Dart Loop

Our trip started in a generally bad way, no keys, no rain and, for those of you who might be driving the minibuses, they do fit under the Sainsbury's height restriction without a roofrack, as long as the tyres are not too hard.

Arriving in the early morning as usual we were pleasantly surprised to find that our host had built a massive fire and the bunkhouse was actually warm. There are only so many jokes you can make about snoring and shaky beds so, enough said.

In the morning we were up in time to watch the Power rangers, an event unheard of in the lives of most students.

Out onto the water in the morning: the rain the night before had not quite done its job but it was still coming down and the river was on the increase. True to the nature of things, some people decided that upright was not the correct way to shoot rapids. Most of these unfortunates soon learned that an upright position is preferable however and the day was spent perfecting this new mode of travel. Fortunately the water was quite warm so no-one got really cold and at least our new kit was fully tested for leaks and warmth.

After a day on the river we went to the pub, as if I had to mention it. The food was a wise choice but the price list for beer had been stolen from the Gloucester Hotel.

Overall the Saturday night was much quieter except when Ross decided, in a drunken haze, to get out of the wrong side of the bed, next to a wall, and scratch around looking for an exit. A few kicks to the head soon sorted this small problem out.

In the morning, (well just about) the river was much fuller. Loads of water means more fun and fewer rocks to spank into. Altogether a much more successful day with much less swimming and a good time was had by all.

NEIL SHIRTCLIFFE