The Canoe-Camper Winter 2019 Issue #314

The Canoe-Camper Winter 2019

issue no 314

A POSH PADDLE ANNEKE & ALLEN ROWLINSON

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T HE 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 Email: chairman@canoecampingclub.co.uk VICE CHAIRMAN 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, Berkshire, 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, ASSISTANT HERTS EA COORDINATOR Martin Gammage, 3 Garden House, Leahoe Gardens, Hertford, SG13 8BX Tel: 07964 995484 Email: exec@canoecampingclub.co.uk

COMMITTEE MEMBERS WATERWAYS OFFICER Kevin East, 7 Silesian Gardens, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8SG Tel : 01932 562111 Email: waterways @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

EASTER MEET COORDINATOR, DEPUTY NCAO Lester Stuart, 10 Redhills,Eccleshall, Stafford, ST21 6JW Tel: 01785 850826 Email: eastercoordinator@canoecampingclub.co.uk

WEST COUNTRY COORDINATOR Ian Dagger, Pitts End, Wick Road, Bishop Sutton, Bristol, BS39 5XQ Tel: 01275 333211 Email: westcountry@canoecampingclub.co.uk

MAGAZINE EDITOR Josie Faulkner, 23 Somerville Road, Eton, Windsor, Berksire, SL4 6PB Tel: 07939244318 Email: magazine@canoecampingclub.co.uk

NATIONAL FAMILIES MEET ORGANISER Andrew Roddham, 10 Gracious Street, Whittlesey Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE7 1AP Tel: 07771 646591 Email: holidaymeet@canoecampingclub.co.uk

DEE & NW COORDINATOR Anneke Rowlinson, 1 Marshbrook Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7DU Tel: 0161 698 5410 Email: deenw@canoecampingclub.co.uk

CAMPING & CARAVANNING CLUB NATIONAL ADVISER Jane Read

HERTS & EAST ANGLIA COORDINATOR Pete Bradshaw, 53 Hillingdon Avenue, Sevenoaks, TN13 3RB Email: hertsea@canoecampingclub.co.uk

ARCHIVIST Janet Hales, 9 Strode Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9PT Tel: 01784 432 517 CANOE-CAMPING CLUB LIBRARY CURRENTLY WITH THAMES & SOUTH EAST

SCOTLAND AND NORTH OF ENGLAND COORDINATOR Jon Hutt, Wyndford Lock, Castlecary, Bonnybridge, North Lanarkshire, FK4 2HW Tel: 01324 849629 Email: northandscotland@canoecampingclub.co.uk

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IN THIS ISSUE 1. A POSH PADDLE ANNEKE & ALLEN ROWLINSON 2. CONTACTS 4. CHAIRMANS TWARTS & EDITORS LETTER

11. PADDLING THE TIDAL THAMES INTO LONDON KEVIN EAST 13. CCY YOUTH NOTICE 14. EASTER MEET 2019

5. NEWS

15. RUNS LIST 2019

6. WATERWAY NOTES KEVIN EAST

19. NATIONAL FAMILIES MEET AT HEREFORD

8. FROM THE HUMBLE LANCASTER CANAL TO THE POSH RIVER THAMES ANNEKE & ALLEN ROWLINSON

21. PADDLING WITH KILLER WHALES ANDY ROSSALL

9. RIVER KIM COLIN SOUTHWARD

29. CLASSIFIEDS

10. BIO-SECURITY

30. NOTICE

Please send all contributions for the Spring 2019 Issue no. 315 to the editor by 28th February 2019. magazine@canoecampingclub.co.uk 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 - Paddling with Killer Whales by Andy Rossall 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) GreenямБelds 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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Firstly may I wish everyone a happy new year and I hope it is a good one for you.

Included in this issue is the runs list for 2019 and booking information for the two National Meets - Easter and Hereford.

Please check your diary and reserve the dates and support the efforts of the organisers.

You will see that the list is again shorter this year, with little coverage in many parts of the country. Sadly, in common with most voluntary organisations, fewer members are volunteering to help with running weekend meets. Unless more members come forward and help there will be no club.

We have been encouraged to work more closely with Regions and DAs (District Associations) and in the past we have been made welcome at DA meets. Everyone is assigned to a local DA and if for each a member checked whether their DA had any planned meets adjacent or near suitable water for canoeing it could help supplement our programme.

Tim Wheeler Chairman

THW A R T

I have to confess that I have yet to commit to organising meets as I am still finalising dates of some longer trips, but I will add some soon – I am open to requests from my ‘back catalogue’.

It would be great if you would consider offering to organise a meet to include in an updated list with the Spring Issue.

C H A I R M A N ‘ S

Happy new year everyone!

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We’ve got quite a bumper issue here, packed full of canoe and camping stories, as well as the 2019 runs list, Easter meet information and the booking form for Hereford.

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From the next issue, we will be taking The Canoe Camper fully digital, and you’ll be receiving your copies via email instead of in print. If you would like to keep getting printed copies, please see the last page of the magazine.

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Lastly, the date for submissions for the next issue has been brought forward to 28th February, as I will be away in March, April and May and would like to get the copy out to you in good time!

Happy camping!

Josie Faulkner Editor

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NEWS Burnham Trophy Winners: The Canoe Camper!

For the latest news from the Canoe Camping Club head to our website! www.canoecampingclub.co.uk

In 2018, The Canoe-Camper was nominated for the Burnham Trophy award, run by The Camping and Caravanning Club for best section newsletter, and we won!

Sadly, the editor Josie Faulkner was unable to attend the club’s AGM to collect the award, but Fran and Bob Faulkner were more than happy to attend on her behalf.

Thank you to everyone who has submitted an article over the year, as the award really belongs to all contributors. Well done Canoe Camping Club!

Winter Paddle Challenge This winter, British Canoeing want to give us all a little extra incentive to get out paddling, so are bringing us the Winter Paddle Challenge!

They say: “This January and February we challenge you to paddle 30, 60 or 120 miles to earn yourself a snazzy new boat sticker! With 59 days to complete the challenge, itís time to chuck on your thermals, hit the water and bag your boat some bling.

