Just a few notes about this emerald jewel of a trip. Quite one of the loveliest for early summer.

The club did the Hennerton Backwater and half of the Lodden yesterday  (from Phillimore's island): for those who love paddling by back gardens and seeing how the other half (well, 2%) live, this is for you.  

It is a bit of a slog if you  do Hennerton Backwater  first as we did and then schlep all the way up to the start of the Lodden against the flow into some strong headwind. In fact we joined the Lodden by Phillimore island. I would do the Loddon/st Patricks first if I were to choose. I found the Lodden (the bit we did) utterly charming and flowing well (but not furious) - one little tinsy 2 inch weir under a bridge which first timers managed easily. Hennerton too is quite lovely but the Lodden appealed more.

From the village cross roads, the parking we found was just past the George and the Dragon pub on a green (you can fit 3 cars tightly there) but  the Landlady  seemed OK with parking for a couple of cars only (car park too small for more),  otherwise it is the municipal car park in the village and quite a carry.   (Lodden Drive, another likely put in, is a private road, and they are not keen on having kayakers, but very civil and helpful).

Apart from helpful hints, we welcomed a number of new paddlers: Lauren, Adam, Deborah and Jane and a good time was had by all especially those watching Ed and Mark trying to roll the duo.  Ahhhmmm.  Enough said, eh?