Tees Barrage mapped

Hi folks

Just got back from the Baarrage and was minded to write a brief report (Well Richard suggested that one of us Barrage newcomers put together a posting for the Blog).

Well the wetsuits hanging up on the kitchen door frame (along with other kit) dripping on the lino (Mrs Moss is being very good about it!) and my hands, though still tingling, have thawed out sufficiently to stab at the keyboard.

You should be aware that what follows is a truly factual account ofthe afternoon and I have received no "cash for honours" payments in advance of authorship...

Well the afternoon began with a walk down in the course with Richard and Scott showing barrage virgins (Ian and I) the line to take. However it was clear to Ian and I that other lines existed (Not neccassarily the right ones!) and we should have a jolly nice time exploring them contrary to the advice we were given!

So, kit on and straight in to the water for a warm up on the flat bit at the top before (hands nicely chilled despite a layer of neoprene) our first run.

From the start Ian and I wished to demonstrate that we were not into this namby pamby staying dry routine and quickly got to grips with the countours of the bottom. Ian admirably demonstrated this - especially so as he could not get to grips with his pull tab on his spray deck! This enabled a good stretch of the bottom to be mapped in one single upside down exercise. It appeared that a good 50 metres of the river bed was charted in one crazy down river glide. A not inconsidrable skill that Ian was able to repeat further down the course on a subsequent run!

As for me - well I preferred to map the bottom in more frequent but shorter sections (4 times actually!).

Richard kept telling us we were on the wrong the line but I thought what's the point of following the well trodden (paddled) path. Far better to explore - after all there might be another Marianas Trench down there somewhere (or at least a supermarket trolley).

In the end the others (Richard, Tom & Scott) seemed to get bored of doing there fancy twirly bits in the waves (so passe! - and every one else there was just doing the same!) that at least for a brief moment both Scott and Richard examined life below the surface. However both had the audacity to roll back up after only a second or two. Scotts effort was particularly dissappointing - it was so pre planned - no verve or improvisation at all! Furher more he rolled in the flat bit - I'm sure if there was a Mariannas trench it was further back up the course!

Any way for the record:-

• Tom - lots of fancy support strokes and "nearly" moments
• Richard and Scott - lotts of twirly bits and a brief look at the bottom
• Ian 3 lung bursting swims (Have you thought about free diving Ian?)
• Andy 4 short swims

So I declare myself the leader! (Well that the idea isn't it? - to be top of the swim chart?)

Frivolity aside... Thanks to all for making it such a great afternoon and thanks especially to the three experts in the support team for guiding us and fishing us out too.

Andy

PS there are still a few sections of the course that remain to be charted - I'm sure we'll be back to fill in the gaps in our knowledge!