You can take part in or on any type of paddlecraft and as itís winter, we are allowing miles paddled on an ergo to count too... how nice are we?! Once you have racked up your miles you will be able to register your achievement with us to receive your free boat sticker.

You might choose to have an epic weekend on the water and collect all your miles in one go, or you may prefer to put in mile or two each day.

It doesn’t matter how you do it or what kind of craft you paddle, so long as you hit the 30, 60 or 120 mile target a shiny new sticker can be yours.”

The Canoe-Camper Needs You!

As you know, you receive an issue of The Canoe-Camper quarterly, with the aim to keep you up to date with events in the club. At present, we only receive two or three submissions per quarter, and we really need contributions from members to keep it going.

If you have any news, advice, images or tales from your recent canoeing/camping trips, send them to us!

Lifetime Acheivement Awards Congratulations to Robin Hickman and Fran Faulkner, who have been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award respectively for their efforts to contribute to the Canoe Camping Club.

The pair were presented with their certificates and badges of honour by Anne Dearling at the CCC meet in Windsor for the annual fireworks paddle.

All you need to do to claim your sticker is fill in the registration form on their website to let them know which distance you have done.

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photo by Alison Hickman

WATERWAY NOTES KEVIN EAST ACCESS OFFICER

Jubilee River photo by Fran Faulkner

CLEAR ACCESS - CLEAR WATERS, BRITISH CANOEING’S ACCESS & ENVIRONMENT CHARTER Launched at an event held in the House of Commons on 28 November it sets out a vision to increase the access to rivers and waterways in England and to protect the environment .

The Charter document is posted on the British Canoeing website along with supporting video clips and no doubt much more will be heard about this important initiative in 2019.

NAVIGATION LIGHTS Many clubs have regular evening paddling sessions in winter months and even our club is on the water in the hours of darkness for the Windsor Firework Display. Night paddling has its attractions when waterways at this time of day can take on a quite different atmosphere.

When paddling at night, by law and for your and the safety of others you must correctly light a boat. Unpowered craft are required to have a white light or lights visible through 360deg with a light displayed fore and aft on a kayak and open canoe. An option is a mast light on an open canoe. A head light can be used as a forward facing light. Only using a forward facing head light runs a real risk of being run down from astern. The lighting

arrangement for kayaks is fully illustrated in the British Canoeing/Port of London publication “Paddling on the Tideway” posted at www. boatingonthethames.co.uk. SUP users also need to note this requirement.

Lights must also be used in tunnels on the canal system which is the more likely use by the club and it is different to the requirement above.

For tunnels the Canal & River Trust (CRT) only specifies a forward facing white light to be displayed that is not less than 80 Lumen such as a head torch. This was advised for the 2018 Easter Meet to transit Ashford Tunnel. CRT say light reflected from head torches can be seen by boats astern of paddlers; and canoes showing a stern light could be confused as approaching a following boat. The club assisted CRT to establish this standard.

Clothing and equipment with retro-reflective patches further aids being visible to others on open water and in tunnels.

BRITISH ROWING/BRITISH CANOEING We can often be on waters used by rowers and the NGB’s have jointly issued “Guidance for rowers and canoeists on shared water”.

The information is the same as the British Canoeing/Port of London “Paddling on the

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WATERWAY NOTES CONTINUED

St Patrick’s Stream photo by Majid Quyoon

Tideway“ document except for a variation on warning shouts from rowers to paddlers such as “look astern”. It is posted with other safety advice at: https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/guidanceresources/safety-1/event-safety-management SPORT & RECREATION ALLIANCE An access related issue flagged up by CCC at the Outdoor Pursuits and Water Recreation Division meeting in September is the lack of consultation for habitat improvement and flood prevention projects that physically change waterways. Users are not always informed or consulted by the Environment Agency.

For example projects on the Abbey River at Chertsey, River Lugg and River Rother in West Sussex have obstructions for navigation from changes such as reducing water levels by lowering weir crests, raising the river bed with gravel riffles and placing in stream woody debris.

It was explained to the Division that consultation would enable inputs to proposals to avoid a loss of amenity or bring betterment for paddlers. There also needs to a balance between habitat improvement and the soci-economic aspects of recreational users.

Matters could be much improved if NGB’s such as British Canoeing were an EA statutory consultee. The Alliance is to contact DEFRA 7

for the conditions required for a NGB to be a statutory consultee.

ST PATRICK’S STREAM, RIVER THAMES A further example of projects going under the radar was to find a news item on the Angling Trust web site referring to habitat improvement works on the side stream between Sonning and Wargrave. EA Fisheries have been contacted who responded - ”Although a significant project has been talked about at this location I am not aware there has been any further progress certainly to introduce gravel or create riffles for fish habitat. I am obviously very happy to inform you if this project progresses.”

Since St Patrick’s Stream has a public right of navigation the EA Thames Waterway Team have been contacted as a repeat of the problems on the Abbey River is to be avoided.

JUBILEE RIVER, CANOE PORTAGES A paddle earlier this year identified the canoe portage points were in a poor condition with access obstructed by vegetation and a badly eroded bank. Access at the lower end to connect with the River Thames at Datchet also requires a portage arrangement. The Environment Agency has been contacted who have agreed to follow up this matter.

FROM THE HUMBLE LANCASTER CANAL TO THE POSH RIVER THAMES

by Anneke & Allen Rowlinson

photos by Anneke & Allen Rowlinson

In October our Dee and NorthWest group had a day paddle on the Lancaster Canal.

Having met up with old friends and welcoming a couple of new paddlers we set off under grey skies which were hardly dripping. The first mile is through a wooded area where we enjoyed the autumn colours. When we stopped by a picnic bench without any shelter for our coffee break it did start to rain somewhat (of course), but we kept warm with our hands around our hot mugs. A bit further along, the rain got bad enough for the last paddlers to get their waterproofs on while sheltering under a bridge.

