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[John]

Holidays

Hi

I live in Scotland. This year we holidayed in France in the Massif region. We visited a few rivers. One was the Ardeche. We visited in June when it was less busy. Still it was fairly busy even then - especially at the Vallon D'Arc. Yet it was good fun for a coup[le of middle-aged rookies to go 8kms or so down a class 2 section of the river.

We also visited the Allier slightly further north. By contrast this river was virtually deserted yet in my view a much more enjoyable experience, partly because the whole area is much less commercialised. You really felt you were in rural France. We travelled 18kms down a class 2/3 river and met no other canoes. The scenery was beautiful and the whole experience exhilerating. I thoroughly recommend it.

[Adrie Jonkers]

Hello, middle- aged rookie, wath kayak did you use at river Ardeche and Vallon d' Arc ? Or did you rent one ? Au revoir. Greetz. Adrie Jonkers.

[John]

I used the AE convertible on all rivers. It was absolutely fine, excellent in fact. We were also on the Allier which although not nearly as busy and commenrcial was a much more interesting river.

A very helpful book is The Massif Central. Can't at momenet remember exact title or author but a book worth its weight in gold listing difficulty on certain areas and campsites etc.

[John]

PS

On some areas it was possible to arrange a lift back by a hire company for a nominal fee (about £10 max). On the Allier the train runs alongside the river and is excellent for a lift back - in fact our ride was free - despite trying a few times to pay the conductor.

I carried Kayak and gear in a Palm Trek Carrier 150L It is sufficient for all gear and can be carried on shoulders. However, I would not like to carry it too fat - half mile max. I am 6' 2" 54 years old and struggle a bit from lack of energy and stamina.

Should perhaps note too that nominal fee is much less than hiring hardshell sit on tops for two people. A few trips down rivers and you have soon recouped the price of the Kayak.

I would also think it is better in rivers to omit the backbone. This is likely to allow the Kayak to slide more easily over riverbed stones in shallower water. A good technique we discovered in shallow water was to lift our bottoms and lean on the inflated areas, this way we could boldly go where...

[Adrie Jonkers]

Hello John, thank you for your information. It's good to hear that it is possible to go down the River Ardeche in an AE. Also thanks for your further information on getting back to your startingpoint. Very good suggestion for shallow water: bottom up. Greetz. Adrie Jonkers.

[MDO]

What a great suggestion John - paddling in shallow rivers - why use the backbone!!! I have to try this...

Thanks so much!