French Alps 2018 paddling trip
Day 3 The Upper Durance by Michael O’Rourke
We dropped in from a layby and ran the first half of the Upper Durance at brake neck speed lead by John or Helen, no one could quite see who, but every eddie and wave was missed. After a pause and quick word from Keith we slowed the pace a bit and did some actual kayaking eddie hopping, breaking in and out. We were spoilt for choice with the number of eddies to choose from.
Entering the stinky river part of the Upper Durance Dom decided this would be a great place to go for a swim, while I decided to demonstrate breaking in to 
Hannah and ended up upside down in the eddie, but I think that still counts.
We continued down the river to the weir passing not 1 but 2 stop signs. Kirk assured us this was fine, and we finally reached the slack waters before the weir and hauled our boats up a steep slope which was probably the hardest part of the day. While Keith cycled to collect the van Dom dished out the hand sanitiser to counteract the effects of the stinky river, and as of yet no one has been sick.