We had our lunch stop by the café in Galgate, which does some very nice cakes and more hot drinks to keep warm. After a little detour to the start of the Glasson Branch — which runs to the dock by the mouth of the river Lune — we paddled back to our cars near Lancaster. Despite the weather it was a nice scenic paddle in good company.

Two weeks later we were in Windsor for the bonfire weekend. Fran organised excellent accommodation at the Sea Cadet Hut so we could launch onto the river Thames from there. Not only were the bridges on the river on Saturday much bigger than those on the Lancaster Canal, some came with coats of arms and views of Windsor Castle. When the riverside signs say “No mooring or landing.

The Crown Estate” you know you are on a posh river! Especially as we also paddled past Eton College on the way back.

Along the way we saw various crafts, from pricey motor yachts to old Dutch barns and even some dragon boats racing each other.

The autumn colours on the trees were beautiful in the sunshine. We saw a variety of birds from the usual: ducks, swans, geese, herons and coots on the water to red kites flying overhead. All together it was a very enjoyable paddle.

By six o’clock we got back on the water, kitted out with lights to paddle down to Windsor Racecourse where we watched the firework display from our boats. Quite an experience! When we got back Fran sorted jacket potatoes and soup for everyone, which were very welcome. Although we did not do the Sunday paddle as we had to travel back to Manchester we had a great weekend. Thank you to Fran for organising it.

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photos by Colin Southward

RIVER KYM

by Colin Southward Sue and I turned up at St. Neots after a day of pouring rain and wind in lovely sunshine and clear blue skies for a club paddle from St. Neots to Huntingdon.

As no one else turned up we thought we would modify our plans a bit; so we paddled up the Great Ouse for a couple of miles to a pub where we sat outside and had a coffee. We then went back down the river, through St. Neots and just before reaching the lock at Little Paxton, we turned off the main river and found the river Kym. We have paddled this before, but a long time ago. It is very narrow but no real problems and very sheltered — the banks being quite taller than the river.

It also passes through the middle of the local golf course and you can see lost golf balls on the bottom of the river.

However there was very little current and most of the river was covered in duck weed. It was like canoeing across a well tended lawn. It was 9

quite thick and did not really slow us down, and it was amazing how quick it closed in behind us after we broke a trail through it.

To help matters along, we came across a posse of swans, about six, who paddled madly in front of us.

It was like having an ice breaker forging ahead until we managed to overtake them. After this we came to the head of the river where we could go no further as there was a shallow ford for cars on a road which crosses the river.

We had a short rest and paddled back down the river, but unfortunately the swans ignored us this time and we had to make our own way through the pond weed.

Returning to the Ouse we returned to St. Neots.

A lovely short paddle for the day!

INVASIVE NON-NATIVE SPECIES AND BIO-SECURITY MEASURES

Bio-security measures should be adopted by everyone coming into contact with water as it is possible to unknowingly help spread invasive species from one water body to another in equipment, shoes and clothing. These species can have a damaging impact on British plants, animals and ecosystems - by spreading disease, competing for habitat and food, direct predation and obstructing navigation...

To help stop the spread of invasive plants and animals in British waters the Non Native Species Secretariat (NNNS) has issued guidance http://www.nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry/ that should be adopted by all who visit and use the freshwater or marine environment. This entails the simple practice on completing canoeing activities at the point of use to:

Check - equipment, clothing canoes for living organisms Clean - then clean and wash items, draining water in your canoe and leaving plant and animals present back in the water body where you found them.

Dry - all items as some species can exist for many days in moist conditions. This avoids the risk of transferring them to other water bodies.

There is a renewed concern for bio-security measures with the presence of some 20 invasive Ponto – Caspian (SE Europe) species that have migrated via the canal connecting the Rivers Danube and Rhine down to the delta in the Netherlands. One of these is the Quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) has recently reached the UK, being discovered in reservoirs to the west and east of London and the adjoining Rivers Lee, Thames and Wraysbury River. This finding has been instrumental in triggering a resurgence of the Check-Clean-Dry message by the NNNS. More information for all users including the identification of invasive species is available on the NNNS web site. Surprisingly, separate posters and signage for the boating and angling sectors have been produced when the procedure is the same for all in contact with water.

As a group organising activities on waterways in different catchments and sea areas we should be aware of bio-security measures as a regular practice to help “Stop The Spread.”

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PADDLING THE TIDAL THAMES INTO LONDON

LUNCH STOP AT VAUXHALL

by Kevin East Otherwise known as the Tideway, Thames & South East arrange an 18 mile paddle from Chiswick to central London and back in the paddling programme most years. It is a trip never without interest and 2018 was no exception.

T&SE paddlers gathered at Barnes Bridge on a fine Sunday morning in June that had an ideal tide with low water predicted at London Bridge in the early afternoon. A check of the latest Notices to Mariners issued by the Port of London Authority a few days beforehand had confirmed the river was fully open and free of events.

After a briefing to include the importance of keeping in a group and the local navigation rules that apply as far as Putney the party set off soon after 1000 on the ebb tide complete 11

with a VHF radio to know what is going on.

These navigation rules quickly came into play after 400m on the approach to Chiswick Ait by Chiswick Pier RNLI station. Here all rowers and other unpowered craft going against the ebb tide cross over from the Surrey to the Middlesex bank to work the slack water on the inside of a bend. Likewise our party was to cross from the Surrey bank to a position in the fairway designated by a series of red buoys that continue all the way to Putney.

Rowers were on the river and most of the party were familiar with this manoeuvre. You pick the moment when it is safe to cross over, stay grouped up and get a move on. Safely past Chiswick Ait it was a matter of navigating the buoyed channel and keeping as a group to be obvious to rowers, but this is not always the

case as on this day. Between Hammersmith and Putney from keeping a constant lookout for rowers ahead and astern, warning shouts (“take a look” is the convention) were made to less than observant oarsmen in coxless boats on three occasions to correct their course and avoid a collision.

Moving onward to Putney Bridge the river has a tree lined towpath on the Surrey bank that is almost a rural type backdrop. At Putney we left the last of the rowers and resumed normal navigation rules. Thereafter the river is more a corridor passing high rise apartments, wharfs, construction of more housing and sites to build the access shafts for the Tideway super sewer that extend into the river.

