Dragon Paddlers

The team: Matt, Dave, Mark, Adam, John O', John C, Euros, Owain and me (Hywel).

The river: Wye, from Dernol to Rhayadr (Rhaeadr Gwy in Welsh which as you may have forgotten means Waterfall of the Wye). UK River Guide description:http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/wyeupper.htm

Water level: pretty high. According to John O', the Environment Agency said 1.17m on the gauge at 06.00 that morning.

Although we left Abercynon at 9.00 we didn't get on the water until after 12. The water speed then meant a fairly quick trip, over by around 14.15 (followed by a visit to the Lamb and Flag, we got home around 17.15).

Memorable events:
1. not recognising the Letterbox (where I got back-flipped and stuck in the slot before swimming on my last trip a couple of years ago, in very low water). High water meant it merged with the drop on river right.
2. Owain took a swim on one of the falls.
3. Euros rolled in anger on a river for the first time- twice, most impressively when caught in the stopper just above Town Falls.
4. Me, the only fool to try the main drop at Town Falls, capsizing and eventually swimming as my leg lost its grip on my third attempt at a reverse screw roll.

An exhilarating trip, excellent fun. Thanks to all participants.

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