The Magnificent Seven

It's weather like this that sorts out the real anglers from the fair-weather ones, and the mad ones from the sane ones. Why would anyone willingly plunge into a swollen, murky fast-flowing river on a day like this? I suppose Nigel knows the answer, as he organised the work-party (after a couple of postponements), and another six of us answered the call.

We firstly freed a tree that had fallen across the river below the Landslip Pool, then guided it, and another big tree, down past the Footbridge as far as the stretch above the Chain Pool, not an easy job in a fast-flowing river, but we managed it without mishap.

We then went down well below the Tractor Bridge to join the others tidying up a few trees felled by SERT several weeks ago, and installing a new deflector.

This earned us a nice hot cup of coffee (thanks Nigel), the usual doughnuts (thanks Jempson's), and an extra treat of some spicy sausage rolls (thanks, David). We were then ready to march back upstream and install another deflector from the salvaged trees, cunningly wedged across the river until we were ready.

The eagle-eyed amongst you may spot that we're now using high-tensile steel fencing wire to tie in the deflectors, instead of rope or twine. This is apparently more environmentally sensitive, and, if we've done it properly, it may be a bit more secure and long-lasting.

Despite the air temperature, and the rather chilly water, we all survived without hypothermia, and dare I say even had quite a good time. A couple of us even stayed on afterwards to dangle a squirmy in the vain hope that a Grayling might blunder into it.

Congratulations to Chris, David M, Keith, Nigel, Paul, Peter S, (and myself), for a magnificent effort. Why not come and join us on Saturday17th for more madness - especially since there isn't that much chance of fishing in the meantime.

Cheers

PeterB