Flat Water paddle - Aston

Sunday 2nd July 2006 a group of 16 of us paddled down the river Thames. We met at the centre at 10:00 and left at around 10:30 in a mixture of kayaks and canoes. So we set off at a leisurely pace.

We went through the first lock which was very interesting if not a little confusing for a person who has never been through a lock before (I still don’t understand how they work).

We went down St Patrick’s stream, bypassing Shiplake lock, trying to avoid the fishermen. Down stream we encountered a fallen tree, but Marion got out and hauled us all over, if she hadn’t done this Steve had a saw just in case! Everyone was looking out for the metal dragon in one of the gardens.

We took a 20 minute break for lunch in Wargrave. Then carried swiftly on, passing lots of lovely houses in Wargrave, I have now found my dream house!!

Through a few more locks and we were on to Henley. This weekend was the finale of Henley Regatta so it was quite busy. It was very entertaining paddling down the side of the racecourse, watching the people moored up to watch the races with their Pimms! And the large boats going past created waves in all directions.

Once through Henley we were on the home straight, to the ‘Flower Pot’ pub where we met the parents who were giving lifts back to the Centre to get the trailer.

The weather was great, and I think we all topped up our tans, while having great fun.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, and thank you to Marion for organising the trip.

by Lisa Symons