Volunteer Rangers Paddle the Bann
The first Volunteer Ranger training event of 2010 took place on Saturday at Drumaheglis Marina on the River Bann. An Introduction to Open Canoeing was provided by Xplore Outdoors and was a great success, despite temperatures of -3oC! Spirits were high when the temperature wasn’t, and the Volunteer Rangers took to the experience like a duck to water. The morning was spent in the marina learning various canoeing strokes and manovering the canoe using steering techniques. This was followed by the best cup of coffee in the world (Gareth!) and then we ventured out into the wilds of the River Bann. A pit stop was held on Loughran Island, only accessible via the water, and we felt like part of an elite club as it was a beautiful place, carpeted in fresh spring snowdrops. A challenging paddle upstream completed the days training, red cheeks and Popeye arms experienced by most!
Big thanks to all the Volunteers who attended the training event and to Xplore Outdoors for their expertise and patience.
The next Volunteer Ranger event is taking place on 20th March, with a guided tour and walk around Blessingbourne Estate, Fivemiletown. Please contact Diane if you wish to attend (diane@countrysiderecreation.com)
