French Alps 2019 paddling trip
Day 12a The Upper Ubaye by Martin Aldridge
Another “early” start (the definition of early varies throughout the group and has a strong correlation to the previous evenings activities). Whilst we’re on the subject of the previous evening, it was the groups evening out the night before. We ventured into Briancon old town and had a lovely evening with good food and a fewbottles of alcohol (one bottle of wine each in some people’s case – despite to say, early was any time before the afternoon really).
Off we went up to the Upper Ubaye, dropping off SUP’s and people at the lake at the end of the race course.
Having less water this time than last and considering we broke two boats last time, Keith decided to park the shuttle car a little sooner before the shallows. We also used the new get in, the fisherman friendly one, and to be honest a much easier access point. It was like a completely new river!
On we got for a rather shallow start, but the water picked up and we could float down the river for a pleasant G3- trip. Many boulders later we arrived at the “green” bridge, which was decidedly brown/rusty and marked the end of the trip. Many played in the boat killing wave whilst the car shuttlers scuttled off to do their duty.
Bring on lunch and then to the Racecourse…