2024 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday
Day 02 Sunday: Espace Eau Vive de l’Isle de la Serre by Colin L
On our first visit to La Serre and Eau Vive we were greeted with a thunderous storm at 3 am but better the rain then than during our day. A leisurely start the next morning with a brief walk around the course and a “oh my God” look at the top end we put in at the beginner’s bit where the water flowed just as fast but with fewer obstacles. We familiarised ourselves with the flow by ferry gliding across several times and jumping in and out of eddies. Great fun and even managed to dodge all the teenagers who were clearly not phased by the fast flow or the boulders.
We slowly moved down a bit more of the course gaining more awareness and dare I say confidence eventually travelling through and out into the Rhone. Keith’s guidance and encouragement assured safe passage and it was a happy day! After another run from the beginners’ end Keith suggested it would be great fun to swim the course; you know, starfish-like with feet in front to bounce off boulders should we encounter them! He calmly showed the way and while we all dropped into the water, Sue felt immediately out of her depth… metaphorically as well as literally! All safely exited but was it fun? Don’t ask Sue!
After lunch and another play at the beginner’s end, Sue and I decided to go and watch the others in the upper course. All looked cool, calm and collected as they travelled around big rocks and played behind them. We then watched in horror as Keith grabbed my boat to bring it up to the top put in! This could only mean one thing! With reassurance and advice to “just flow through, no playing… you’ll be fine!” I reluctantly followed. Two successful runs were completed and only a couple of scary wobbles! Yup, that was good! Beer now! Col