CSCC Reports 2009: New Year's Day Paddle - January 2009

The traditional New Year's Day Thames paddle took place with Gordon, Alex and Dan J. all in a fit state to join the trip organiser, Bridget.  What better way to get rid of a few cobwebs than a bracing day on the water with a few friends?

We paddled a 'round trip' from Hurst Park near Hampton Court, initially heading upstream for a couple of hours.  We passed Sunbury Lock (taking advantage of a facility there for kayaks and rowing boats, similar to rollers), before turning around and coasting back on the current. 

We stopped at 'The Weir' pub for lunch to thaw out our feet and to take advantage of the excellent food, beer and tea.  There were two other lunch possibilities near the lock, but the access from the river would not have been quite as straightforward.   

Bridget's new Olympus waterproof digital camera seemed to work OK and hopefully she and Gordon will be able to provide some photos of the trip.

Get in / Parking: Hurst Park, Sadler's Ride, Molesey. Upstream of Hampton Court and Molesey Lock, opposite Garricks Ait (Grid Ref TQ 140692, Postcode: KT8 1ST)  Parking here is free and plentiful with an automated loo (20p).  Virtually no portage is involved, if you have a standard height car and can drive past the overhead barrier.  Alex travelled by train with his folding kayak and caught up the rest of the party.

Our thanks go to Bridget for all the careful planning which went into organising this trip. 

Gordon's pics here
http://s235.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/gordonanderson179/cssc/010109/