Tuesday 27 January 2009

The Mellte Chronicals

The original plan was to hit the surf, but awaking to find 30mph on shore winds meant we wouldn't have even been able to walk down the beach! So armed with freestyle machines [surfing remember!] naturally we headed off to the the Mellte - one of the South Wales Classic steep creek runs!

Arriving we were surprised to find the river at a good medium flow and even more surprised to find this below Slot Drop...

...One unfortunate paddler had landed the drop badly, and was being expertly evacuated by the North Devon Air Sea Rescue. Big respect, putting a Sea King deep into gorge, with the blades only inch's from the many trees on the gorge walls. With the helicopter on its way, we could once more return to business.


Nailing the Boof on Slot Drop


Tres getting it a little sideways on Slot Drop

The rest of the river was a blast, styling our way down the rest of the run. Unfortunately this wasnt the end of the days tale. With only one car we had to walk the shuttle, nice day for it though walking across the moors as the sun set. Upon arrival at the car park we stumbled upon a Police car and another gaggle of paddlers. Another paddler had accidentally missed the get out above un-runable waterfall No.2 leaving him no choice but to run the fall!

Thankfully the two paddlers have been discharged from hospital with minor injuries, very lucky for all involved - Lesson learned be careful out there