2024 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday
Day 11 Tuesday afternoon 30th July: Upper Guisanne
The third river of the day was only for those with enough energy left and a little bit of nerve to paddle the grade 4, “S-bends” rapid, unsighted. It had given the team a little bit of bother in the previous week. We did stop on the way up to scout it but as it is run daily by the rafts any trees or debris are likely to be cleared by the local guides.
We paddled the top section as a four enjoying the bouncy waves through the town of Le Monêtier-les-Bains. As the valley opened up and gravel beds appeared we knew we were approaching S-Bends rapid. This had been changed by the recent floods but consisted of a 100m boulder field with an S-turn at the bottom and then some awkward ledges and boulders before the rapids ease a little before the bridge of Les Guibertes.
We all managed the rapid, this was Poppy`s first grade 4 and she paddled it well. After catching our breath, we continued on over the two tricky weirs. The afternoon melt water was now adding to the rivers volume and we were enjoying ourselves.
The final few km through the picturesque towns, all competing with each other to have the most flowers on the bridges was relaxed and fun. We took out at the usual rafting centre in Serre Chevalier and then headed into Briançon for an ice cream and a little shopping.