National Motor Museum and Beaulieu Palace yards up the road/ river. Date Saturday 7 October 2017 not to be missed, make a weekend of it, race and see the fascinating history and Motor Museum with Top Gear exhibition. For Great Britain Wild Water Racing events and news go to http://www.wildwater. org.uk/ 14
Canoe Camping On The Athabasca River WORDS & PHOTOS BY ANNE & DENNIS KELL
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T
his summer, we were fortunate enough to have the chance to canoe camp along a section of the Athabasca River in Canada.
Although Anne has sailed a Wayfarer on the Great Lakes before, it was Dennis’s first visit to Canada and we joined a group with Timberwolf Tours, spending a week hiking in the Rockies followed by a week canoeing down the river. Hiking gave us the opportunity to learn a little about the plants growing in the mountains and to see some wonderful wildlife, including black bears, hoary marmots, mule deer and the smaller squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, weasels and pika. Identifying the birds was challenging. It also gave us the opportunity to admire the wonderful scenery. In Jasper National Park we reached the Columbian Icefields and looked down on the Athabasca Glacier from where the waters of the Athabasca River begin. Cascading through the Athabasca Falls, the young river appeared quite intimidating to two flatwater canoeists. From our campsite, the group spent the first day on the calm water of Gregg Lake becoming familiar with the canoes - Nova 16 foot Prospectors. The experience of the group was varied but all except us had youth on their side and quickly learned the basic skills. It was a very gentle introduction, paddling between yellow water lilies and right up to a very confident Loon. The next morning was busy, striking camp and stowing gear in dry 17
bags and barrels before driving a short way to launch into the river near an enormous pulping mill at Hinton. We had three guides and thirteen members of the group in eight boats. Extra help was provided to shuffle the minibus and trailer. Tentatively, we broke out of the eddy and into the flowing river. Now loaded with our personal gear, camping equipment, two chairs, water and shared food and cooking equipment, the boats responded differently at first. But we soon grew accustomed to it and were swept downstream by a 7/8kmh current. The leaders stayed at the front and rear of the group, carefully picking the line around many, many islands. There were no rapids as such on our first day, but we grew used to bouncing through the faster water as we squeezed through narrower channels. Although it rises in the glacier amongst the Rockies, the Athabasca River flows through three more vegetation zones: the foothills forest; the boreal forest; and the Canadian Shield. It is the longest river in Alberta, flowing 1538 km northeast, west of Edmonton, eventually joining the Mackenzie System and flowing out into the Arctic. Our route from near Hinton to Whitecourt was entirely in forest. It is a Canadian Heritage River due to its history as an important route to the west, used by First Nations and later the Voyageurs exploiting the fur trade. Each night, we camped on an island in the river. This was reasonably safe from bears and we did not see any on this paddle. Distant wolves were heard one evening, but never seen. A few mule deer ghosted between trees on the bank. Our best views of wildlife were the many ospreys and bald eagles that flew overhead or perched in branches as we passed. We also had regular views of belted kingfishers flashing by. However, the really unexpected surprise came during our second day as we rode through the class two rapids. We knew the rapids were coming and our guides prepared us well. We stopped before the descent and talked through the route, drawing maps in the sand on the beach. As flatwater paddlers, this was new ground for us. The river turned and was squeezed between cliffs and islands with large rocks protruding for a couple of miles. The waves reached about one metre at one point as we surfed beneath a steep cliff face, trying to keep paddling and keep the boat facing the waves. A few waves
broke over us, but no one capsized so our guides’ rescue skills were not put to the test. However, at the wildest part of the rapids, from beneath the white water, a brown head appeared and gazed curiously at us. It was so brief that I was not really sure that I had seen it. A few minutes later, we had cleared the rapids and broken out onto a shallow sandy beach to cook pancakes for lunch, everyone relieved and elated at having conquered the rapids. Watching the river race past, the same head appeared twice more. It was a river otter. Secretive and much larger than our European otter, we had not really expected to view one; so this was a real treat. The weather stayed fine for nearly our entire trip. It was lovely to pull out for our night’s camping, set up the tents, collect firewood then go for a swim in an oxbow lake or shallow channel. On our last night, we came back from our swim in the sun on the far side of the island and watched the skies darken. In a frenzied few minutes, we erected a tarp over the 18
“Before we knew it the heavens opened, thunder rumbled and lightning flashed across the river.� cooking area, dug ditches around the tents and stuffed everything into dry bags. Before we knew it the heavens opened, thunder rumbled and lightning flashed across the river. Our guides kept the fire burning and supper cooking. Almost as soon as it arrived, the storm had passed and we sat under the dripping tarp eating our pasta and garlic toast, watching the mist rise from the forest like distant smoke signals. The mist lay heavy on the river one morning and our guides would not leave until it lifted, ensuring that all boats remained in sight at all times. We stopped each day to refresh water supplies from streams they knew to be clean. All cooking was done on an open fire using the abundant driftwood for fuel. Each day the fire was carefully extinguished and the embers cooled by river water and scattered before we left. Careful instructions were given about the removal and disposal of all rubbish and waste to ensure the environment was protected. One guide knew her wild flowers well and included some in our food each day, including rosebay willowherb and wild chives we found growing in the sand. The food was well-planned and filling with no problem catering for vegetarians. 19
By the end of the fifth day our shoulders were aching. We paddled 160 km and had the river entirely to ourselves, seeing only one other canoe on our tour. During that day we pulled into a small bay and climbed to the top of a sandstone cliff that gave us good views of the river and forests from above. There was no sign of human activity until we finally pulled out beneath a bridge, unloaded and cleaned the canoes. Our bus and trailer arrived on time and before we knew it, we were in a hotel in Edmonton, enjoying a shower and planning the next stage of our holiday. We may have a taste for faster river travel now, especially as the river does most of the work, but we suspect we shall remain flatwater canoeists. The Canadian waterways have so much to offer that it is definitely tempting to return having had a small taste of remote canoe camping. Perhaps the Yukon next time?
