All is to now be Revealed...

Well here I am live and kicking with a few suspicious bruises on my feet and toes. I bet you are all now thinking that I am going to start revealing some kind of hilarious story about how I got them, but sorry to disappoint, I haven't got a clue!

I am sure that you are all on the edge of your seats whether at work, school or at home awaiting my revelation of my secret weekend, so I best crack on and start typing!

It all started on a crisp Friday Morning, the sun was slightly shining, the kettle boiled and excitement rife. I presented Martin with a spotty brown box tied with a pretty pink bow and dangling ribbon. He still didn't have a clue where I was whisking him off to, only that he best make sure that he packed his wetsuit and a nice warm jacket.

Not being one with a great sense of direction, I managed to direct him as far as Carew roundabout (about 5 minutes drive from my house) then I went blank and thought it was best he pulled over in a lay by, find out where we were going and let him fathom the way to go!

Drum roll please...cue voice over guy to reveal...Llangollen, North Wales!

If any of you have ever been to visit Llangollen, you would have witnessed the outstanding beauty of the mountainous surroundings in which it possesses, or are aware of it being host to the popular International Music Eisteddfod each year.

As I have previously mentioned in my 'Autumn is in the Air...Soon' entry, I love the Autumn season, full of golden yellows and burnt oranges, racy reds, chocolate browns and falling leaves. Llangollen appeared to have been flushed with riots of colour all around and was extremely attractive, especially looking out over the Dee valley from the famous Horseshoe Pass.

The main reason for taking a road trip to Llangollen in particular, was not only the superb countryside and humble nature of the people who live there, but to experience the refreshing chill of the River Dee with a spot of White Water Rafting. It was quite surprising how much attention the River was still recieving at this crisp time if the year from locals and visitors alike, whether it be making the most of the Autumn photo oppurtunities, Kayaking, Rafting or Survival Courses on offer.

We were booked to partake in the White Water Rafting on the Saturday morning, and so having arrived at around 16.00 on the Friday, we felt a shower, a few drinks and a hot meal was called for to brace ourselves for the action to follow the next morning.

It was really funny actually because the same weekend that I had decided to go away, my Nan and Grandad had booked for a leisurely holiday too, just down the road!

I had booked for The Wild Pheasant Hotel with Champagne on arrival (I know get me hey!), and my Nan and Grandad had booked themselves into The Chainbridge Hotel only a stones throw from us! It was hilarious as I didn't tell them that we were going and so we just had to surprise them. Thier faces were a picture when we knocked on their room, I do hope they weren't disapointed that we interrupted them watching Countdown!

Anyway, that evening we ordered a Taxi into town, an absolute bargain at a mere £3.00! In chatting with the lady driver we discovered that Gales Wine Bar in town was rather interesting for a large glass of wine and some tasty grub. Taking her kind advice, we headed there and discovered what a pleasant, quaint little place it really was. The roaring fire was blazing and we enjoyed a warm bowl of Autumn Vegetable soup and a large helping of White Wine.

Wake up, rise and shine to a slightly grey, rainy morning, perfect for tumbling down the river in an inflatable raft!

Again only two minutes away from The Wild Pheasant is home to JJ Canoeing and Rafting (White Water Active) alongside the magnificent River Dee. We were pleasantly greeted by all, where we were to declare any medical conditions that they should be made aware of before we got kitted up in our wetsuits, helmets, waterproof jacket and buoyancy aid, all kindly provided by the centre for all participants.

Once kitted up and rearing to go we recieved an introduction by our leader Josh, in how to best handle the raft and paddle, sit down and how best to store your feet! Maybe my enthusiasm for stuffing my feet as hard as I could down the side of the raft was the cause of the strange bruises on my feet, just a thought!

I tell you something though, you really have to be careful swinging your paddle around. Josh was saying how a fellow colleague of his was 'accidently' caught on the receiving end of a flying t-piece, resulting in a broken jaw! Ouch.

Heading for the River, we carried our raft together and plonked it into the water, jumping on and taking our positions. I think Mart and I had drawn the short straw at the beginning opting for the front of the raft, but I reckon it was the best place to be myself, staring the adrenalin square in the face. We did though at times swap around so everyone was able to enjoy the thrill of the front and have a refreshing wash every now and again!

It really was so much fun, 'surfing' in the swell and capsizing. Yes, that is correct, the raft decided to turn upside down with us all underneath. Personally, I don't think it was my fault for eagerly grabbing onto the rope concluding with the raft turning upside down, but everybody seemed to be glaring at me as we scrambled to the bank, so I took the hint!! Clearly, at all times you have your qualified instructor on board with you, and a number of guys floating around in Kayaks to ensure your safety.

I was rather glad of one guy in the Kayak as he saved me from drifting down stream at one point. I thought I was on my way to waving to my Nan and Grandad in the window of The Chainbridge half way up the River! What a scream.

There we all were, out of the raft, laying down in the water one by one and allowing ourselves to let the current take us slightly downsteam, through the wash and then swimming safely to the bank. But no, not Natalie. I started off as supposed, until I realised that my bum was a little to low in the River and discovered the shape of a rather large stone hidden under the water. As I bumped the stone, I automatically reacted by grabbing my sore spot with my hand, resulting in me forgetting to hold my nose as I went under the water with the swish, getting a mouthful of water and missing my cue to start swimming. I thought something was wrong when Martin looked the size of an ant, waving his arms frantically for me to start swimming, I thought I was! I failed to grab the rope that was practically handed to me on a plate in front of my nose and was still floating along enjoying the scenery.

But just when I thought my knight in shining armour had forgotten me, I looked up and paddling towards me in a brightly coloured Kayak was he. I took hold of the handle on the front of the Kayak, hooked my legs around and off I went to find my feet on the bank. Phew. For a second I thought a croc was going to slyly appear from behind the rock like they did with Jack Osbourne! But fear not, I don't think Llangollen has got anything scarier than a black sheep or two.

I really do recommend this experience to everyone and anyone. I'm sure there was a little fella of around 12 years old having a bash, so what are you waiting for?! Okay, it may be a little chilly and the wetsuit may reveal a few unwanted lumps and bumps, but the joy and laughter out weighs them all. Trust me.

Through Activity Wales we are able to book White Water Rafting in either North or South Wales, along with accommodation such as The Wild Pheasant or Chainbridge Hotel to tie up your weekend activity package. Please feel free to give myself a call to discuss my individual White Water Rafting experience as I would be delighted to share my story with you over the phone. I have probably told it about a million times over now, but never mind, to me it never gets old!!