DART TRIP Nov 2004

Friday afternoon and off we depart for the Dart, five up in Chunder's Disco. The short journey around the M25 to the M4 is accompanied by a few requests to stop at the next service station, the requests being more frequent and anxious as we reach the M5 and as per tradition, Chunder smiles and keeps on going. Finally half way down the M5 we stop to everyone's relief! The passengers open two bottles of bubbly as the Police car drives past then we all sit back in comfort enjoying the refreshments for the remainder of the journey. As we arrive at the bunk house it looks just the same as it has before, and probably still the same as it was 200 years ago. A fire was quickly lit and the building steadily filled with to a very sociable 22 people, including a number of new faces. Once all assembled it was off to the local for some more light refreshments. I am currently unable to remember much more of the Friday night, possibly due to the refreshments on route, except the 84dB of snoring which ran all night.

Saturday morning, porridge and bacon rolls consumed it's off to the get in, water levels being fairly low at 6 inches below the ledge. Everyone in for a play on the first wave where Eleanor immediately practiced her T rescues. Such enthusiasm should be encouraged in all new members.

Saturday evening, its back to the bunk house for quick hot shower (and a quick cold shower courtesy of whoever threw the bucket of water over the top of the shower door, thanks) followed by sufficient sausage and mash to feed Africa and finished off with half a family size fruit pie each. It's back to the pub for libation before starting the games at the bunk house. We had the most wonderful game of blow football, girls versus boys with the eventual winner bring the referee. This was followed by the paper off the floor game where our previously undefeated Andrew was beaten by the 'porn start' (Ed - No justification with this new nick name that I know about anyway.) Also followed by the highly technical straw passing game, it's crossed... No its not. Well done Phil !

What happened to the rampant rabbit!

Sunday paddling was rather more eventful than the Saturday, probably due to some tiredness from the previous day. In summary, most of the girlies swum once, except for the white-water experienced Kerry, who didn't swim once, but twice. That's once more than Eleanor who was on her first white water trip. Where's that Paxo award?

Boats back on the car, back to the bunk house for tea and cleanup then the journey home. It was an excellent weekend with a good turnout of people, thanks Lee for organising the trip.

Pyro.