RUNS LIST 2017
BRIDGEWATER CANAL / DEE & NORTH WEST / 10 DEC
THE CANOE-CAMPING CLUB - The club for canoeists who camp and campers who canoe We are an active Section of The Camping and Caravanning Club, Greenfields House, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JH FOR MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT THE SECRETARY Fran Faulkner secretary@canoecampingclub.co.uk The Canoe-Camping Club organises local day trips and weekend meets throughout the year, as well as longer holiday meets. You’ll find outline details of the events for the year here. Some events such as the Easter Meet and the annual Families’ Holiday Meet are attended by members from all over the country. Members are welcomed on all meets. (Some of the more advanced trips may be restricted to experienced paddlers). This programme is an outline of proposed events for the calendar year 2016. Further details will be made available when events have been finalised in the quarterly magazine, the Canoe-Camper, distributed to members, via the website www.canoecampingclub.co.uk and via the ‘Pitch and Paddle’ Facebook group. Camping and Caravanning Club membership cards must be shown at all meets. Canoe-camping Club members should keep the Secretary informed whether they are current members of British Canoeing, Canoe Wales, The Scottish Canoe Association or the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland.
RIVER WEY / GUILDFORD / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 17 DEC
LAKE BALA / DEE & NORTH WEST / 30 SEPT - 1 OCT RIVER MEDWAY / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 30 SEPT - 1 OCT RIVER WEY / A LOOP / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 22 OCT LANCASTER CANAL / DEE & NORTH WEST / 29 OCT *EGM* RIVER THAMES / WINDSOR/WALTON / 4-5 NOV TYNE TOUR / MEETS & TRIPS / 4-5 NOV BASINGSTOKE CANAL / CHURCH CROOKHAM / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 26 NOV RIVER CHERWELL / OXFORD / WEST COUNTRY / 10 DEC
RIVER DERWENT / MIDLANDS / 26 DEC
Dee & North West Brian Hamer, 7 Glastonbury Drive, Poynton, Stockport SK12 1EN DeeNW@canoecampingclub.co.uk Herts & East Anglia Pete Bradshaw, 4 Thirlmere Court, Felixstowe, IP11 9SN Herstea@canoecampingclub.co.uk Midlands Simon Beeston, 11 Elston Hall Lane, Wolverhampton, WV10 9HE Midlands@canoecampingclub.co.uk Thames & South East Robin Hickman, 32 Shepherds Way, Roffey, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 4LS Thames@canoecampingclub.co.uk West Country Paul Whitehead, 17 Whitley Crescent, Bicester, OX26 4XR Westcountry@canoecampingclub. co.uk The Canoe-Camping Club is a national club for touring canoeists (and kayakers) and for those who like to combine canoeing/kayaking and camping. The Club caters for everyone, with a variety of meets round the country. Some are ideal for beginners whilst others challenge the more experienced paddler. Members are always glad to offer help and friendly advice to newcomers. All ages are welcome, and in particular the Club likes to encourage families Unless otherwise stated, inland trips are planned on relatively easy water. Conditions on coastal trips are less predictable. Distances depend on conditions and participants: organisers will advise, and also reserve the right to decide whether individuals may participate. It is often possible to organise shorter and easier trips for the less experienced. 20
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Paddles Past ENDLESS RIVER MAIL ORDER SPECIALISTS Tel. 01905 640003 Please contact us for your free colour brochure. All the accessories you need for canoes, kayaks and yourself P.O. Box 699, Worcester, WR2 6ZL E-mail dave@endlessriver.co.uk www.endlessriver.co.uk
is the quarterly journal of the
Historic Canoe and Kayak Association. Go to:
hcka.org.uk details.
for
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Seen a thing? Been on a trip? Have you got any access information, safety tips, extra runs, something for sale, information about the club, photographs, or even any tidbits? Send them to magazine@canoecampingclub.co.uk by 21st december 2017. We can’t have a newsletter without your contributions! Did you know that Canoe-Camper is now online? The magazine is exclusively on issuu.com and is downloadable on android and apple products. Join us now on Facebook for an exclusive digital colour copy.
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