​Wednesday evening saw several DCC members paddle the length of Coniston Lake starting from Brown Howe. This was a distance of over 8miles.  Brew time was spent at Low Bank Ground where there was time to admire the wood sculpture of Swallows and Amazon characters by Andy Levy. Trip organised by Rob Hitchmough and pictures by John Sherwen.
 

In June a pack of local guides came down to the docks to have a go on the SUP boards. They ended up having a fantastic time as Andy arranged music for them to dance to. This was caught on camera by Emily Longstaff. Video of the fun can be found on the album of same title in our gallery along with more great photos of the day.

Monday saw the Police Cadets attend an evening session at the docks. They split into two groups, one on the SUP boards the other in kayaks. Half way through the evening they swapped over. A great evening was had by all and  was followed by a hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Sunday saw club members of all ages travel to Carlisle to paddle on the River Eden on a trip organised by club coach Andy Longstaff. All had a fantastic day. Club coach John Sherwen added "​ We passed impressive red sandstone cliffs. This ‘Penrith sandstone‘ was an inland desert of sand dunes deposited 260 million years ago. There was excitement paddling over the natural Armathwaite weir. This is an igneous intrusion known as a ‘Dyke’ that runs for 430 km from Gallaway to the North Yorkshire Moors. At 56 million years old it is the youngest rock in Cumbria."

9 paddles from DCC touring Sea group set off on a beautiful clear and calm Wednesday evening.
The group was a mixed bunch with a first timer on the sea to another with over thirty years of paddling experience.
Setting off from Roa island lifeboat station and then skirting around foulney island.
Blackpool and Snowdonia could be seen in the distance.
The large group of seals could be heard calling from there haul out on the south end of walney.
As we then crossed the channel, the Barrow Tamar class life boat passed us, they were out on there Wednesday training session.
Then we stopped of on the groyne for a break and a stretch of legs.
We then we headed back passing the seal colony giving them enough space as not to disturb them, as usual the odd seal would get curious and follow behind the sterns of the boats.
Then passing Piel island with a fantastic view of the Cumbrian mountains in the distance we landed back on Roa island.
Then packed up and some of us headed on to Roa island Boat club for a cooling drink.
 
Rob Hitchmough

As we travelled up for the family day there were calm waters on Windermere and Grasmere was like a millpond so fingers were crossed for the notoriously windy conditions on Thirlmere. The car park was wind free and well populated with midges that were undeterred by the fine drizzle.
Out on the water white horses were seen gently cantering down the centre of the lake.
The shore line was fairly  sheltered from the swell and we made good progress skipping from bay to bay and in the lee of the islands. Some ventured into the waves for more exhilarating sport.
On reaching the final headland before open water leading to the head of the lake we suddenly realized the sun was about to breakout from the clouds and we had just passed a perfect sheltered picnic spot.
After a sun drenched lunch stop we made our way gently back to our starting place. Following seas made directional control a bit tricky for some and an opportunity for surfing for others!!
Once the 16 club members were all safely ashore we wended our different ways home, some stopping off for ‘afternoon tea’ to put the cream on a great day out. Thanks to all for making this such an enjoyable trip.
john

 ​Sandside Lodge School have made great use of the docks these last few weeks. Several classes have been down to the docks where apart from learning how to paddle or improving on skills already learned they also found out how to keep their environment clean by having a litter pick. Some students were lucky enough to spot a baby fox. Great fun was had by all who attended.

DCC members met down at Canal foot, Ulverston at 9am on Saturday morning. They portaged their boats down the pier and on to the water before setting off up the Leven Estuary. Brew time was most welcome as getting off the water gave everyone a chance to stretch their legs before continuing up towards the old rail way bridge on the River Leven. Here they made their turn for home.