2023 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday
Day 12b Tuesday La Fresquière to Race Course Campsite by Mike F
After the morning’s run down the Ubaye Gorge and a bite to eat for Lunch; it was time to get wet again!!
A small group took to the water paddling from La Fresquière to the Race Course Campsite. The get-in at La Fresquière is just above the bridge near to the Maison du Bois. The section has no warmup opportunity – and after a slight mishap when practicing paddle-spinning – we were off into the flow and away!
The section starts as a grade 4 with large round boulders and pour-over drops; running continuously downhill for about a third-of-a-mile until it levels out a bit and continues at grade 3 for another mile or so where it joins the racecourse section at Le Martinet. [Please note that with normal flows this section is usually graded at 5- and has had several deaths over the years including one earlier in the year in May]
The racecourse section was as always entertaining – and a fast paddle down brought us back to the Campsite – weiry but happy paddlers!