November trip - Tyne Tour 7/8th

Steve T · November trip - Tyne Tour 7/8th

Just received details for this year's Tyne Tour, first weekend in November.

http://www.tynetour.co.uk/

A full weekend of guaranteed white water, camping and a ceilidh on Saturday night. Poster here:

http://www.freewebs.com/westhoughtoncanoeclub/Tyne%20Tour%202009.pdf

Steve

Jon W

Could be interested in going to this...the social calendar is free so far.

Mel Stoddart

That sounds like a fun weekend, count me in

GrahamS

Looks good - bommy weekend as well!

CarlS

Should be okay as well. Camping?

Steve T

CarlS

I'm up for camping but only if Graham brings his friend Mr J walker and Mel moonwalks again.

Mike

Camping Yes! Kielder release Yes! Pink Guinness No!

Phil

Im up for camping and i ll leave the blackcurrant at home

GrahamS

I may leave the scotch at home as I've just ordered a keg of Guiness and a catering pack of Ribena for those that need it...

LALA

Like your style Graham.

Phil

[quote]The practice of drinking Guinness with lemonade is rumoured to have started with the New Zealand rugby team

Thats off Jons link on the Liffey dissent page so if Lemonade is good enough for them i can get away with the pink stuff.
Bet they never used a straw though

GrahamS

Phil - you're talking about a nation that thinks it's scary and initimidating to dance whilst sticking your tongue out!

Steve T

Application forms for tickets are now on the Tyne Tour website. Please don't send off for your own as I'll collate all the club applications and they will then allocate a space for all of us together. There is a set of rules we are required to read, here: http://www.tynetour.co.uk/TTBrochure09.pdf

Ticket price is £20.00, to include two days' paddling, shuttle buses to get drivers back to the top, two nights' camping and the ceilidh on Saturday night. Non-paddlers' ceilidh tickets are £8.00. There are a limited number of caravan spaces so if Darren is planning to take his then we should get our application in with plenty of time to spare. I'll be looking to get it in during September, so I'll be running round with the form chasing money when I get back from holiday.

Steve

Steve T

Bit of useful background about the Tyne Tour here:
http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=53471

From this and the other stuff I have read it sounds like lots of grade 2 - 3 touring which should be ideal for us but the organisers are very adamant about keeping novices out of the grade 3 - 4 Warden Gorge section, even threatening action against clubs.

I can see the point, having been just one of those soon-to-be-swimming novices at the Mike Jones Rallies on the Dee many years ago. The result is carnage, with hordes of swimmers, boats and rescuers running up and down the banks. Portaging, or even inspection, is not an option on this stretch since not only is there an access issue, but it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (just like the inside of my wetsuit boots).

We will have to go along with the organisers' requests, so I'd suggest that we arrange the shuttle so that we run the trip down to Barrasford, then those who can do the gorge will carry on while the rest get out. I think we can use performance on the Lower Tryweryn and Tees barrage trips to judge who is suitable for this bit.

Steve

Phil

Mike

i'll be ready for grade 4 by then lol

Allen

Having done the TyneTour 5 times now it's a great weekend. We have done for a warm up day on Saturday Bellingham or Wark to Barrisford grade 1-2 with some 3 in. It depends how far you want to paddle you will get info with your tickets. Then on Sunday we have done Barrisford to Warden's Gorge which is grade 3 -4 depending on water level; this is a stretch once started there is no return so you have to be capable. Beware the large weir at the stone road bridge before you get to Warden's Gorge as it has trees at the bottom where you have to do a turn to avoid them. It can be inspected by getting out before the road bridge on the left and walking across the bridge. When in Warden's Gorge you'd best keep to the right down the chicken shoot as the way through on the left has a 10 foot vertical drop.
This tour is very popular so parking gets filled up quickly, especially at Hexham. An early start is the only way round that.
We have never camped at Hexham as it gets crowded (a lot of them are students) with everything that comes with it: tents very close to each other, noisy, there can be Bonfire fireworks let off between tents and the toilets are portaloos and some toilets for the park which get in a state as the weekend progresses.
I won't be going as I have done it enough for now and have other things on anyway but wish you lot a great time. There is a good atmosphere with everyone there so happy paddling!
Allen

Mike

What is the state of play for this, the club still getting tickets on our behalf?

