As usual I headed down to Carthagena on the Thursday before the event, having first stopped off in Brentford to pick up four hundred burgers, rolls and a box of ribs for the BBQ which were provided by my mate's company. Conditions on my arrival were good with most of the lake free from ice. The small amount showing would soon disperse by the afternoon, as the sun grew stronger. With some of the syndicate lads available the frames of the marquees were put up, the clubhouse tidied after receiving a new floor and placement of the fish tank in the bar area. As ever, there was always plenty of helping hands from the syndicate members who I will thank later on.
All that needed doing was done after which a session down the local pub was in order for a few of us, followed later on in the evening with a curry and a few more beers. We would now await the arrival of those fishing the event in the morning.
Friday started off early with the opening of the main gates to allow people into the lake grounds. Looking across the lake showed that it had frozen up overnight with the weather report showing very cold temperatures later that evening, things were not looking good...
The river however was in fine form and looking good for some action. As more individuals turned up the sun came out shifting what ice there was off the lakes, at least for the start of the event lines could go out on the lakes. As usual there was no need for a draw to take place for swims on the lakes and river. Those taking part were quite content to simply sort the swims out amongst themselves, not bad when you are talking about forty anglers and something that’s appreciated by Allan and I.
Once everyone was booked in and in place syndicate members Rosie and Garry nipped off to pick up the BBQ whilst a few of us began putting the marquees up for Saturdays events. A general invite to all attending was put out that if they fancied a pizza later that evening then to join us in the club house, this is becoming somewhat of a tradition at this event. A full bar was also on offer for those that had not come prepared. Time soon passed and with the temperature dropping dramatically it was no surprise to see faces turning up in the clubhouse ready for some warm food as reports were already coming in that the lakes were beginning their freeze up.
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