On Sunday 13th of May 7 Nomads, 2 family members and a friend traveled to Wargrave to paddle the beautiful Thames and Abbey Stream and picnic in the sunshine, led by Peter and Matt.
Notwithstanding a couple of late comers (you know who you are) we got on the water by 11am and set off up the Thames in glorious sunshine. Despite some rain earlier in the week, the current in the Thames was only moderate, so getting to the lock and the first portage was not too arduous. From the lock the Thames opened out above the weir and past the island to Shiplake College, where some of us were starting to feel hungry already and were keeping an eye out for a picnic spot. We took a detour to the right round the island before rejoining the main stream and continued up a quarter of a mile before spotting a previous picnic spot on the left.
After lunch, the usual kayaking kit and trip discussions and suitably refreshed we set off again the short distance upstream to the willow lined entrance to St Patrick’s stream. For some it was their first visit to the stream and they were suitably impressed as we we wound our way down through the beautiful countryside practicing breaking out behind reed banks and trees as we went.
About half way down we stopped to spend an enjoyable time surfing the fast moving water and ferry gliding at the three arched bridge leading from the Thames. Everyone did very well in the deceptively fast flowing water and we had no swimmers this time. Our journey continued winding down amongst the luxury glass sheds on stilts to rejoin the Thames and drift gently back down to the put in.
Thanks to everyone for coming on the trip and Peter and Matt for leading. To be repeated next year.