It was quiet for a while, but the peace of the morning was interrupted with the landings and take-offs at the heliport that is quite a sight in this built up area close by Battersea Railway Bridge. Apparently aircraft movements are halted when river traffic is in the vicinity, so we did not linger and also got away from the din.

The ebb-tide smartly pushed us to Battersea Bridge then the elegant Albert Suspension Bridge where the Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park on the right hand bank came into view.

Beyond was the forest of cranes at the former Battersea Power Station site being redeveloped with all four chimneys now back in place. It is an ever-changing scene year on year along the river that has also seen passenger boat traffic busier with new piers for the river bus service. Freight is scheduled to increase with the Tideway Tunnel project.

Landing for a lunch stop at the slipway by Vauxhall Bridge for access to the embankment outside the MI6 building was not possible.

The coming of the Tideway Tunnel project had completely closed off the slipway and we made do with landing nearby to stay on the foreshore. A surprising observation was the sudden high wash from a distant passing catamaran river-bus experienced just as we were landing when these boats were said to minimise wash. From here, after making sure there no more passing boats to create a heavy wash, we moved off to Westminster Bridge before making for Barnes Bridge on the flood tide. For proceeding further to South Bank the river can be congested this time of year with increased passenger boat traffic to and from the piers at Westminster, London Eye and Charing Cross. Moored vessels, bridge arch closures for

the Tideway Tunnel and the rough water that can be encountered has also made this reach particularly demanding.

The return can be as interesting with a different perspective to the outward leg. After a break at Putney Hard for an ice cream the flood tide was going well and without wind over tide conditions that can often occur we were swept towards Hammersmith Bridge. Just after the bridge care was required to avoid the set of the tide into Dove Pier that is notorious for catching people out.

Barnes Bridge was two miles distant and with plenty of water under us the channel inside Chiswick Ait was taken for a change to the fairway. Re-joining the main river led to the cross over point for the local navigation rules.

On that afternoon we had the river to ourselves and keeping the green buoys on our right up to Barnes Bridge rounded off another day on the Tideway.

Notes.

For information to paddle the tidal Thames it is recommended to refer to the British Canoeing/ Port of London Authority publication “Paddling on the Tideway” posted at www. boatingonthethames.co.uk. Click on Works & Closures for the link to the PLA web site and Notices to Mariners.

For a shorter distance paddle into London an alternative start and finish is from Putney Embankment. Parking restrictions/charges can apply and there is no certainty of parking being available.

Thanks go to the paddlers who provided the images from the trip.

SETTING OFF FROM BARNES BRIDGE 12

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS WITH CAMPING CLUB YOUTH “Designed for 12-17 year olds, Camping Club Youth (also called CCY or Youth) is The Camping and Caravanning Club’s group for young people.

Through CCY, young people learn to build their confidence and develop important skills for adult life. Become proficient in activities like planning trips and projects, taking responsibility, looking out for others, cooking and first aid. Enjoy experiences that will help them develop into well-rounded individuals.” . . .

“Top 5 Reasons to Join •Have fun - compete in team games, challenges and outdoor activities •Freedom - your tent, your friends, your cooking •Friends - meet loads of new people, who like the same things as you •Adventure - camp abroad at our international events •Independence - pick up life skills that will help you on the way to adult life” . . . the Camping and Caravanning Club website Canoe-camping Club Youth (C-CCY) is our section’s take on CCY. Youth members are members of the club in their own right, and membership is free until they reach their 18th birthday. You might ask “What’s the advantage of that?” Youth members who camp with the section have the opportunity to learn some camp-craft skills and there is a test of their proficiency. If they pass that test, then free membership extends until the age of 21, with half price membership until their 30th birthday. Youngsters who have passed the test are also able to camp at Camping and Caravanning Club sites without parents present from the age of 14.

The Test covers all essential camping skills as well as general skills, such as first aid and map reading.

•Kit Packing •Stoves and Fires •Map Reading •First Aid •The Code for Campers •Cooking •Choice of pitch •Putting a tent up CCY also runs the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, so if you are interested in doing that, this is one way of achieving it. In 2019, we’ll be offering Youth Test training and assessment at the Hereford Families’ meet. C-CCY is also great fun – and members have gained friends for life from their time in the Youth section.

To join Camping Club Youth, visit https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/membership/yourclub/local-groups/camping-club-youth/ and download an application form – make sure you tick the box for Canoe Camping Club.

Existing CCY members – it would be useful to have your email address so that we can keep in contact more easily. Just drop an email to youth@canoecampingclub.co.uk with your name and membership number.

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River Severn Pool Quay to Atcham, Shrewsbury **** 4 days of excellent paddling on England’s longest river.

19TH TO 22ND APRIL 2019 CANOE CAMPING CLUB EASTER MEET ON THE RIVER SEVERN

**** Alternative trip on the Llangollen Canal available **** Email: easter@ canoecampingclub.co.uk to book your place

Base camping available at Buckley Farm Campsite, Nesscliffe, Shrewsbury, SY4 1BU 14

RUNS LIST 2019 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).

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.

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.

All contact details for organisers of meets can be found on the contacts page at the front of The Canoe-Camper ***There will be a limited West Country programme - further details will appear as they become available.

