All,
This white water trip should be the Barle from Tar Steps down to Dulverton, If you liked the Lower Dart you'll love the Barle it's in the heart of Exmoor and fairly wild.
But it can be filled with canoeist worse enemy- bad tempered landowners - no sorry I mean trees. It can be pretty fast from the start and there may be a need to do an emergency break out to avoid a river wide deadly tree....
Last year there was a totally one sided restrictive access agreement so the committee can't approve this trip but I think it is a load of old pony so I've not checked Exmoor Nat Park website therefore I guess it has been done away with and I'm paddling however be aware we could all end up in court....
As always it will depend on river levels and as I'm setting this up away from home I can't quite remember what a good level is - I'll up date as we get closer.
We also need a good number of experienced paddlers and chain saws
Meet at the club to leave by 08.00 - as we have less daylight and I like to have a 50% safety margin on the water.
It's about a 2:15 drive. With the longer shuttle run- getting past robbers and sheep we probably won't be home much before 19:00, so another full but hopefully fun day.
If you like badgers you won't like the landowner as he is a Dutch(?) Vet/Microbiologist who wants to kill all badgers...
Please register if you intend to come, it has car details and if driving how many boats you can carry, plus emergency contact details that make it a little easier for the organisers.
What to bring -
Warm paddling clothes even though it's in Devon it's could be cold
Shoes to paddle in and possibly walk around one weir like drop.
Boat - one that will be comfortable for several hours
Paddle and Spray-deck - make sure it fits and won't just pop off too easily
Helmet and Buoyancy Aid
A hot drink is getting more important - an unbreakable flask (attached) in the back of your boat is good
Water - plenty of exercise paddling like energizer bunnies
Food - high energy food is best (flapjacks/Mars bars/banana etc. are good - and as I've apparently got a no stopping reputation, easy to eat on the move)
A towel that is big enough to keep you warm whilst changing on the side of the road.
A waterproof jacket and dry warm clothes to get changed into.
Transport
Normally we share the cost of the fuel (220+ miles so could be around £30-£50).
Jon Brown
07966 156267