The Preperation

The year of 2012 is set to be a special year for a number of reasons. To kick start the events six adventurous paddlers’ intent heading to the Scottish Highlands in search of some adrenaline filled rivers.

In order to turn this trip into something other than a dream several weeks prior to leaving, a lot of work had to go into modifying Jason’s vehicle and the restoration of the club canoe trailer. Yes we will get six people into an already heavily modified two seater van.

With fresh blood circulating the engine and a newly fitted tow bar work could begin on the trailer. A complete overhaul saw the trailer turn from a lifeless rusty frame to a shiny pimped up silver beast. In our search for various parts, one of them being pipe lagging, Alex says “we’ve got some of that in our loft”. (Alan), “I think that’s meant to be there. Ask your parents before you removing it”.

Our trip consists of an action packed week at the highly recommended Glenmore Lodge in the Craigomes. Once there we aim to push the boundaries of our stamina and day light to paddle as many of the best sections of White Water Scotland has to offer. The aim for a select few is to finish the week having paddled the famous drop Right-Angle on the river Etive. For everyone else it’s quite simply to stay in their boat and out of A & E.

The stay at Glenmore should be quite a novelty as we get on-suite rooms, 4 meals a day, as much spare kit as needed, useful after a swim and you watched half your kit float off into the distance, transport to & from the rivers. And if that wasn’t enough you could have a sport massage, a go on the climbing wall, a sauna or just chill out in the bar.

Last year in the French Alps the wonderful words of encouragement “Man Up” was used a lot for anyone who was looking for a way out. This year I think the words will be added to with “Because golf and football only require one ball” “are you a real man?”

With no more preparation to be done, its time to load the bags into the van “How big is that bag, I could climb inside it”, “You said these only space for one bag each”, “it takes up a quarter of the boot space” hitch the trailer and drive virtually the full length of the country. Let’s hope these still some water when we get there!