Thirlmere paddle

[shutz]

Hi folks just got back from another cracking trip. Weather forcast was good so we loaded the car and set of to derwent but when we got to kettlewell car park the water was frozen again. (think it might be summer by the time we get on it!!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58723252@N08/5398641410/
So off to thirlmere..and gues what this was frozen too but luckily we managed to get in at the top end at a beach near the dam. Bit of a struggle to get the canoes there though.
At the first brew stop.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58723252@N08/5398041715/
Lake still frozen!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58723252@N08/5398042951/
Found this lovely beck..might be a good fishing spot.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58723252@N08/5398043929/
Luch on a beach in the sun..you wouldn't guess it was january.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58723252@N08/5398645988/
Made a herb bannock for the first time on the kelly fire base. Not sure how this was going to taste but after seeing the other photos on the site i couldn't wait to try. It was ace and i have a request now for a fruit and cinnamon one..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58723252@N08/5398646838/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58723252@N08/5398970488/
Back to the car and a shot up the lake...stunning
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58723252@N08/5398647290/

 

[Bluemerle]

Looks like a great day out, (cold)! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Scout]

Great photos, looks like you had a fun day


Nathan

 

[lannyman8]

awesome pics mate, i have just seen a little green monster.......lol....

 

[rancid badger]

Would that be an SP3 prospector by any chance?

cracking trip by the look of it

R.B.

 

[Shewie]

Very nice again Shutz

Thirlmere has to be one of my favourites for a day paddle

 

[Teepee]

Good pics Shutz . That looks a nice place for a paddle, I'll have to get there some time. Thanks for posting.

 

[morch]

Fantastic pics of what looks like a great day out. Thanks for sharing

Dave

 

[shutz]

The weather was spot on again it really was like a spring had come early especially in the sun (2nd weekend in a row must be this global warming folk are on about). Not often thirlmeres this flat as the wind usually rattles down the valley especially with hellvelyn at the side. We often go here throughout the summer as although not too far from home there is a cracking little site nearby. Not too happy that the fishing is no longer free.
RB yep its a sp3 cracking boat..even better when loaded up!! dosen't cut through the ice that easy
cheers for the comments

 

[mimir]

Looks like a great trip :-D

 

[The Cumbrian]

I'm going to have to get a job at home again, the pics of your trips are really making me realise what I'm missing. I haven't been out in my canoe for months, and I only live twenty minutes away from Derwentwater.

Cheers, Michael.

 

[tommy the cat]

Beautiful pics there.
Not that I want to derail the thread .......whistle.....what 'protection' does one take in the event of a dunking?
Sorry that sounds very posh! What I mean is is it the norm to wear certain clothes suits in the winter months to increase the chances of survival in a soaking?
I only ask as I know bugger all about the subject but i guess some sort of dry suit?
D

 

[shutz]

At the risk of upsetting other paddlers, I think as far as safety goes there are a number of factors at play when setting out. For starters know what to expect from the water, know what to expect from the weather and know your ability and your craft. We are reasonably competent paddlers and when we are out we do insist on life jackets and stay close to the shore as much as possible plus there is always two canoes. Therefore we feel confident that suitable warm clothing is adequate as any time in the water would be minimal (oh and we have a dry bag with a change of clothes!!!).
If we thought there was a reasonable chance of a dunking say down a river or in very windy conditions then we wouldn't be out this time of year, not in the canadian anyway. Spray decks and dry cags would be the order of the day in the kayaks!!
But i suppose in answer to your question without doubt either a one piece/two piece dary cag/suit would be the order of the day and if on a multi day trip this time of year when the weather can change from day to day i would recommend it. In the summer months we are in wetsuit shorts/ shorties under the wind proof tops just because we usually end up having a swim.

 

[Shewie]

At the risk of upsetting other paddlers, I think as far as safety goes there are a number of factors at play when setting out. For starters know what to expect from the water, know what to expect from the weather and know your ability and your craft. We are reasonably competent paddlers and when we are out we do insist on life jackets and stay close to the shore as much as possible plus there is always two canoes. Therefore we feel confident that suitable warm clothing is adequate as any time in the water would be minimal (oh and we have a dry bag with a change of clothes!!!).
If we thought there was a reasonable chance of a dunking say down a river or in very windy conditions then we wouldn't be out this time of year, not in the canadian anyway. Spray decks and dry cags would be the order of the day in the kayaks!!
But i suppose in answer to your question without doubt either a one piece/two piece dary cag/suit would be the order of the day and if on a multi day trip this time of year when the weather can change from day to day i would recommend it. In the summer months we are in wetsuit shorts/ shorties under the wind proof tops just because we usually end up having a swim.

I'm with you there, a drysuit is probably on the cards for me at some point as we seem to be hitting more remote waters every year, all flat water (sea lochs and fresh water) but some pretty big ones too where it doesn't take much to kick up a storm.

A drysuit in my eyes though is more for moving water like rivers where you expect to go for a swim on the best of days

 

[shutz]

I think i will end up with a two piece as we already have the top half sorted!! I know last year on loch awe with the kids meant that due to the weather we had to change our plans accordingly. The wind can certainly pick the water up and at one point near our exit/get out we emptied the canoe to try and get round the head land the Kids walked and we portaged the lighter boat to return to paddle the canadian like mad to get round. It was like being on a fairground ride!!!! excellent fun. But again we were very close to the shore.
I think though whichever activity you choose you should treat it with respect accordingly. I've head some mountain rescue lads i know going to folk wearing flip flops/high heels on the fells and they wonder why they get into bother.

 

[WeThePeoplexfbm]

lookd like a fun day out ^^