Nearing the end of November CUKC’s annual Christmas in North Wales had arrived, along with plenty of weather warnings (again)- this time for snow and rain. After an efficient van pack, the club left Cardiff Friday evening, following the north star to wintery North Wales. This made the usually muddy pilgrimage up the bunk house track pretty easy, as the ground was solid (although it did create the risk of being pelted by a snowball).
After club wake up on Saturday, with the sandwiches assembled and packed, the club headed to the Dee as the last of the snow was melting. After a faffy shuttle, a warmup was attempted, with many decking it on the new seasonal slip and slide (aka Horseshoe Falls get on), providing additional entertainment. With a rising river and WWR to contend with, the groups moved swiftly below Serpents Tail, the first major rapid on the river. With only a few swims all groups made it to Mile End Mill, the get off for the less experienced. The inters then continued down to Townfalls, where a 10-person beatering mega train occurred, with only Katie and Alex staying upright!
The Saturday evening was spent sheltering in the bunkhouse while a storm moved in. Starting with club dinner of chili concarne, cheffed by committee. The Secret Santa presents were handed out and the drinking began, along with traditional club activites.
On the Sunday the club split into two groups, team paddle and team culture. Team paddle had an early start at 6:30 am to head to the rivers, which were all in high flows thanks to Storm Bert. Most of the group paddled the Glaslyn and Ogwen, as well as the roadside ditch Nant Gwryd. Meanwhile after a much later start, everyone else headed to Llangollen where they admired the Deebezi, and acquired a much needed cooked breakfast. By Sunday afternoon everyone was driving back to Cardiff, ready to catch up on some well-needed sleep.