Hippo Hippos are said to be a problem in the River Niger so thanks to long time friend Mark O’Shea “Dangerous Reptiles” we were able to go to the West Midlands Safari Park for a special hippo awareness day. It was led by the Deputy Manager and Mark himself as Snake consultant. They have 7 hippo there and so are able speak with confidence about the behaviour of these heavy weights of the animal kingdom. In addition to Crocs we are to look out for huge Rock Pythons and leopards. That rules out running up trees. This Safari Park is ideal for family days out or Pack/Troop/Unit excursions.
TV/Radio and web coverage
Spotlight SW are following our every move and we are in the Studio on the 28th for a live interview. Get ready with the mute button and the large towel to throw over the TV set. The video diary “Four Men in a boat” will be screened at regular intervals by Spotlight. The blog “Tails from the River Bank” will feature on Radio Cornwall and many other sites around the world. Google Earth are promoting the Educational side of the expedition.
August 2008 - Press Release
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition.
As part of our support for local Scouting Geoff Ryder was able to meet Sue Rosevear's request to monitor a group of Devon Explorer Scouts as they paddled 50 miles of the River Thames in Open Canoes. The trip took 4 days and was so successful that we are repeating it 18 - 21st Sept as part of our Canoe Africa training. Any Leader wishing to take part please contact Brian Sheen in the first instance.
We also supported Smuggler 08 by borrowing Spirit Dancer and filling it with Explorer Scouts (12) on four occasions to paddle around the Carrack Roads. We used the opportunity to get BBC Spotlight SW to film Canoe Africa and promote Explorer Scouting. It is on the Spotlight Web Site under latest stories.
We are now hoping that BBC SW will confirm the proposal of a regular Video Diary from Africa. Google Earth are investigating the idea of a regular educational blog as I will be using it and Google Sky as we paddle down the River.
July 2008 – River Wye Expedition.
As part of our training for the River Niger a dozen members of St Austell Canoe Club members gathered at Hay on Wye to paddle 80 miles of this great river.
Most of you will have already realised that Hay is world famous for its book shops. It was no surprise to the rest that I purchased a set of astronomy texts and packed them carefully in my rucksack. It was just as well, as one day poised on the top of a slope, it suddenly toppled over, rolled down the bank nearly taking Mark’s legs away and planted itself neatly in the correct canoe.
The river was flowing quickly which was great for us as was the bird life seen along the way. The Wye has a number of well known rapids including Symonds Yat which were covered with ease – we are brought up on the big weirs of the River Exe.
No posh camp sites for us, we planed to camp in green field sites, it was just a question of leaping up the bank setting up the tents and getting on with it – brilliant!
Although the trip was set up for expedition members, the canoe club benefited similar trips are planned before departure – Scouts, Explorers and Leaders can take advantage of the opportunities.
As part of Smuggler 08 some team members will be leading canoe expeditions on the River Fal.
June 2008 - Press Release
Launching at the Royal Cornwall Show.
CANOE AFRICA - A UNIQUE EXPEDITION
Challenge, excite, motivate was the mantra used to inspire the scientists delivering the activities on the Elements Base at the World Scout Jamboree in the UK last year.
It is being carried forward this year as a team of Cornish Scouters prepare to canoe one of the longest rivers in Africa, the River Niger. John and Richard Lander from Truro, finally proved its course, a river of mystery for many years, in the mid 19th Century.
Geography; - The river actually starts in the Guinea Highlands that rise to some 4000 feet, and then flows inland towards the Sahara Desert and the fabled city of Timbuktu. It continues to flow through Mali and the Niger for hundreds of miles before swinging south through the jungles of Nigeria and emptying into the South Atlantic at Port Harcourt. Total length 2500 miles.
The Mission is two fold; - To promote Scouting to a number of countries who feel remote from the main centres of the Movement.
To promote astronomy in these areas in support of the UN backed International Year of Astronomy.
The Charity; - Is the Trust for Scouting in Cornwall. In memory of Martin Compton a dynamic Scouter who paddled the last 100 miles of the Niger with me some years ago. The Trust raises money for development within the county and to support Scouts on overseas ventures.
The Canoe; - Is to be a dugout purchased at the start of the expedition, then paddled and sailed all the way down. The expedition, in this form, is believed to be a world first.
The Date;- Sept 08 for 6 months.
The Modus Operandi; - Is to invite local Leaders to join us in the canoe, they will help us build bridges with the peoples we meet en route as each Leader will be in his own area. Every night we will stop in a riverside village, pitch the mosquito nets and then tell the villagers of our experiences along the way. Given clear skies show them some of the wonders of the universe using the kit we have on board.
Supporters; - For organisations and individuals wishing to help us on the way please complete the attached form and make cheques payable to the Trust for Scouting in Cornwall.
November 18, 2007- Canoe Expedition to the River Niger
Ever wanted to go to Timbuktu, to paddle your own canoe, to go where “no man has trod”? Now is your chance! The famous Cornish explorer Richard Lander discovered where the river reached the Atlantic and I with others paddled the last part of the river some years ago.
The plan is to go as Scouts and have local Scout Leaders paddling with us, we have the National Scout Organisations en route getting organised for our arrival in a year’s time. We are looking for experienced open canoeists who can wilderness camp and like the tropics, knowledge of French would be an advantage.
For an informal discussion please contact me:01726 813602.
Brian Sheen.
brian.sheen@virgin.net
The Web Team will keep you up to date with all the progress of the expedition