News Flash: Latest trip report from the Wye From your Rover River Reporter Ramsden

9-12 Feb 2001
Campers put up tent in freezing artic condition,

Mats Tent flattens by storms [Mine stays up],

Marcos' heroics end in disaster...

and Lucy looses memory for 4 hours, Sunday morning.
We can safely say that the Sunday jaunt down the Wye was certainly one of epic proportions. The nights heavy wind and rains were still tickling its fancy when we finally got on the river at about 11.30! The first 30 mins were spent paddling side-ways just for a straight line. Mike was even using his paddles as sails [bless]. Well it all started on Saturday by some canoeist's being banished from the Marteg section by the environmental officer, cunningly disguise as a Post-man [who is probably also the local councillor, pub land-lord and drug runner]. By the way, there has to be an all new level of wuss-ness for those who had to caravan it! And those who got B & B's ! well you know were the door is, get your coats! The Rest of Saturday I can't remember! Apart from the majority of us getting drunk in 'The White Pub' and then going on to the rugby club! Of course I was in bed asleep by 11.30. Well I've had a hard week - no sleep! Anyway 8am sunday, Jon mutters 'get up' in his sleep, so were up at 10.30 having breakfast! . From then on we are racing to get on to the river which is also racing at the same speed, when we realise that mother nature is have a laugh and the beginners are cacking their kegs. Well the first bit of action isn't long in coming, [Marco is hit for six]. A man of stealth, mystery, Mr in control himself, suddenly finds that he's in 'row ya boat' mode - paddles split! - confused look all round - time for a break. Well what a hero he decided to run that gauntlet with a half that paddle....ARH angels swoon, the gods are blushing! what an amazing site .....oops he's gone in. Consumed into mother nature bosom like a new born, then washed up like an old hag! He walks from the competition, head held low! Next Dead sheep rapid... Has decided to change it's character out of all recognition! So the Leading group decide to get out and watch Hippy John [loosing a shoe] head butt the tree that we all were trying to avoid and Clement more impressively getting sucked under the tree, along with Jon and both being spatt out the other side. So with Marco out, Lindsey and mat walking home 1/2 way, leaves the remaining field to retrieve canoes and equipment from thoughs bastard trees, which always happened to end up on the wrong side of the river. Who the hell said they wanted rain on Saturday night then, dam them! The river was an all time bitch. That heavy rain through night meant that I missed 3/4 of all my breaks out! And I almost did the dead sheep rapid backwards. but 'obviously' I made it! [Did any one see Laura swim?] Oh and Xcavia was last seen clinging to a branch mid river! Anyway Thanks to Jon again organising and Katie for her back up. Thanks to the river leaders and rescuers. Best performance: Has to be clement who was surfing those waves like an angel. Although he swam! we'll blame the Wye for that one. I'm also still wondering why Russian Mike was complaining about the wet - cold river [1/2 way done] !?* Can someone explain that one? Rover River Reporter Ramsden signing of, have a nice break see you at the Gower.