[cold that water]

This was only my second trip to the Leven and I was enjoying it a lot more this time. Some of the nervousness was starting to dissipate. In fact I am looking forward to it doing again and again, until I am as confident as Jim Nolan and I too can do it backwards.

[wrong way Jim]

The rest of the party got safely through, tough Mags Brayfield ended up flooding her boat and loosing her paddle trying to rescuing Chris. Impressively Mags navigated the bottom fifth of the run in this state and managed to role and recover!!! We were also treated to the coaches recovering the various stranded bits of kit before paddling on to the get out point.

This last section doesn't agree with me. Being of fuller build I tend to be a rock magnet and this section has a lot of rocks! It usually catches me out at some point and this time was no exception. Casually chatting to Glyn I managed to broach sideways on and was only keeping myself up with low braces. Why I didn't just dig the paddle in and haul myself of is another question? Anyway along came Mags and hauled me off. Thanks Mags - this was the first time I had got down the Leven without resorting to breast stroke.

Well after that all there was left to do was get changed, load up recover all the vehicles and head off for a spot of of apres paddle. All were looking forward to warming up in fornt of the open fire at the traditional watering hole. The Alisons in particular enjoyed the fire - well that water was very cold.

Once again we owe Jim thanks for the bulk of transport, and thanks to the coaches for getting cold on our account.

Another a grand day out.