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Sunday’s Severn Saga

Sunday’s Severn Saga

673308
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673308

    Nov 30, 2015#1

    Sunday’s Severn Saga
    After several weeks and four thread pages of pre-trip discussion and debate (a record?) we finally arrived at the rendezvous in Ironbridge at 9.30am. The 28 or so initial attendees seemed to be arriving a little late as there were only five of us – Dave B (the organiser), Mike (2527252725272527), Apache George, my brother and me. We decided to go ahead with the shuttle to save time and expected to see at least the brave camping souls on our return –but there were no more takers! Surprising really as, despite the forecasts, it was dry and calm.

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    There was a bit of a search to find coins for the car park –Mike claimed to be searching for 50p but I’m not sure he found anything in there……

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    We set off close to the beautiful power station cooling towers, now even cooler as the site had apparently closed last week.

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    A lovely run down through Ironbridge and under the eponymous bridge.

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    Below the village there was a large sign indicating that construction works on the river banks were ongoing…..

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    …… and on down to Jackfield which had a few nice bouncy waves.

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    More pretty bridges and a myriad of pubs.

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    Another potential venue for a Halloween meet?

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    The river had a good steady flow (quite boiley), so progress was good and paddling was optional!

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    If any of you were inspired by the recent Grand Designs programme on building a home inside a sandstone cave, here is another opportunity.

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    We stopped in a nice grassy field for sandwiches and stollen, an experience only marred by a couple of skids down the muddy bank. There was some reflection on absent friends – in particular we missed one of Mark’s freshly made chip butties, and this blog would have benefitted greatly from Mal’s photography!



    We were well sheltered by the river gorge and occasional gusts of wind were not a problem and did not impede our progress – which was probably quicker than we would have liked as we very quickly arrived into Bridgnorth.

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    Because of the flow, if we exclude the lunch stop, our paddling time for the 10 miles was only about two hours. A very pleasant trip and we did not suffer unduly from wind – at least no more than usual! Many thanks to Dave B for organising it.

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    1,01310
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    1,01310

      Nov 30, 2015#2

      Completely gutted we didnt come down to the put in on sunday SMbanghead should have learnt from the saturday that camping atop a hill that the wind would be not as bad in the valley! Lesson learned for next time, looks like you had a good time. At least we got round Ironbridge for a walk and some photos of the iconic bridge.
      SMwhistleIf in doubt, hit it with a hammer!! SMwhistle

      1,6741
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      1,6741

        Nov 30, 2015#3

        Amazing the difference in weather.

        It was absolutely horrible at the camp site! So much so, it was a 3 man job taking down tents and tarps.

        Shame to have missed it now. But I seem to have developed a weather curse. If I'd come, it would have been a 60mph headwind the entire way. SMwhistle

        5571
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        5571

          Nov 30, 2015#4

          Whilst a group of SOTPers (gastronomy branch) were reclining in their beds after an evening enjoying the delights of Mark's legendary cuisine, another group of SOTPers (paddling branch) were enjoying the delights of the River Severn Gorge. From a meteorological perspective I guess that the clue is in the name, er..GORGE, in so much that deep valleys tend to be more sheltered than hill top campsites;)
          However a handful of soggy sandwiches and a flask of packet soup were no match for the sadly missed field culinary skills of Mark. A good day all the same and a lovely bouncy ride down through Jackfields.
          Mike

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          2,8046

            Nov 30, 2015#5

            Glad you enjoyed the paddle, it is a lovely stretch of river. Wind is a fickle thing, sometimes a medium wind in the wrong direction can be far worse than strong wind in the right direction.

            As for the lie in, well after a night socializing and retiring to my van in the early hours of the morning (my booze box was practically empty SMhappy99) it was nice just to sit back drink multiple coffee's and scoff down a bacon butty simply watching the campsite come to life.

            With the above in mind I am still ok with my decision not to paddle.
            Cheers
            Tim
            :canoe:

            SMpiratePaddles a Prospector

            27K3,045
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            27K3,045

              Nov 30, 2015#6

              OK, rub it in...:)

              ...but I still had a great weekend!
              SMopencanoePaddler,blogger,camper,pyromaniac:

              Blog: Wilderness is a State of Mind

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              192

                Nov 30, 2015#7

                Re Iron Bridge 29th.


                Might have been a good idea to have some sort communication between the Sunday paddles and the campers,if the weather was not that bad.
                All so it only took Two hours for the paddle,therefor it could have been a later start like 10:30. And i am not bone picking.Any way you had a
                good paddle,we missed out.




                :D Take me as you find me, if you can`t find me you can`t take me.