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20 JAN RIVER THAMES CHERTSEY / THAMES & SE

10 FEB GRAND UNION CANAL HOSENDEN HILL / THAMES & SE 17 FEB RIVER STORT HERTS & EAST ANGLIA 23 FEB LLANGOLLEN CANAL LLANGOLLEN / DEE & NORTH WEST 3 MARCH THAMES TIDEWAY BARNES UPSTREAM / THAMES & SE 24 MARCH BASINGSTOKE CANAL THAMES & SE 7 APRIL UPPER GREAT OUSE HERTS & EAST ANGLIA 7 APRIL UPPER MOLE (OR WEY LOOP) THAMES & SE 19 APRIL - 22 APRIL RIVER SEVERN NATIONAL EASTER MEET 3 MAY - 6 MAY RIVERS ARUN & ADUR THAMES & SE 4 MAY - 6 MAY LAKE BALA DEE & NORTH WEST 18 MAY RIVER IVEL HERTS & EAST ANGLIA 19 MAY RIVER THAMES RICHMOND / THAMES & SE 24 MAY - 2 JUNE RIVER WYE HEREFORD / NATIONAL FAMILIES MEET 7 JUNE - 9 JUNE NORFOLK CREEKS HERTS & EAST ANGLIA 9 JUNE RIVER THAMES & ST PATRICKS STREAM WARGRAVE / THAMES & SE

16 JUNE RIVER WEAVER & SHROPSHIRE UNION CANAL ANDERTON BOAT LIFT / DEE & NW

13 SEPT - 15 SEPT RIVER STOUR (KENT) & MILITARY CANAL THAMES & SE

21 JUNE - 23 JUNE CHICHESTER HARBOUR COBNOR / THAMES & SE

20 SEPT - 22 SEPT RIVER SEVERN SHREWSBURY / DEE & NORTH WEST

5 JULY - 7 JULY POOLE HARBOUR THAMES & SE

20 SEPT - 22 SEPT RIVER AVON BRADFORD ON AVON / WEST COUNTRY / DA CAMPING

12 JULY - 14 JULY CONISTON WATER CONISTON HALL / DEE & NORTH WEST

27 SEPT - 29 SEPT RIVER THAMES CHERTSEY / THAMES & SE

19 JULY - 21 JULY RIVER THAMES COOKHAM / DISTRICT ASSOCIATION CAMPING

4 OCTOBER - 6 OCT NORFOLK BROADS HERTS & EAST ANGLIA

19 JULY - 21 JULY RIVER WEY THAMES & SE 26 JULY - 28 JULY RIVER THAMES MAPLEDURHAM LOCK / DA CAMPING

4 OCT - 6 OCT RIVER THAMES CROWMARSH GIFFORD / DA CAMPING 13 OCT RIVER WEY OLD WOKING / THAMES & SE

4 AUGUST GREAT OUSE HERTS & EAST ANGLIA

20 OCT LANCASTER CANAL SOUTH SIDE OF LANCASTER / DEE & NORTH WEST

4 AUGUST LOWER MOLE THAMES & SE

27 OCT RIVER OUSE (DAY PADDLE) ST NEOTS / HERTS & EAST ANGLIA

5 AUG - 9 AUG RIVER THAMES (UPPER) THAMES & SE

1 NOV - 3 NOV RIVER THAMES WINDSOR / THAMES & SE

10 AUGUST RIVER DEE ECCLESTON FERRY NEAR CHESTER DEE & NORTH WEST

16 NOV - WINSFORD FLASH & RIVER WEAVER /WINSFORD MARINA / DEE & NORTH WEST

16 AUG - 18 AUG RIVER HAMBLE & RIVER BEAULIEU THAMES & SE

17 NOV THAMES TIDEWAY ISLEWORTH / THAMES & SE

22 AUG - 27 AUG PEMBROKESHIRE CLEDDAU ESTUARY / WEST COUNTRY 1 SEPTEMBER MERSEA ISLAND HERTS & EAST ANGLIA 13 SEPT - 15 SEPT BLACKWATER NAVIGATION HERTS & EAST ANGLIA

1 DEC BASINGSTOKE CANAL DOGMERSFIELD / THAMES & SE 15 DEC BRIDGEWATER CANAL LITTLE BOLLINGTON / DEE & NORTH WEST 15 DEC RIVER WEY GUILDFORD / THAMES & SE

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THE CANOE CAMPING CLUB INVITES YOU TO THE NATIONAL FAMILIES HOLIDAY MEET

HEREFORD ROWING CLUB 37 Greyfriars Avenue, Hereford HR4 0BE www.herefordrc.co.uk Friday 24th May to Sunday 2nd June 2019 (Limited Capacity 31st May-2nd June) PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR 2019 * Day Paddles, Long & Short *Canoe Camp the Wye (if leader forthcoming) *Training: Canoe, kayak, safety *Bring & try various boat and equipment types *Marquee for social use (barbeque and other activities) *The world famous Hereford Holiday Meet Quiz-night *Campsite games, canoe sports, Bilge sale etc *Communal Barbeque Saturday 25th 6pm

Further details will be announced in update newsletters

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The types of activities vary depending on the weather, river conditions being suitable and the availability of volunteers. The Meet relies on those with skills contributing – please let the organisers know if you are able to assist in training / run leading / organising “après-canoe” etc.

Those that have been before will be expected to assist with stewarding etc, if not otherwise contributing to running of the event.

Offers of help by newcomers will be very welcome.

Please note there are no Electric Hook ups on this site.

Water, Dishwashing & CDP are available at the club house Toilets and showers are available at the club house and Sea Cadets building RETURN COMPLETED FORMS with payment to Andrew Roddham, 10, Gracious Street, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, PE7 1AP � Book only ONE pitch per form. Duplicate the form for extra pitches. � Complete the form and questionnaire fully. � Please do not send cash � Site opens 2pm. Friday 24th May, closes noon Sunday 2nd June 2018 � Refunds can only be provided after the event and will be at the discretion of the organising committee.

For enquiries regarding the meet or offers of help, contact Andrew Roddham e-mail: holidaymeet@ canoecampingclub. co.uk Phone: 07771 646 591 (not office hours)

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CANOE-CAMPING CLUB – HEREFORD 2019 BOOKING FORM Family Name:

C&CC Number:

o Please tick if new to the meet Address: Post Code:

Phone Number (optional):

E-mail (to receive meet information updates and queries)

o

Personal details will be used for the organisation of the 2019 Holiday Meet only. If you would like us to contact you regarding the 2020 Holiday meet, please tick this box.

We Intend to: Arrive on: o C&C Club Unit

time: or:

Depart on:

o Solo Lightweight Camper Tick one box

C&CC Unit consists of up to 2 Adults + children (5 -18).

<18 CCY Members are only accepted if accompanied by a responsible adult.

