The Not you Sam tour of Scotland started and continued after the Gary Boater X race organised by Ben Squires and others. Earlier in the year Sam thought it would be a good idea to organise a trip to Scotland to paddle the dam release rivers on offer. The chosen week coincided with the Gary race, what could possibly go wrong, racing in groups of 6/8 or so boaters downriver. Well the first thing that could go wrong is the organiser of the trip forgetting he was also committed to a wedding the same weekend, who’s racing on the Gary, not you Sam.
A big hats off the Ben and all the others involved in organising the Gary event, from our perspective the day went swimmingly, literally for some. Great event, well organised, like herding cats at times I am sure, but from the competitors angle a cracking day. As a group of 6 within the 90 or so entries we did quite well making it onto the podium in a few categories.
With the fun and games over on the Gary we’re on the Moriston for a Sunday release, a short section of river with the crux move at the top, two lines, river left, river right, left is the more usual line and I have to say, it’s ballsy, intimidating, others say, boat breaking slot, 50/50, overawing, threatening, menacing. You get the idea, as it is, we all make it down, a variety of lines and success rates, I bottom out on one run, the nose of the boat thunking into the river bed, same for Mark with his boat receiving a riverbedredesign, ouch.
With the top drop done, the nerves can settle a bit, there’s still some quality white water to tackle, with consequences if you mess up, but, more straight forward than the start.
We have two days on the Moriston, paddling under blue skies, warm weather, in Scotland, who knew?!
Monday Meig, described by some as canyoning with a boat, appropriate, I did the Meig waaaay back when, in an inazone 230, probably not the best boat for the river. It’s a ditch, simples, but great fun.
The Lyon is releasing, stunning river with plenty to think about, including the DO NOT drop into the gorge section, even at this flow.
Who knew there was a weeks worth of boating to be had in pretty much alpine conditions in the UK, not me, my first Scotland trip in the summer but not the last, plans already in place for next year, great trip, great team, much fun, thanks to all involved, notusam.