Mike

Steve T

Mike

I will have the group ticket form tomorrow and at club meets for the next few weeks. If you accost me with £20 in your sticky mitt and sign the form then I'll send it off once I've got everyone. The brochure requests that groups apply together so that they can allocate us our own space on the campsite.

On a general point (not aimed specifically at you, Mike) please see the comments above from Allen re: Warden's Gorge and the organisers' entirely reasonable request not to take novices through this stretch. Anyone who was out on Sunday now knows what grade IV looks like and as leaders we will have to decide who can and cannot run the gorge. We do know what we're doing (a bit) so please respect this, for your own safety, as well as that of the rest of the group, and for the potential knock on effects to the club and the leaders (it has been stated that action may be taken against organised groups and we might want to go back next year).

The rapid will always be there to be run when the current group of novices has developed to that level.

Steve

Steve T

I will have the form tomorrow, which needs signatures from all paddlers. I will want to send it off within a couple of weeks. The £20 covers the event whether or not you are camping on the designated field or at another site somewhere. It also covers entry to the ceilidh.

Please get your cash to me and sign the form ASAP. If you won't be at the pool in the next week or two, let me know and I'll sort something out. Maybe you could send off your own form but then you might not end up pitched near the rest of us.

I think that the following are planning to attend, let me know if I'm wrong:

Me
Carl
Jon
Mel
Darren (& Helen for the ceilidh)
Mike
Phil
Lisa
Graham

Cheers
Steve

Mel Stoddart

I'll bring £20 and a pen to the pool tomorrow.

Bradshaws · Tyne tour

Hi Steve
Helen and I have aready booked by the web site .Also we have booked the camp site due to the size of the van. Thanks Anyway see you Wed

GrahamS

Sorry I've missed the last couple of pool sessions - is it too late to get my name on your form Steve?

Steve T

Graham

I'd like to get it sent after next week's (14/10) pool meet so you're OK. In fact I only have Mel, Phil, Lisa & myself signed-up so far, so I'll be looking to get the rest this week.

If anyone won't be around next Wednesday, maybe you could download the form, complete it and post it to me with a cheque so I can send it with the group form? If you need to do this then let me know and I'll PM/email you my address.

Steve

Steve T

Reminder:

Carl
Jon
Mike
Graham
Cash & signatures tomorrow please.

Phil
Lisa
I have your signatures but that's not the bit I'm really interested in!

I'll send the form after Wednesday's meet. After that it will still be possible to make your own arrangements but you might be on your own at the muddy end of the field.

Steve

LALA

Ok Guys and Girls

For anyone that are not really interested in camping this weekend and that would like luxery, Darren has put me in touch with Haining Head Farm, Bellingham, Hexham where he is staying in his caravan for the weekend. This is approximately 17miles from the Tyne Tour.

This site has a log cabin with 2 x double Bedrooms including en-suite in both rooms. There is a Kitchen and living space. I have volentered to cook a spag bol one night and i think graham will sort a curry for another night.

We have to book it from Friday till Monday 3 nights stay and its £50.00 per night (obviously you do not need to stay the Sunday night). To save on cost i asked the site could we have an extra 2 people stay over and have Sleeping bags in the living area, this is so we could save on money. The gentleman was happy with this arrangement.

So here goes cost wise - it would be £150.00 divide by 6 people = £25.00 for the stay in the cabin per person.

They also allow tents on site but they dont have toilet blocks, however they have a disposable waste for personal toilets. I was also thinking (providing we can fill the log cabin) if there where people that wanted to stay and camp here (so that the club are altogether) they could use our log cabin facilities as its only a minute walk away from the tent / caravans.

Its £10.00 for an electric hook up and £6.00 for NON electric hook up for tents.

At the moment myself and Phil, Graham and Jen are up for the log cabin, this means we would need 2 more peolpe to stay in the cabin.

I believe Mike Is also Intereseted. Please let me know Mike.

Please post here if anyone is intereseted so i can organise the booking. If we dont get 6 people to stay in the cabin then i dont think it would be worth it to book it.

Steve, Myself and Phil will bring our £20.00 down to the pool on Wednesday. Hope this is ok.

Regards
Lisa

Steve T

I'm happy to go with the flow - it would be good for the club to keep together. I'm not particularly bothered about a cabin so if you fill that up with six then I'm fine with camping nearby.

