Day 06 Thursday Upper Durance by Chris Murphy

The previous two days had seen the group complete one paddle a day, so I suggested that we tackle the Upper Durance in the afternoon as it was on our way back to the campsite. “Good idea, Chris”, said Keith, “You can do the write-up!”

12 of us got on in two groups of six, at the lay-by by the side of the busy main road, and we began to make our way down the river. This used to be nicked named the smelly river due to the sewage outlet that spilled out into the flow. Whilst it has been cleaned up considerably in recent years, there was still a definite odour lingering in the air, which meant no one particularly fancied rolling. Despite this, the eddy hopping opportunities are plentiful, and there is also a half-decent wave for those who want to play.  Not Murph the Surf, who, as usual, was too busy filming everyone else. (The sacrifices I make!) 

Eventually, we came to the get out, and the two groups took different strategies to get up the steep riverbank to the lay-by where Claire was waiting to run the shuttle. Those of us who had walked along the road were able to watch the second group pull their kayaks up the steep slope one by one, displaying great teamwork. 

Chris