                5,45611
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                5,45611

                  Nov 30, 2015#8

                  Nice blog of a nice trip! Sorry I couldn't make it, but I was comatose most of Sunday, having got back from a fortnight in Italy at 11:30 pm on Friday and then having spent the whole of Saturday on the way to, at, and coming back from the London Double Header! :Smilie_Hammock:

                  I have paddled bits of the gorge when it has been more like a wind-tunnel! You were certainly looked upon benignly by the weather gods. It must have been a reward for the purity which you lead your lives! ;)
                  Juvanile delinkwit, vaguely faffing around with a pair of pliers. Du skal ikke tro at du er bedre end mig!

                  3,853598
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                  3,853598

                    Dec 01, 2015#9

                    Rockhopper wrote:You were certainly looked upon benignly by the weather gods. It must have been a reward for the purity which you lead your lives! ;)
                    Looks like we missed a good paddle there boys, due to a slight break down in communications... unforgivable in this day an age...& I hate mobiley phones at the best of times!

                    Next year, you just know now that this trip will be spot on! ;)
                    Dave B, many thanks for organizing this one, and I very much now look forward to the 2016 bash SMhail

                    Sorry that we didn't all meet as planned, but up upon that windy hill that night....we had to make some very hard decisions and stand by them...

                    It was very much a 'Camp or Die' situation! :Campfire: :davy: :D

                    We were ready though, and most able to strike fear into the valley (or Gorge) below, at a moments notice...

                    As Cankay had brought along his shock & awe lime green kayak for effect! SMyikesannim

                    Eat, drink and be merry fellas...

                    For tomorrow...

                    We'll all be trying to work out what the 'Eco-Spin Four Phase Cotton Wash @ 90 deg C, with the option of pushing the 'Sport' button' (there's actually a 'Sport' button on our washing machine...I've just seen it!) really means! :D

                    After just one night back in domestic life, I need back out under a tarp once again! ;)

                    Dave B, hurry up an plan next years gathering will ya!

                    Looking forward to it!

                      Dec 01, 2015#10

                      P.S.
                      Dave,
                      Next year, just as a suggestion...a 10.30 am start would probably suit us windy-hill dwellers a little better...

                      As it takes us little bit longer than most to get ourselves together in the morning. Especially after bacon butties, strong coffee and confession! :D

                      Forgive me Rockhopper, I may have sinned once again!

                      MB
                      Keep yer paddles wet, and powder dry....

                      MB
                      ;)

                      5,45611
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                      5,45611

                        Dec 01, 2015#11

                        Bonarmbj wrote:Forgive me Rockhopper, I may have sinned once again!

                        MB

                        Ego te absolvo! I reckon you've more than earned your free pass to wherever it is you want to go to in the afterlife! ;)
                        Juvanile delinkwit, vaguely faffing around with a pair of pliers. Du skal ikke tro at du er bedre end mig!

                        673308
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                        673308

                          Dec 01, 2015#12

                          I don't want to add to the mild disquiet that seems to be out there, but a word in defence of Dave's planning and communications. He did phone through to someone in the 'camping contingent' and although I didn't hear any of the conversation, we were told that no-one was interested in joining us for the paddle. He also posted a message on the forum. Regarding the meeting time, that was pre-shuttle and by the time all that faffage was completed, we didn't actually get on the water until 11.00.
                          What really matters is that everyone seems to have had a good time, whatever they ended up doing!

                          27K3,045
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                          27K3,045

                            Dec 01, 2015#13

                            No disquiet at all as far as I'm concerned.

                            Dave's planning was spot on, we just decided not to paddle the evening before, looking at the forecast, when we should have waited until morning. That was "game over" at that point for us. And should have posted our decision the night before, not in the morning when I woke up. I didn't realise we had Dave's no between us until the morning either. This was probably due to beer.

                            I don't regret it at all, the river will be there again, and I enjoyed the trip completely. I want to go to Jackfields when the water is lower though, so there are a least 1 or 2 features to have a quick play on.

                            Most others got a paddle in the day before, so its only really me that missed out entirely, and I was happy as I'd had a blast on the mountain bike before heading north.
                            SMopencanoePaddler,blogger,camper,pyromaniac:

                            Blog: Wilderness is a State of Mind

                            Paddle Points - where to paddle

                            1,01310
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                            1,01310

                              Dec 01, 2015#14

                              Nope no disquiet here either, Just needed to realize we were high up and the weather is obviously calmer in the gorge. Just a mix of wimpishness (didnt wanna get wet) and consumed alcohol, lesson learned, always go down to the put in and asses the situation there and not a few feet higher up, lol :D
                              SMwhistleIf in doubt, hit it with a hammer!! SMwhistle

                              2,8046
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                              2,8046

                                Dec 01, 2015#15

                                No feelings of disquiet from me, if I came across as such I can only apologise.
                                Although I have never met Dave, I have spoken to him and he comes across as a top bloke.

