The weather was warm and dry . The water level was good after some recent rain. All was set for a good weekend.

We changed the format this year and dispensed with the river trip from Kern Bridge. Instead we launched our boats from the site and paddled up stream the 500m to the Symonds Yat Rapids.

 For some it was their second camp whilst for others the white water was a new experience. The British Canoe Union purchased the site in 2007 and set about changing the river bed to make it better for canoeists. They have deepened the main stream and built some walls to create a good safe flow and some excellent breakouts. We spent a happy session there before moving on up stream to a favourite rock on a bend in the river. Here the brave or dumb hurled  themselves into the water from a great height with or without a canoe.

 That over we then returned to the camp site for a late lunch before going for a walk. Our destination was the view point at above Symonds Yat here we met the RSPB who have set up a viewing facility to look at nesting Penguines. The bird expert held the attention of the kids especially Rupert who managed to turn the conversation to Basking Sharks via the Bugatti Veyron. I had lost the plot by then!

Sunday's weather was also excellent and on the strength of the good fun had the day before we abandoned the programmed trip down river to Monmouthin favour of more play at Symonds Yat. Brilliant but very busy.

It was good to see some of the old club members attend this year. Chris Seater who has recently moved to this side of the country. Don Bealing who hasn't but insists on coming from oop north on his annual pilgrimage, now with his son Lawrence. Helping this year we had Val and Kevin Woods, Rachel Herbert my daughter with her tribe, Mark Potter, Pete and Moira Holloway and their daughter Hannah. Thanks to all for making it such a success.

Keith