I've sent off the form so Wednesday is fine for the money. See you then.

Steve

Mel Stoddart

Hi Lisa,
I'm happy to go for the log cabin option and am OK sleeping on the floor. Be just like camping, but a bit warmer!

LALA

Hi Mel

Yes no probs. Thats great.

Hi Steve

Yes thats great, I can book you on for camping if thats what you would like.

Dear All

If any one else would like to camp please let me know and ill book you a spot.

I have now 5 people and 1 possiable person that will be stopping in the Cabin (please adivse Mike).

I have now booked the Cabin as it looks like i will fill the spaces.

Please can you let me know if you are up for a Spag Bol on the Friday night for tea, as i will be making a batch on the Thursday night to take down with me and want to know how many to cater for.

Regards
Lisa

Steve T

DAMN

Just realised that I haven't got Jon's signature and/or money. However if you apply by yourself it should be no problem as we won't now be having as many tents (if any) on their site as I have stated on the form.

I would hazard a guess that if you're not camping there then you could probably turn up on the Saturday morning and sign on, though I don't know for sure.

Steve

GrahamS

Thanks for that Lisa. Do we owe you anything now?

Likewise if you fancy a curry for Saturday night, let me know.

Mike

Lisa

I am OK for the log cabin on the proviso no-one else wants it...I quite fancy the old boy scout routine camping, but since i expressed my interest and you have commited i shall stay in the log cabin.

FOr those that would of been interested you can by all means take my place. I am happy either way.

Mike

Steve T

Lisa, Graham,
I'm up for a feed both nights if we end up camping near you- let me know how much contribution you want towards it. After a curry I'll probably be glad I'm out in the open and not cooped up in the cabin with the rest of you!

Carl, Jon
It looks like we're the non-cabin, under-canvas group - do you two have any preference between the muddy field full of fireworks and drunken students, and the civilised camp site with pleasant company and good food? It probably makes sense for us to travel together so I'll volunteer the truck for that, there will be one more space available too.

Mike
You need to learn to be careful what you say round here:

LALA

Ok Guys and Lady (Mel)

I have booked the Log Cabin for this weekend and the guy is happy for tents to come on site. I do need to let him know numbers closer to the time.

With regards to Graham, Jen, Mel and Mike (or someone who wants to take your place) who are staying in the cabin you are able to pay £25.00 each on arrival.

Steve

No probs for the spag bol. you dont owe me anything for this, just teach me how to roll with confidence. lol.

If anyone else is still up for spag bol there is time to put your orders in.

Regards
Lisa

Mel Stoddart

Hi Lisa,
Thanks for organising this and can I put an order in for spag bol and curry? I don't eat lamb, but chicken and beef are OK.
I can bring some sort of cake if people want.
Lady Mel

Steve T

Steve T

I understand that Jon's not going now so there will be two spaces available in the paddlewagon, assuming Carl's coming with me.

Steve

CarlS

Yes please, I won't be able to get down to the pool for the next two weeks but am happy to camp and thanks for the offer of a lift (just make sure that there is a Beano for me to read). The comment about Mike fancying Old Boy Scouts has got to a classic entry for 'the book', it must be something to do with the shorts and big hats. Mike, as several of are still members of the movement do you want us to bring our woggles?

Bradshaws

Hi Lisa
What time are you thing of getting there, we should get there between 7 & 8 pm. Can I put an order in for spag bol and curry? for Helen and I.The kids are ok we will get them a pizza or something
See you tonight Darren

Mike

If ever a comment was taken out of context it has to be that one...

Steve T

Welcome to the internet .....

LALA

Hi Mel, yes it will be mince meat, your like me i dont eat Lamb. I love cake so it would be rude to say no.

Hi Steve, No probs any time.

Hi Darren, I will be leaving hopefully approx 3.30pm. Work is letting me finish at 3pm so providing i can sort out baby arrangments tonight i will be leaving definately at 3.30pm.

Lisa

Jon W

Sorry guys...not been able to get on the forum lately at work (damn those filters). Miffed I'm missing this one....I'd pre-arranged a sea kayaking trip and forgot the date. Hope you all have a great time.

Steve T

The Tyne Tour peeps have beaten the post strike and I have today received the river passes & ceilidh tickets for the seven members on my form.

Do you want me to look after / try not to lose them or do you want me to hand them out so you can try not to lose them yourself?