Unit Type - please tick o Caravan o Motorhome

o Trailer tent

o Tent

Note: 1. You must be registered with the C&CC to book a unit.

2. Non-members may only camp with a member and must use the same unit as the full member. They must register and pay as temporary members if >18 and will also be charged as an additional person.

3. Non-family <18yrs will usually be charged the additional child rate.

4. Small Pup tents must be pitched with the main unit and must not be used for cooking.

Age

Names

If <18

Please include all persons attending

BCU Number Coaching Qualifications/ If you have one Canoeing Standard

2019 Fees Family Unit- 2 adults & family children < 18years Camping: £11.00 per night (max 7 nights) Admin Fee £ 10.00 Booking Deposit £30 Additional Adults £5/night, additional Child rate £2.50 Members’ Guests: Temporary Membership Fee: £3.50 each

Members’ guests cannot bring their own units (tent, caravan or motorhome)

Solo Lightweight Campers Camping £5.50; Admin Fee £ 5.00 Booking Deposit £15.

Deposit to be sent with Booking Form, Balance payable on arrival.

Cheque payable to ‘Canoe-Camping Club’ (drawn on a UK Bank)

PADDLING with

KILLER WHALES

by Andy Rossall

ON WHITE CLIFF ISLAND 13

In August/September 2018 Kate and I joined a group of paddlers on a seven day sea kayaking expedition in the Broughton Islands which lie between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia in Canada.

The group was guided, organised and run by a company called Mountain and Sea Guides (MSG), based in Applecross, Scotland. The previous year we had gone with the same organisation for a five-day trip exploring the Lofoten Islands just off the Norwegian coast. That trip was excellent and very enjoyable, so we had no hesitation signing up for Canada.

Mike Arkley who runs MSG leads all the overseas expeditions, and participants are expected to be at a 3* sea kayaking standard and capable of paddling 30k a day – this is very much a ‘turn up and go’ trip, as opposed to spending the first two or three days getting everyone to the required standard before starting out. Although based in Scotland, Mike has been leading these expeditions for a

number of years (10+) so knows the waters, likely wildlife and campsites very well.

The Norway trip was very much about mountainous scenery, the Canadian trip was about the wildlife.

We had hired a car and driven up to Port McNeill on the north east coast of Vancouver Island where we were meeting up with Mike and our fellow participants who were arriving by bus, ferry and plane.

We stayed in a motel in Port McNeill, and our first task was to do the expedition food shop in the local supermarket. On Mike’s trips you can either self-cater or have the catering organised for you, which is what we went for. Having done the same in Norway we were well impressed by the organisation, planning and quality of food.

So into the supermarket, two trolleys; myself and Kate chasing down items on Mike’s shopping list. I had previously assumed that the emphasis would have been on lightweight, dehydrated foods, but from our experience in Norway we knew we would be eating 14

ON THE WATER – KATE IS FAR LEFT fresh fruit and vegetables, pasta etc. An hour later we loaded up the car with food and drove it the short distance to the motel where it was all emptied into Mike’s room.

The next day, after everyone had arrived Mike held a short 30 minute safety briefing, and then it was time to load all our kayaking kit together with food (which had been parcelled up into personal food/snacks and group main meals and breakfasts) into a minibus taxi for the 30 minute ride to Telegraph Cove, the start of the trip.

Like many of the small coastal communities, Telegraph Cove was built up on stilts with buildings over the water, and was originally established to service and maintain the telegraph line that ran up the east coast of the island – an important function especially in the Second World War where invasion from Japan was a distinct threat and a reliable communication system was essential. Now, the emphasis is on serving the tourist industry with whale watching boats, fishing boats and cafés the main attractions. This was also the base for North Island Kayaks, a large outfitting company mainly running their own trips, but also supporting ‘self-hires’ and they supplied boats, paddles, spray decks and buoyancy aids. We had to supply our own tent, sleeping bag and personal clothing including paddling 23

ughfare for ro o th in a m e h “...t of orca whales a particular pod they are more s a s le a h w r e ill (or k n.” own) in the regio n k y ll a n o ti sa n se clothes (we had taken our own buoyancy aids because from previous experience we knew that although the rental kit is usually good, it is basic with no frills — we like extra pockets for stashing goodies and other luxuries — and I would have liked to have taken my own paddle!). Knowing what we had packed into the minibus had to be off loaded into the kayaks, we began the ‘mystery’ of packing – light things at the bow and stern, heavy things towards the centre, what needs to be kept readily available, keeping a good balance, will it all fit? After an hour or so, much to my amazement everything had disappeared into the hatches – unlike UK

“...a feat o f tar tensioned, pology to get it prope at the righ r t angle, he ly etc. (anyo ight ne up will kno who has ever put a ta w the discu r ssions requ p ired to ‘get it righ t’).”

PREPARING TO LEAVE TELEGRAPH COVE design sea kayaks where the emphasis seems to be on nice curvy lines, relatively small volume hatches and even smaller hatch covers, North American boats are so much larger in all respects – great for this sort of trip. So, one final trip to the coffee shop and toilets and we were ready to go.

The weather was grey and drizzly but warm when we left, and the water was calm, which gave us a good opportunity to get the hang of the fully loaded boats, and also to get to know our fellow paddlers. As well as Mike, our guide and ourselves, there were three others, all from the UK – although a relatively small

group, we bonded and worked well together.

This first day ‘shake down’ paddle took us down the Johnstone Strait for about 13 km to a campsite at Kaikash Creek, still on Vancouver Island. This strait is the main navigable stretch of water running between Vancouver Island and the mainland, and is known as ‘The Inside Passage’. It is used by large ocean going cruise ships travelling to and from Alaska, commercial fishing boats, pleasure craft, towed log booms and marine life.

It seems to be the main thoroughfare for a particular pod of orca whales (or killer whales as they are more sensationally known) in the region. In fact, just down the coast from where we would be camping that night, there was an ecological reserve with a whale rubbing beach! Although 13 km is not far for an afternoon paddle, a lot of time was spent just drifting and watching wildlife. In this short time we saw wild mink, bald eagles, squirrels, seals, sea lions, orcas and porpoises (or where they dolphins!?).

