River Leven: Thursday 20th.
Paddlers (13) : Euan, Alex, Cory, Ross, Adam, Michael, Oliver, Nat, Robin, Adele, Gregor, Grant, Geoff
Report: A good turnout on a dullish evening did the annual trip down the Leven. This year the flow was quite limited and in the lower reaches was completely negated by the incoming tide. As a consequence we took almost 2hr 30 mins. However there was enough water for an enjoyable experience and the rain held off.
Loch Lomond Saturday 22nd/Sunday 23rd
Paddlers (14): Cory, Ross, Adam, Michael, Nat, Robin, Gregor, Grant, Stewart, Hannah , Eleanor, Stuart, Rachel, Geoff
Report: The weather forecast was not great with heavy rain and very strong winds on the Sunday. More than one person was expecting cancellation but, because of the relatively sheltered nature of the planned trip the decision was made to continue. Consequently the group gathered at 2pm and after the usual problems of beginners fitting their gear into boats, we set off for Inchconnachan for a wallaby hunt.
At the normal site the group split. Stewart, Geoff and Eleanor were lucky enough to spot one in the dense undergrowth, purely because it moved as we approached. There is one in the next photo.
Despite the cloud cover it was dry and the views, as usual were fantastic
The weather stayed dry as we rounded InchConnachan and headed for our camp site on Inchvannach.
On arrival tents were pitched, barbeques lit and a fire built and lit. Nat and Robin erected their Gazebo which proved very popular when the rain arrived. Stewart and Geoff, meanwhile, erected a conical shelter over the fire.
After food Geoff, Stewart and Eleanor had a short trip to pick up Hannah. During this trip it began to rain very heavily and continued off and on throughout the evening and night. Despite the wet and because it was becoming horribly midgy, most went out for an evening paddle getting back just as the light started to fail at 10.30. A late swim was undertaken by some. All had retreated to their tents by midnight.
The Sunday morning was bright and quite dry but blustery. We cooked breakfast and were off soon after 10am
The paddle up through the narrows was fine but we exited straight into a north westerly wind blowing around force 4, occasionally gusting much higher. It was an important lesson that kayaking can be a challenge and that the Loch can be a very dangerous and unforgiving place. However all coped well (if slowly).
Because the wind was expected to increase during the day we had arranged to finish at 11am and duly got to Ardlochlay at 11.10. An excellent weekend.