Gold Duke of Edinburgh Practice Expedition - view slideshow
22 June 2010
River Ken, Loch Ken and River Dee - Galloway.
Slideshow: click on the slideshow link or Go to our Facebook page to see a slideshow of the expedition.
A river and loch system ideal for the introduction to canoe expeditioning where river navigation, loch canoeing and camping were the techniques that had to be practiced to good effect in preparation for the bigger challenge of paddling the Caledonian Canal for the Team's assessed expedition.
The DofE practice canoe exped in Galloway was a success - the Team were buzzing on return - Henry Fisher, Johnny Perriam, Aaron Welsh and Ryan Hook. All managed the challenge of low water conditions in the river Ken, where they had to negotiate rapids, paddle and float their canoes downstream - with loaded canoes this was quite frequent but the Team picked up the techniques quickly. Paddling on Loch Ken was challenging with the wind against them, nevertheless they rafted up and headed into wind with strong arms pulling on the paddles! The last nights' campsite was by Castle Threave - an impressive setting with 'castles' being the Team's project for the Caledonian Canal expedition in July.
All in all a good effort by the Team - they are now ready for the challenge of the Caledonian Canal - they just need the weather.