On arrival at the campsite the order of priority was to unload the boats at the water line, move everything to a temporary safe area, establish a mess area, find your own camp area and then the usual process of putting up the tent, changing etc. Perhaps the single most significant piece of kit that Mike carried was a 24

UNDER THE MESS TARP large tarp shelter. This would cover the mess area and provide a dry and sheltered area for cooking, eating and generally socialising, and it would always be a feat of tarpology to get it properly tensioned, at the right angle, height etc. (anyone who has ever put a tarp up will know the discussions required to ‘get it right’).

Then Mike would either get a ‘wind down’ brew on, or start preparation for the main meal, for which one of us would help cutting and chopping whatever was required for the meal.

This was wild camping, but due to the popularity of the area to sea kayakers, the camping areas were well defined, largely because there were relatively few other places to land, either due to the rocky coastline and/ or the impenetrable forest (the whole area is a temperate rain forest). Similarly, individual spots for a tent were usually well defined, beneath a thick canopy of trees, and on top of a comfortable layer of pine needles. As this first camping area was well used, being close to a recognised ‘jumping off’ point for sea kayaking trips, it had the luxury of two drop-toilets.

After the meal, and before it got dark (which came early under the canopy of trees) we would generally talk through the day, plans for tomorrow, likely weather etc. Sadly, due to the extreme dry weather that British Columbia

had experienced over several months preceding our trip that led to a very high risk of forest fires, there was a blanket ban on camp fires, and so once it was dark there was only one thing to do – go to bed.

The next day dawned misty, but soon cleared to give a sunny day, albeit with a slight chill in the air. After breakfast, which consisted of muesli with milk (we had bought milk the day before in Port McNeill for the whole trip, and it stayed fresh, or at least usable for the whole trip) and a cup of tea, we were ready to go once we had topped up water carriers at the nearby stream. From here onwards we would be reliant on the water we carried for cooking, drinking etc. as the campsites where on small islands with no source of fresh water - we were expected to carry 10 litres each. (We had invested in MSR Dromedary water carriers and these were excellent and took up little space, generally going just behind the seat).

We headed approximately north into the Broughton Islands, which are an archipelago of small and large, mainly uninhabited islands, with a dense growth of trees. Much of the old timber had been stripped in the 1940/1950s to satisfy the demand for building material, so what we were seeing was second generation growth and even that was impressive. Fortunately there is now a more environmental and enlightened approach to forestry. The route took us across Johnstone Strait (keeping a careful lookout for marine traffic of all description), past the east point of Hanson Island, between Swanson and Crease Islands and on towards a small sub group of islands called Fox Islands. As we were travelling between islands, and through narrow passages, tide timing was critical, and quite often it was a bit of a battle to make progress. The highlight for me today was coming across a black bear ambling along the shoreline of one of the islands. The bear seemed unperturbed by our presence on the water and after a photo call lasting a few minutes, was content to retreat into the forest.

From the outset we knew we were in black bear territory, and as they can swim, no island is safe and this sighting simply confirmed

the water’s at es on st er ov g in rn tu ar be “I thought I heard a as too warm and w g ba ng pi ee sl y m – s it tb edge looking for ti and investigate!” up t ge to e m e ag ur co en to comfortable 25

the risk. At all the campsites simple precautions were taken to minimise the risk of attracting bears, for example, no food or any scented item was to be taken into the tents, all food was stored in the kayak sealed hatches, washing utensils was undertaken at the edge of the sea and any waste food was fed to the fish. This bear siting was the only one for the whole trip, although early one morning I thought I heard a bear turning over stones at the water’s edge looking for titbits – my sleeping bag was too warm and comfortable to encourage me to get up and investigate! We did carry bear, or mace spray but thankfully never had to use it.

The journey took us through some evocatively named places, which made you wonder about the history, and what had taken place to warrant the name – Providence Passage, Retreat Passage, Farewell Harbour to name a few. One place, Health Bay was so called from the heyday of logging, where it was a central point within the archipelago to obtain medical treatment. With the demise of logging it is now a small ‘First Nation’ community, accessible only by water.

After a modest 22 km we came to the Fox Islands, and the landing for our selected camping spot was on a white shell beach, made up of thousands upon thousands of white shells – a beautiful spot. The camping procedure was very much the same as the previous night, although toilet arrangements were now undertaken at the water line (there being no drop toilet).

The next morning was a little cloudier, and by now our packing up procedure was getting a bit slicker so we made good time, and headed North West along Cramer Passage to a lunchtime stop at Echo Bay. Similar to Telegraph Cove, this small community was largely built on stilts and seems to revolve around a tourist boat marina, although I guess it was originally associated with the logging industry. As it was early September and past the Canadian Labour Day holiday weekend (signifying the end of the summer season), the marina was virtually empty, and the village shop was similarly uninspiring, but there was the luxury of flushing toilets and hot water!

Whilst here, we visited Billie’s museum, about a 2 km walk through woods and meadows – people we met had said they had seen a bear in the vicinity earlier, so the spray carrier was sent to the front of our small crocodile - what about ‘tail end Charlie’! Anyway, we all arrived safely at the museum which consisted of one man’s collection of memorabilia ranging from old logging paraphernalia, saws, massive portable chain saws, beer bottles and magazines, all housed to two old wooden sheds, all very rustic.

“...I s lip grea ped and imme sy rock. It fell on a s lo diate t ly fel otally win ping piec de ta e ches t – w severe p d me, an of as my d a After trip o in across I my retracing our ver? ” steps back to the boats, we then paddled due north, to camp at another sub-group of islands called the Burdwood Islands. Again very similar to the earlier campsites, pitching under the canopy of pines trees, and although the advantage is that the sites are very sheltered, the downside is that everything is perpetually damp. As well as the big mess tarp, we also had a smaller tarp that went over our own tent so we were able to keep things mostly dry. We had now reached our most northerly incursion into the Broughton Islands, and next day saws us starting to head west and then southwest, skirting around the westerly edge of the archipelago. We were now more exposed to the wind and fetch coming across Queen Charlotte Strait.

