This weekend some of us had planned a trip to Wales to ascent Try fan with a bit of camping, the date was set by our Mountain Leader Val so Dave for once had no say about the weather :)) .
All set to go and with a weather check and safety in mind we saw a storm approaching with high winds predicted, all in agreement we postponed the trip until the weather will improve, they named the storm “storm Dave” for some reason.
Not being a group that will just sit at home, we decided to go for a very sheltered water paddle in the Tring area.
Val was interested in trying Kayaking as a new hobby and 3 of us planned to meet up and go for a look up the Wendover arm of the Grand Union Canal.
Brendan was on a SUP and brought the wrong hat, and both Dave and Val were in kayaks.
The weather was somewhat cloudy but not especially cold, and as we kitted up and Dave explained to Val the basics before entering the water
There were no dramas and Val was soon paddling in a straight line (or controlled zig zag) up the GUC towards the Wendover Arm cut.
We knew the WA had been closed halfway along due to an historic water leak and that it may never open again, so getting to the turning bowl without a portage was not on the cards this time.
After a quick refreshment stop with the angry swan we continued towards Wendover before being halted by the blockage.
The water level on the other side of the disused lock was considerably lower than the last time we were here, maybe confirming there is a leak.
The wind was picking up ahead of storm Dave and we decided to start our return journey passing the angry swan and Haygates flour mill before turning right and finishing at the Grand Junction Arms pub where we de kitted, clean and dried our kit before loading up and retiring into the pub for a refreshing beverage.
on the trip as always, Brendan was on litter patrol while Dave coached Val. the arm seemed very clean, probably due to the lack of boat traffic and flow direction but he still managed a bit. (Well done and thank you Brendan).
Write up by Dave.
Good to see mr feathers the swan is still at home and still dislikes paddlers – wouldnt be the little tring strech without him