                                I was happy just to meet like minded folks, eat, drink beer, talk of canoes and food.


                                Oh and smell of smoke
                                SMhappy99:Campfire: SMhappy99

                                Cheers
                                Tim
                                :canoe:

                                SMpiratePaddles a Prospector

                                673308
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                                673308

                                  Dec 01, 2015#16

                                  That's all OK then!

                                  192

                                    Dec 01, 2015#17

                                    Severn saga.

                                    No disquiet here,and i Apologise to Dave for my comments regarding communication.

                                    Had no idea what was going on.:Smilie_Tea::Campfire: I was like a mushroom kept in the dark.




                                    :D Take me as you find me,if you can`t find me you can`t take me.

                                    3,853598
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                                    3,853598

                                      Dec 01, 2015#18

                                      Peter R wrote:I don't want to add to the mild disquiet that seems to be out there...
                                      "Stand by your beds!"

                                      "All now quiet in the other ranks, Sir!"

                                      Learning to live with absolution...

                                      MB ;)
                                      Keep yer paddles wet, and powder dry....

                                      MB
                                      ;)

                                      5,45611
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                                      5,45611

                                        Dec 01, 2015#19

                                        Bonarmbj wrote:

                                        I see that Gray fellow was taking the pith again! SMwhistle
                                        Juvanile delinkwit, vaguely faffing around with a pair of pliers. Du skal ikke tro at du er bedre end mig!

                                        5571
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                                        5571

                                          Dec 01, 2015#20

                                          Whilst the Paddling branch, fortified by, as brother Rockhopper so correctly divined, " the purity by which you lead your lives"...and getting on the road between 06.30 and 07.30SMyuck! The Gastronomy branch, fortified by brother Bonarmji's culinary skills succumbed to a severe outbreak of "sleeping bag lassitude". This is an ailment common among early 19th century explorers and mountaineers who, as well as packing their axes and crampons also packed cases of caviar and Moet & Chandon. The ailment is less common now and rarely encountered, symptoms include stout upper lips and a propensity to wear pith helmets. The symptoms usually wear off by about 14.00, or when it is too late to do anything energetic with the day;)
                                          Mike

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                                            Dec 01, 2015#21

                                            "A prayer's as good as bacon buttie on a day like this" :D

                                            "The sentries report Zulu's to the South West, thousands of them".

                                            MB.
                                            Because we're here, lad. Nobody else, just us.
                                            Keep yer paddles wet, and powder dry....

                                            MB
                                            ;)

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                                              Dec 01, 2015#22

                                              I would have loved to join you, only just started paddling really but as long as you don't mind a newbie coming along I'd give it a good go. Been out on the river brue so far and that's about all with my canoe.

                                              When's the next one? :)
                                              CANOE TRAMPS[INDENT]3,000 Miles, 10 Countries, 1 Canoe[/INDENT]
                                              [INDENT=4]www.canoetramps.com[/INDENT]

                                              3,853598
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                                                Dec 01, 2015#23

                                                25272527 wrote:Whilst the Paddling branch, fortified by, as brother Rockhopper so correctly divined, " the purity by which you lead your lives"...and getting on the road between 06.30 and 07.30SMyuck! The Gastronomy branch, fortified by brother Bonarmji's culinary skills succumbed to a severe outbreak of "sleeping bag lassitude". This is an ailment common among early 19th century explorers and mountaineers who, as well as packing their axes and crampons also packed cases of caviar and Moet & Chandon. The ailment is less common now and rarely encountered, symptoms include stout upper lips and a propensity to wear pith helmets. The symptoms usually wear off by about 14.00, or when it is too late to do anything energetic with the day;)
                                                Mike
                                                I somewhat beg to differ there Mike , after personally finishing work at 2330hrs on the Friday night before, only to be finally packed at home by 0130hrs Saturday morning and heading out then some 6hrs later...After 47.5hrs of heavy goods driving that week..I don't get 'sleeping bag lassitude' never have, and never will (I'll sleep when I'm dead)

                                                Though I'm quite happy to carry my crampons, caviar, pork scratchings & Moet & Chandon etc, to hills that have yet to be conquered or even given a name so far...we'll name them when we get there! ;)

                                                I'll admit that I do suffer occasionally from the stiff upper lip syndrome, but that's down to former training ;), these days though it's more a case of a lower trembling lip! :D Especially so, if the Brandy, cigars and piano haven't been packed! :D

                                                Reading back know above , it looks as if I've been on another rant once again...I wasn't.

