Comment by @JonnyC on Monday 18 July 2022
With usual Monday plans cancelled due to *extreme temperatures*, and a missed opportunity to paddle with the AL crew the night before, a little convincing and Danka was aboard the adventure bus destined for Saltford shallows with her shiny new SUP aboard.
Navigating the roads of Saltford was off-putting enough, let alone seeing the near concert level crowds lining the banks, so, with some difficulty we just drove on past.
With no backup planned, we headed toward Bath to see if we could pick up the Avon near our recent K&A launch point, but alas, a wrong turn or two trying to avoid the toll bridge sent us off in the wrong direction.
With frustration building, we tracked the river until we could find a spot to pull over and consult the Go Paddling app for inspiration. Nowhere seemed viable given the common thinking of most people in this weather, but alas, we picked a point and headed there.
A first for us, visiting Tithe Barn, and a quick recce (and a couple of other SUPpers(?) In the car park made it seem like a viable option.
Five minutes of sweltering pumping and the new toy was at 15bar and ready to roll, so down to the rivers edge we ventured.
Whilst midges and small people were in abundance, the place was still a lovely venue with very approachable water. The distance from the car saw Jon decide to be a paddling support crew rather than paddling Lilluns, but the water was lovely as the temperatures started to subside.
Starting hesitantly, before long, Danka was on her feet and paddling like a pro (ok, like a successful newbie, but still not bad for a first attempt), Jon even managed a short standing session in order to fuel Dankas sense of competitiveness.
A very pleasant evening paddling, with many like minded people to chat to, a spot to revisit for sure.