The highlight today was after the lunch stop we paddled around a headland to be confronted by around 30 sea lions hauled out on a tiny islet. Sea lions can become aggressive so we didn’t get too close, but on land they looked enormous and were ungainly, they made a barking sound very reminiscent of the sound of two stroke dirt track motorbikes. Strangely, and from previous experience Mike knew that this was one of the few places in the region he could get a 4G signal on his phone – essential for getting up to date weather forecasts.

Although we could see the next campsite from some distance, we continued dodging in and out of small islands, avoiding the worst of the weather, until we got to a point where the wind was dead ahead, and we headed out into the open across to White Cliff Island; a lumpy crossing, but everyone made it, overall a respectable 34km. Unlike the other campsites, this was on a big lump of rock virtually devoid of trees, with just some low lying bushes probably because it was a lot more exposed to the elements. The landing was interesting; up until now we had been accustomed to sheltered, gradual shelving beaches, either small rocks or shells, now we had a sloping rock ledge with a swell coming in, not a place you want to capsize with a fully loaded boat. But we all coped. The fact that we were paddling fibreglass boats heightened the tension as we did not want to damage them,

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TIME FOR SWEETIES! especially in such a remote spot.

A tradition that developed over the trip was after the evening meal was finished and washed up, a brew would be made and drunk on a nearby promontory watching the sun go down, watching the wildlife, just unwinding. Occasionally someone would spot or hear an orca or more often a humpback whale, very often you would hear a sea lion or see otters. And so tonight we all sat on a piece of driftwood watching the world go past.

The next day dawned drizzly, with the promise of heavy rain and fog, and whilst walking over to the mess area I slipped and fell on a sloping piece of greasy rock. It totally 27

winded me, and I immediately felt a severe pain across my chest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was my trip over? I had visions of having to be airlifted off the island. After I got my breath back and a first aid assessment with Mike, he concluded that the damage was most likely soft tissue, torn muscle/ligament, rather than broken bone.

Fortunately I was still able to paddle, albeit rather gingerly, however I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to push myself out of my boat on landing, and had to be unceremoniously pulled out! (I did go to the local A&E when we returned to civilisation and after a number of tests and x-rays they confirmed that I had indeed suffered soft tissue damage - but the pain did continue for the

“With dusk approaching we walked over rocks to a promontory and watched the sun setting (by now the weather had cleared), and in the stillness and dark you could hear whales breathing and sea lions barking or grunting somewhere off shore” next 6 weeks and I remember that sneezing and turning over in the sleeping bag was very painful).

By the time we launched the weather had turned wetter, and a low mist began to envelope us, and as we didn’t have far to travel today, we spent a lot of time drifting, waiting for the magical appearance of orcas and humpbacks, the latter being more numerous today. As they came up to the surface to breathe their movement was almost in slow motion, sedate and dignified, but still very impressive.

It was very much the luck of the draw whether or not you got up close to a pod, and you would often see the whale watching boats

disappearing over the horizon acting on a good tip off – with kayaks being that much slower we just had to be patient and hope we were in the path of the pod.

By now we were totally enveloped in mist and rain, unable to see any land for a good hour. Eventually the compass bearing came good and we stopped for a very welcome lunch break and the chance to warm up. I had gotten very cold with the mornings lackadaisical paddling. Suitably refreshed and warmed we paddled on to the evening campsite at Double Bay on Hanson Island, still in the pouring rain. The first task on landing was to put the big tarp up to provide shelter, after that the team ingeniously created a ‘kitchen table’, with suitable bracing and lashings to act as a platform for cooking, surprisingly effective and stable. By now the rain had eased and we were able to put our own tents up in the dry, although the trees continued dripping for some time.

With dusk approaching we walked over rocks to a promontory and watched the sun setting (by now the weather had cleared), and in the stillness and dark you could hear whales breathing and sea lions barking or grunting somewhere off shore – very surreal.

The penultimate day of our expedition took us back to our first night campsite at Kaikash Creek, paddling along and across Johnstone Strait, again keeping a watchful eye open for whales, and although there were sightings they were in the distance.

For lunch we got close to the Ecological Reserve in the hope of seeing whales on the rubbing beach, but today was not going to be our day, so back up the Strait to the campsite. Ironically, when we were off the water and the evening meal was being prepared a pod of orcas swam tantalisingly close by going up the Strait!

The last day saw us reluctantly pack up in the sunshine and head back to Telegraph Cove, ever hopeful of catching our last sighting of wildlife, but apart from seeing bald eagles we were soon back at the Cove, unpacking and cleaning our boats out. After a weeks worth of grime, salt and sweat from paddling and wild camping, a hot bath at the motel in Port McNeill was a good way to end the trip.

With all the wonderful wildlife documentaries on TV, it is easy to become blasé about the images, but seeing them in real life, in their environment is something special that I shall not forget. Thanks Mike for a great trip.

I remember reading an article in the Canoeing magazine some time ago where the author exhorted the reader to ‘go and smell the pine scent’ (referring to Dalsand in Sweden) similarly I say go and listen to the whales!

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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

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 31st march 2019.

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Did you know that Canoe-Camper is now online? The magazine is exclusively on issuu.com and is downloadable on android and apple products. You can now follow us on twitter to keep up to date with all things Canoe Camping Club! Just type in @canoecampermag and click follow! Join us now on Facebook for an exclusive digital colour copy. www.facebook.com/groups/162317170629300/

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The Canoe-Camper is going digital!

From Spring 2019, The Canoe Camper will be going digital.

Each quarter a digital version of the magazine will be sent to you via email. If you would like to keep receiving a physical copy of The Canoe Camper, please tick the box below and send to: Josie Faulkner 23 Somerville Road Eton Windsor Berkshire SL4 6PB or email magazine@canoecampingclub.co.uk

by Sunday 31st March 2019

I would like to continue receiving printed copies of The Canoe Camper Name:..................................................................................................

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