All week at work it had rained, warming up for a good paddling weekend. Saturday; The weather cleared up for a quick wobbly blast down the Kent in the playboats, with everyone groaning about how the big boats are much more comfortable! So a remedy was needed. Saturday evening in to Sunday more rain and drizzle fell from the sky. The upper esk was suggested by Kris, having never done it before I agreed.

I knew there was a big walk in but was not quite sure how big, all I can say is its further than it looks.

Two keen runners, a mountain guide, and Ned! sweated up the Esk valley to the falls which drain Great Moss. I was unsure what I was letting myself in for but hey what's the worst that could happen.

We got up to the falls and did the usual scratcing of chins proceeded a remedy indeed from Saturday's activity.  It looked a bit boney in parts but we ran the opening slides up to an interesting drop.

Stu Miller on the first slide.

Me  on the first slide.

Mr Miller

Ned leading the way.

To an interesting hoizon line.

The interesting drop proved to be a test of my metal, Ned lead the way and styled it up nicely, I on the other hand decided to practice rolling in the half-way pool. Of all the places in the world it was not the place for tomfoolery, however it worked and the rest of the drop and following gorge went well.

  As if i hadn't had enough adrenaline!

After the gorge a quick portage round a rocky slide was another demanding drop Ned went first and hit hit well. I lost my bottle and left it for another day.

After this drop there was more chutes and slides including Kail pot, and Heron pot which rounded off a fantastic trip.

Until the next time I will have to find some bigger balls! Oh and practice on tight narly entrances.

Cheers to Kris for the suggestion otherwise another playboat run will have had to been endured on the Kent!

That's all 'till next weekend!

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