                                                ..if I've misinterpreted your post and caused any upset here , then pls. feel free to splash me with a full paddle full of water at our next meet. I'll understand fully.

                                                Unfortunately my symptoms will never wear off...

                                                It's just something that I have to learn to live with...

                                                Paddling helps! ;)
                                                Keep yer paddles wet, and powder dry....

                                                MB
                                                ;)

                                                27K3,045
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                                                27K3,045

                                                  Dec 01, 2015#24

                                                  I believe the lassitude reference to be a humorous reference to "The Ascent of Rum Doodle" in which various "gentleman climbers" succumb to various "lassitudes". An excellent read, very much in keeping with the pith helmet look...
                                                  SMopencanoePaddler,blogger,camper,pyromaniac:

                                                  Blog: Wilderness is a State of Mind

                                                  Paddle Points - where to paddle

                                                  673308
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                                                  673308

                                                    Dec 01, 2015#25

                                                    Hmmm, getting very confused by this thread, it seems to have developed a life of its own. Entertaining though!

                                                    1155
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                                                    1155

                                                      Dec 02, 2015#26

                                                      Well done the paddling branch, great blog as ever, the lurgi is still with me can't talk at the moment..... literally ....which some may say is an improvement. have a good christmas and will keep an eye out for the next epic.. sorry to have missed it.
                                                      The answer is blowin' in the wind......

                                                      1,01310
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                                                      1,01310

                                                        Dec 02, 2015#27

                                                        Not sleeping bag lassitude :D more like relaxing after working solid. I work pretty much every day I can being self employed so when I do get a weekend off I like to relax and go back to work feeling refreshed. Not getting up at the same time I do when I'm at work SMyuck.
                                                        It didnt work out for some of us but I did get a paddle on the Saturday and a lie in on the Sunday so went back to work feeling refreshed stil gutted I didn't get out Sunday but these things happen in life. It was good to catch up with everybody inluding the new people I met.
                                                        SMwhistleIf in doubt, hit it with a hammer!! SMwhistle

                                                        1,6741
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                                                          Dec 02, 2015#28

                                                          Glad you had a good trip. 10 miles in 2 hours is some going!

                                                          3,853598
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                                                            Dec 03, 2015#29

                                                            Mys sincere apologies here this evening Mike,
                                                            As it does now look as if I was off yet again on another rant and rave after a little misinterpretation earlier..Sorry! :rolleyes:
                                                            Keep yer paddles wet, and powder dry....

                                                            MB
                                                            ;)

                                                            5571
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                                                            5571

                                                              Dec 03, 2015#30

                                                              Mys sincere apologies here this evening Mike,
                                                              As it does now look as if I was off yet again on another rant and rave after a little misinterpretation earlier..Sorry

                                                              Absolutely no apologies needed Mark. I couldn't help taking the pith after seeing that pic of Mal!! And Mal got it spot on with references to Rum Doodle, an excellent read indeed, and perhaps now in need of a paddling companion story in the same vein. I wonder if there are the same number of euphemisms in the paddling lexicon for the honourable climb down as there are in the mountaineering world? At one time "sleeping bag lassitude" was one of the most common for avoiding a day on the hill in crap weather or on scary routes or for just skiving off to the pub instead.
                                                              Mike

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                                                                Dec 04, 2015#31

                                                                Had the paddle been this weekend it would have been a different story, at B'north the river os reading 4.2 food warnings pinging......
                                                                Cheers
                                                                Tim
                                                                :canoe:

                                                                SMpiratePaddles a Prospector

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                                                                  Dec 05, 2015#32

                                                                  Catching up once again this evening..

                                                                  Mike,
                                                                  Having never professed to being well read, and after going over my previous posts above ....I'm well red now! :D ;)

                                                                  Tim,
                                                                  When that noise finally stops pinging and it all goes quiet once again...
                                                                  My paddles are packed!
                                                                  Keep yer paddles wet, and powder dry....

                                                                  MB
                                                                  ;)

                                                                  2,8046
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                                                                  2,8046

                                                                    Dec 05, 2015#33

                                                                    Bonarmbj wrote: Tim,
                                                                    When that noise finally stops pinging and it all goes quiet once again...
                                                                    My paddles are packed!
                                                                    I'm sure we will re-visit that campsite again and paddle that section of river (in the summer).......... Watch this space :)
                                                                    Cheers
                                                                    Tim
                                                                    :canoe:

                                                                    SMpiratePaddles a Prospector