2024 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday
Day 09 Sunday morning 28th July: Lower Guil to St Clement`s
A group of us headed back down the valley to Clara`s favourite river, the Lower Guil. After shuttling a car to the get out at St Clements white water centre we carried the boats down to the footbridge and small beach. The clear waters from the dam above proved a good level again and we soon got on and were speeding down river.
There were a few large wave trains and sweeping bends to deal with before we passed under the main road bridge. Here we paddled down to the confluence with the Middle Durance River and the contrast in colours between our clear waters and the white clay-laden glacial river was clearly marked with a strong eddy line. Sue took the main line this time and was swept wide but had the confidence to break out into the calmer waters on the river left.
After negotiating our way through numerous islands and pebble bars in the now highly braided stream we soon reach the road bridge and 200m slalom course at St Clements. We were all instructed to roll by Clara who went first. The group then paddled down through the stoppers and waves to the main bridge. This was to be the first of a three (4) river day.