Darren, I guess yours should be with you soon if not already.

Steve

LALA

Hi Steve

Your welcome to keep hold of mine as i might lose it. I will also bring mine and Phils joining fee tomorrow at the pool.

Lisa

Mel Stoddart

Hi Steve,
Do we need them to get onto the site? I can pick mine up tomorrow and try not to leave it at home.
Will leave straight from work on the Friday and hopefully be there about 7.30 - 8ish.

Steve T

I guess you'll only need them when you get on the shuttle buses or to get into the ceilidh. In any case, we won't be going onto the site at first since we're stopping up at Bellingham now.

I'll take them with me tomorrow night and if anyone wants their own then they can have them. Otherwise I'm happy to look after them all, and if I lose them I'll try to find a way of blaming someone else (Who's in charge here?).

Steve

Bradshaws

Hi Steve yes we have received our tickets thanks.
Not sure if I will be at the pool on wed night had man flu all weekend still suffering also I still have to drive home from Cirencester

Mike

Just as a note, i understand our ticket gave us access to the site on the tour, but this new stop...do we have to book a pitch etc as i have no idea were we are staying.

Lisa

I fancy camping to be honest as i av all the gear and no idea, similarly with the kayaking but thats a different topic. I shall though give u 25 pounds for that room in cabin, and use it as a dry room. Thats providing no-one else wants it.

If i need to book my own camp pitch could someone please post details.

Steve T

The ticket covers your camping at the main site, shuttles & ceilidh. We have all paid this. We will be camping at the site in Bellingham with the cabin and Darren's 'van, I think Lisa said that once she knows who will be camping she will notify the owner, this will cost £6.00/night each.

I think it's probably time to sort this out by talking to each other in the real world (tonight at the pool for those who will be there). How's that for an off-the-wall idea?

Mike, do you want a lift? I used to travel up to Bellingham regularly with my old job and it's about a 3-hour run.

Steve

LALA

Ok guys

Sorry iv not been in touch.

I will be down on wednesday at the pool and will need to know numbers on who is camping so i can let the Site know.

I have got down for spag bol the following people:- Lisa / Phil / Steve / Graham / Jenny / Kids / Mel / Darren / Helen

If any one else wants spag bol let me know as i need to prepare enough food.

I will be traveling down at 2pm so hopefully im there quiet early.

Lisa

Mel Stoddart

Hi Lisa,
Do you have an address for the cabin? Also, do we have to bring bedding etc?
If you and Graham are sorting out evening meals shall I bring some bacon and sausages for brekkie?
I'm leaving straight from work so hopefully will be there about 8. I'm at the pool on Wednesday so will swap phone numbers on the off chance I get lost

Steve T

Looks like most of the Tyne Tour Team will be at the pool this Wednesday so let's make sure we get ten minutes to get our heads together and sort the details. I think I have everyone's mobile numbers but if you haven't got mine please ask.

I suggest that Carl & I call in at the information point at Tyne Green on our way there on Friday pm, where we will collect details of shuttle bus timings, which rivers are running and anything else the organisers want us to know. This will save us some time on Saturday morning as we will be staying up-river, and will probably be able to get on the river before all the students have slept off their hangovers and sorted their shuttles out. I'll try and find a clipboard before then.

Steve

GrahamS

Thanks Lisa, we'll sort the lads tea out on Friday (not got them on spag bog yet!)

CarlS

LALA

Ok guys and Lady Mel

I will bring down directions and address for you tonight and hopefully they are right. If not there is a phone number of the guy who owns the lodge etc.

Mel, that would be great idea to bring Bacon and Sausages. Yum eeee for the people that are not in a bed and are staying in the living room on camp beds will need to bring a sleeping bag.

Carl, its great to see that you will be joining us all for spag bol.

Mike, i have had no takers on a 6th person to stay in the cabin. Hope that this is not a problem in still paying the £25.00.

Graham, there not on spag bol yet? they dont know what there missing. LOL. My liam loves spag bol.

Im really looking forward to this weekend.

I will be leaving at 1pm on my own as Phil is not coming now, so hopefully im there before everyone joins.

Lisa

Mel Stoddart

Car packed and ready to go! Hope I've remembered everything - I did have to go back for my spraydeck tho

November trip - Tyne Tour 7/8th

Tyne tour