2024 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday

Day 05 Wednesday: Upper Guisane by Stuart T

It had been decided the previous evening that Roy would take charge and decide today’s paddle. Within an instant, it was announced to be the Upper Guisane. The water levels this year are still higher than we have been used to following the recent floods.

We departed the campsite and split into two groups, one heading to the upper get-in of Le Casset, and the other to a lower get-in. When we arrived at Le Casset, we noticed that all of the parking areas had been recently re-laid owing to the floods. Earlier in the week, on the way from the last campsite, Keith and I stopped to inspect the crux of the run. We saw that the force of the water had now run through a complete island and created a new channel, giving groups very few options to stop.

We split up into two groups and discussed the nature of the river and at this level, it may be read and run. Roy led and successfully navigated the many tree hazards and the boulders hidden by the cold, milky-coloured water. We started the trip being extremely cautious, giving the paddler in front plenty of room should they become stuck on a boulder. Eddie’s were few and far between as we navigated and focussed on ensuring we knew the position of all of the group.

We stopped at a new large island about 40 meters above the crux of the trip S bends. Setting off in pairs, Roy leading into S bends, this is a boulder garden rapid, we bounced down and stopped on either side of the river to give protection to the following paddlers.

One of the following pairs, unfortunately, got pinned and had to climb onto a boulder in the centre of the flow. Sarah and Ste led the rescue, Sarah throwing a perfect hit with the throw line, resulting in a very thankful paddler. We re-organised the groups and headed on down to meet the second group at the lower get-in.

We now split into three teams, owing to the increased numbers and enjoyed the pretty, grade 2 run through the flower-laden bridges.