2022 LCC Alpine Holiday to Durance Region in France: Day 10 Monday: Château Queyras Via Ferrata by Keith Bold, Upper Gyronde by Steve Hitchen and Lower Gyronde by Elliot Bold
Day 10 Monday: Château Queyras Via Ferrata by Keith Bold
The team left the campsite headed for Château Q to determine if there was sufficient water level to paddle. Several stopped at an inspection point for the triple step rapid and were optimistic. Upon arrival at the riverside beneath the impressive edifice of the Château, it was clear that paddling was not possible after all. We wandered over the bridge so that those of us, me included, who hadn’t seen it, might enjoy a look into the gorge through which we’d hoped to float. A bit intimidating was my initial impression, but hopefully next year we will experience the view from the water.
A group decided to rent a harness and helmet and set off on the via ferrata, clambering above the river in the shadow of the mountains. Several years ago I managed to overcome a fear of heights, this was an opportunity to discover if it had returned.
The twin karabiners provided enough of a sense of security and the view of the river below and the intricate shapes carved into the gorge sides were a great distraction form dwelling on that. A couple of sections, vertical climbs, felt a bit exposed but weren’t too long.
This was a worthy alternative to paddling the gorge and was enjoyed by all who undertook the challenge.
Day 10 Monday: Upper Gyronde by Steve Hitchen
Although this river was short (5km) and a bit fast it was at a brilliant level. After not being able to paddle in the morning as most of the group were climbing in the gorge at Château Queyras (Via Ferrata), we headed back closer to base camp and made our way up the valley to the upper Gyronde. Stopping along the way to check the levels and taking a look at one very notable feature. Levels were fine so we set off to the get in just after the barrage at Valouise.
When we arrived, we realised the barrage was now open and had put another foot or so on the level as the glacier up in the valley was melting fast with the rising heat of the day. It was now a fast moving, eddy hopping river of fun. However, the best bit came when we arrived at the feature that we had scouted from the bridge earlier. Keith went ahead to take photos of us missing the bolder feature. The feature had now changed into a huge left sided wave that dropped you into a hole on the right. Brilliant fun and definitely the best river this paddler went on this trip.
It only seemed to take 20 minutes or so until we arrived at the get out above the grade 6 part.
Many thanks to the river leaders for getting us all down in one piece as usual.
Day 10 Monday: Lower Gyronde by Elliot Bold
The team left the campsite headed for Chateau Q to determine if there was sufficient water level to paddle. Several stopped at an inspection point for the triple step rapid and were optimistic. Upon arrival at the riverside beneath the impressive edifice of the Chateau, it was clear that paddling was not possible after all. We wandered over the bridge so that those of us, me included, who hadn’t seen it, might enjoy a look into the gorge through which we’d hoped to float. A bit intimidating was my initial impression, but hopefully next year we will experience the view from the water.
A group decided to rent a harness and helmet and set off on the via ferrata, clambering above the river in the shadow of the mountains. Several years ago I managed to overcome a fear of heights, this was an opportunity to discover if it had returned.
The twin karabiners provided enough of a sense of security and the view of the river below and the intricate shapes carved into the gorge sides were a great distraction form dwelling on that. A couple of sections, vertical climbs, felt a bit exposed but weren’t too long.
This was a worthy alternative to paddling the gorge and was enjoyed by all who undertook the challenge.
