First winter trip to the River Usk in south Wales proved to be an excellent choice for a club trip on white water. The weather forecast was looking good. Water levels in past years have been low and the trips a bump and scrape. This time there were weather warnings for north Wales of heavy rain.

On Saturday the rain promised was accompanied by high winds. The temperature was however mild. Those that had kitted themselves out properly for a winter trip were treated to an excellent fast flow with pillow like waves. For those dressed more for the summer with Bermuda shorts and tee shirt the day was a little more uncomfortable -  ….Note to self……..Prepare a suitable Christmas list comprising thermal underwear, more thin layers to control temperature and for one individual ….. Remember to pack both wetsuit boots next time!

For many club members this was their first white water trip.  Being more used to paddling the calm summer waters of the Thames the need to be able to use the water, dip in and out of fast flowing waters, cross a current and end up in an eddy was a novel feature. It requires confidence and good individual judgement of the river conditions.  Miss a stroke and there is no going back. Move to plan B. Always have a plan B.

Saturday morning’s rain gave way to Saturday afternoon’s torrential rain and high wind, always in our face. At the end of the trip I found myself sitting on a street corner in Llangynidr village. Water was streaming down my hat brim. Surface water had turned the streets in to rivers. In canoeing terms a good day!  The evening was spent in Tallybont Youth Hostel. For those who have memories of sweat smelling dormitories of 12 bunks, chores and curling sandwiches things have changed. Double and quad rooms, duvets and freshly laundered bedding.  Dining with table service and a bar. Don’t tell anyone or we won’t get in next time!

Sunday started with more rain. We checked out the river which had risen a metre over night. Good for the leaders but not for the group. Plan B. We moved to the River Wye at Ross. The river here was high but smooth flowing– about 2.5 m above the level we tackle it with the juniors on their May trip. Whilst we waited for the transport Minibus to be transferred down stream to the end we watched trees uprooted in the floods effortlessly floating down stream, each a potential battering ram to be avoided.

The rain became lighter and eventually the sun came out. Launching just above the bridge we floated down stream. The banks passed at a steady jogging pace. Bends were a hazard as the swollen stream tended to push you into the arms of overhanging branches. These are like the tentacles of an octopus. Once snared, very difficult to escape.

Goodrich castle hove into view silhouetted high on the west bank and shortly afterwards as the river turned smartly right, our finish at Kern Bridge. We watched as a tree that had passed us earlier slammed into the bridge support and deflected across the stream ending up caught by one end on the opposite side.  Two tonnes of wood gently bobbing as we passed under the arch.

The exit, usually a scramble 3m up a muddy bank was more or less level with the car park. A trip that would usually take perhaps 2 hours took about half that time.

Back into the minibus and home. Thanks to Kevin Nutt for organising a super trip and driving us around for the whole weekend.