2022 LCC Alpine Holiday to Durance Region in France Day 3 Monday: The Durance from the campsite to St Clement by Nikki Aldridge
With the arrival of the rest of the group, who had stopped in various places all over France, today was the first day everyone was present. Unfortunately, after an incident with a car key and car boot, Nick and Oscar were not able to join us on the river.
We planned to repeat yesterday’s trip to show the newcomers how it’s done. An intrepid few, Roy, Sarah and Helen, did a run down the slalom course planning to meet us at the bottom. However, Keith had different plans and when they weren’t quick enough down the slalom course, we had left without them… apart from Stuart who was nice enough to wait behind for them. After passing a couple of German groups of paddlers, and Fiona attempting to pull rank on Keith, the slalom-runners finally caught us up.
It was a fun filled day with plenty of easy waves, beautiful scenery and glorious sunshine. Just as everyone was relaxing into the flow of French waters, Andy did a quick riverbed inspection, but had rolled back up almost before anyone noticed. This was soon followed by Helen taking a swim on a weir, which provided an ideal opportunity for some people to eat some lunch.
As we approached the infamous big undercut rock, most of the group opted to follow some OC1s down a safer route on river left.
We then came to the St Clement slalom course. Most of the group spent a while playing on the top wave, backwards, forwards, upside down, sideways, you name it, it was tried, with just a short pause to let the OC1’s pass through and to watch one lone Stand Up Paddleboarder showing off on the middle wave. Elliot was paddler of the day, quickly mastering the top wave, much to the annoyance of his dad!
Paddlers today were: Keith S, Sara, Martin, Nikki, Stu, Roy, Sarah, Helen, Fiona, Andy, Keith B & Elliot
