River Mole - May 2010

I was quite excited about this trip having biked around Reigate hill and the mole valley the day before!! However I woke up to rain rain and more rain.

I gritted my teeth and headed off to the pool to met Mike. Given the weather, I found myself in desperate need of motivation - the longer I sat in the car waiting for Mike to arrive the less I wanted to paddle. However Mike finally arrived with Keith with the positive optimism that I needed.

We made it to the get in and I was really surprised to see two of the lads had brought along there girlfriend to give kayaking a go. I am not sure if is such a wise idea to try and convince your other half that kayaking is a good sport on a wet grey cold day!!! However well done to Melanie and Natalie, very admirable. 

With the car shuttle done, it was time to put on – I think the picture speak for themselves on this! 

It was a really good trip despite the rain and with a variety of Kayaks. Martin and Natalie took the open canoe, Keith had a fibre glass long boat and the rest, a mixture of play boats and river runners.

We had an enjoyable paddle stopping to play for a little bit on the weir. Well done to Martin and Natalie who successfully got the open canoe down and to Melanie who needed a confidence boast. All survived the weir and no swims. 

We stopped by the stepping stones for lunch and Pam managed to successfully wash her hand and not go swimming this time!! 

We all had the emergency chocolate (good purchase Ivan) before getting back on the river for a few more miles. These miles seemed to go on for ever and a few lovely land owner  had made them more eventful by blocking the river with trees. However we all made it to the end if be it a little cold and tired.

Boats were loaded everyone piled into the pub to warm up. However, only order tea in a pub if you like being called a t**t by the bar staff. Apparently, warm drinks are a lot harder to make.