Worse Things Happen at Sea. This is difficult to write. I normally enjoy writing up expedition reports because they are an opportunity to reflect on how things went, review the photos, and re-live some of the highlights of the trip. This time, however, I messed up badly,
The Unforgettable Journey by Jacki Jenkins From Widnes to Folkestone is where it all started, In Folkestone, we met, and the Alpine convoy departed.From Calais to Troyes, Dom, John, and Jacki rested,Then embarked on the journey, in which we were fully invested. Through France’s straight roads, we travelled with persistence, To the grand hills of the Alps—I was in awe of their existence.Winding and twisting, the steep road lay ahead,To… Read More »The Unforgettable Journey by Jacki Jenkins
Day 14, Friday, Isere by Stuart T Having arrived at the Bourg St Maurice campsite the previous evening, we had unpacked and set up the LCC campsite. The campsite is fantastic, based next to the river. Featuring its immaculate shower block and bistro. All for the sum of 5 euros each per night, brilliant. The river is dam-fed, with one am and one pm release (all at no cost). Today’s… Read More »2025 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday Day 14: Friday, Isere by Stuart T
Day 13, Thursday, Veneon by Roy M The mighty Vénéon delivered a truly Alpine experience – glacier-fed, fast-flowing, and unmistakably cold! We put on just below the Via Ferrata, beneath towering cliffs and snow-dusted peaks, and paddled down to Le Plan du Lac, conveniently finishing beside the local rafting centre. The water was crystal clear, ice-cold, and turquoise – the kind of glacial beauty that’s hard to describe but unforgettable… Read More »2025 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday Day 13: Thursday, Veneon by Roy M
Day 12 Wednesday, Lower Durance After a week and a half of Alpine adventure, Day 12 brought the group to the Lower Durance for a second time – a refreshing change of pace after the steeper and splashier rivers of earlier in the trip. This was our first river, having driven out for a late holiday and only just joining the club who were, by now, well into their routines.… Read More »2025 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday Day 12 Wednesday: Lower Durance
Day 11 Tuesday Middle Guil by Nikki A The second river of the day, and we were upping the ante. We drove up the Guil valley, stopping to inspect the get-out, the get-in and Tunnel Rapids. After much discussion and watching another group paddle Tunnel Rapids, we decided to get on below it and just enjoy the best part of the river. A non-stop Grade 3 with a harder Grade… Read More »2025 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday Day 11: Tuesday Middle Guil by Nikki A
Day 11 Tuesday Lower Guil by Martin A After some confusion over shuttles, we arrived at the get-on and were soon unloaded. As we prepared to launch, Keith stole Roy’s small Firecracker (which was practically underwater – squirt-like), so Roy had to paddle Keith’s playboat, which dwarfed him. We split into 2 groups of 7, and Keith’s group launched first. We made our way down the first few easy rapids,… Read More »2025 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday Day 11: Tuesday Lower Guil by Martin A
Day 10 Monday Mountain Kart by Ste H Serre Chevalier Vallée Mountain Cart and scooter experience https://www.serrechevalier-pass.com/fr/mountainkart On a day off, 6 of us decided to head up to Serre Chevalier, up the valley through Briançon and try some downhill summer sports, namely Carts. 3-wheeled contraptions with big rubber tires and a cloth seat. Independent brakes and footrests. What could possibly be more fun? On arrival at the base of the… Read More »2025 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday Day 10: Mountain Kart by Ste H
Day 10 Monday, Argentiere Stadium by Sarah G In the afternoon, some went on the Lake on paddle boards while others used their kayaks to try out the slide down into the lake. We also did some rolling practice.
Day 10, Monday Glacier Blanc by Keith The 4 of us got up early to miss the extreme heat of the day during the climb. Terry drove us up past Ailefroide climbing centre and parked at Refuge du Pré de Madame Carle. In the car park, we saw three chamois (mountain deer) and 4 marmots. The sunny conditions were actually cloudy with very light rain. We set off up the… Read More »2025 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday Day 10: Monday Glacier Blanc
