Italian Adventure

So after a couple of months planning our second trip to Italy was upon us.

The Drive
We all met at Robs to load up, managing to leave just before 6:30pm. Traffic to Folkestone wasn't too bad. Somehow Richie managed to get a crossing half an hour before me, despite us going through check in at the same time. So we arranged to meet them in Mc D's in Calais.

Waiting for the Train

After joining back up with Richie etc, we heard the tale of only just getting the van plus boats under the drive through.

With Mc D's behind us we were making tracks through France, Belgium, Luxembourg back into France then in Germany for an hour. After crossing the German-Swiss border an hour later we were queuing to pass through the Gotthard Tunnel, a 17km tunnel through the heart of the Alps. Whilst passing through the tunnel the internal temperature rose to 32 degrees C!

Finally we were in Italy, heading out of Milan to the campsite.

With camp up in record time we headed to the top of the Alpine Sprint for a quick run, a refreshing change from nearly 16 hours in the car. Dan, Richie and I decided to do another run before starting on dinner.

120mph with 2 boats on the roof was the limit on the Autobahn, despite cruise control being set to 155mph....

That evenings BBQ effort.

Day 1 - Sermenzina
First full day of paddling had arrived and we were heading back up to finish off the Sermenzina, where last year we had to pull off after Richie dislocated his shoulder. It was a cracking day, sunny with blue skies.
Making swift progress down to Cave Drop we all decided to run, even Richie wanted to concur his nemesis. All running Cave Drop safely we were at the double drop section where it tightens up into a bit of a gorge. The first drop looked fine however the second was choked with two massive trees crossing the fall. We decided to run the first drop then portage river right, missing the second.

250m down from here and almost at the end of the river the holiday and my plans for the next few months took a dramatic change, as this is where I dislocated my shoulder. That now makes it 2 from 2 attempts and a very pissed off holiday maker!

Molly dropping in!

Proof I did paddle something...

Kit off and by the side of the river, doesn't look good!

Later that night after having it popped back in by the nice Italian Docs.

Day 2 - Semensa and Sorba Slides With my arm out of action I was demoted to photo and shuttle bunny for the rest of the holiday. Plus side was at least there would be some photos, not all GoPro footage. 

Richie getting a little sideways...

Rafting up after exiting the gorge section.

Danny riding the cushion wave.

Rob A taking the boof line RL off the top drop.

Day 4 - Egua and Alpine Sprint
Over halfway through the holiday, we decided to head up to the Egua. An overcast day but temperatures were around the 15 degrees mark so we were hoping for the levels to be good.

Action Meers pulling off a nice flair.

Molly running the first slide.

Dan dropped off the Fingers Ledge

The Crew after all successfully dropping Cylinder Drop.

Day 5 - Landwasser Waterfall and Lower Mastallone
During the night there had been a few brief showers. In the morning hoping that these showers were more intense elsewhere we decided to head to the Lower Mastallone. Once we got there it was clear that it had rained a lot more over in this valley. I suggested that we continued further up the valley in search of the Landwasser Waterfall. After another 30 minutes and driving past it once we found it! The guys and gal got kitted up ready to drop it, with me set up in the distance ready to take photos!

Rob A showing the others how to do it.

Richie getting ready for the green room.

Molly dropping in.

Danny nailing the line.

Out of nowhere, Dan throwing a Claw! 

After the Landwasser we headed down to the get in for the Lower Mastallone, we unloaded boats and people and decided to run the shuttle when they got off to save a bit of time stood in wet gear.

Day 6 - Gronda, Sorba Slides and Alpine Sprint

After a good fifth day behind us it was decided that with the extra bit of rain during the previous day we'd try our hand at the Gronda.

Walking up from the car park the river looked a little low. Seeing as we were already halfway to the get in we continued walking. Once at the top the team got on and started making slow progress down. I walked about halfway down the river and sat on a rock sunbathing/revising. About half an hour later they appeared on the horizon. Unfortunately the level was a bit low so they decided to pull off and session the Sorba before lunch. After lunch we then headed over to the Alpine Sprint for a quick blast.

Most pap'd Donkey in Italy

Nursing some life back into her.

Richie hitting the RL Line

Dan flying off the ledge.

Shortly followed by Danny!

Molly slightly missing the ledger...

Charging the Alpine Sprint!

Day 7 - Sesia, Campsite to Piode
Richie, Danny, Molly and Rob A decided on an easier final day, so they ran from the campsite to Piode whilst Dan and I followed in the car and van.

Richie's first down.

Dan just about holding on.

After everyone had dropped the falls we headed back up to the campsite to start the mammoth task in packing up the van and car ready for a 6am depart and a 920 mile journey back home!

High spirits after a great weeks paddling!

Last nights meal out, anyone for horse...