CSCC Reports 2011: River Arun - July 2011

 On Sunday 24 July we paddled on the beautiful River Arun in Sussex. We welcomed Alice on her first trip and welcomed back Nick from his globe trotting adventures.  More regular paddlers Mark W., Bridget, Chris, Chris S., Eleanor, David G., Richard S. and Dan J. were also able to paddle.

After a straightforward car journey from Chiswick, we launched at Pulborough Bridge and headed upstream towards Pallingham.  We had opted to avoid a car shuttle.  We paddled in a range of shortish kayaks and canoes.  Two of our new Wild One kayaks had their maiden voyage and proved popular.

There wasn't much of flow on this section of the Arun, because we were some way from the sea and it was neaps.  Within an hour or so we made it to the upper stretches of the river.  Here it becomes a bit jungly and Chris had to get out his saw at one stage so that he could remove a blockage and we could continue our journey.  

On the return journey we stopped for a late lunch at the White Hart Pub at Stopham Bridge.  A rare attempt at charm on my part backfired when I told the proprietor how much I had enjoyed my home-made Scotch eggs on my previous visit.  Seemingly the man who made them had left the business, taking his secret recipe with him.  Happily the pub's staff was still able to provide us with tasty meals which we ate in glorious sunshine in the beer garden.  A very relaxing afternoon.