French Alps 2014 - Day 1

Day 1 (Friday to Saturday)

Leaving the UK Friday evening we had Danny, Terry, Molly, Steve, Charlie, Marshy, Connor, Mat, Rich, Rob and Sophie - AKA Team one for the purpose of today’s blog.

With 2 members of the FMO Crew missing: Al due to his shoulder injury in Italy back in May and his wing man Dan.

Most of Team one got the 21:20 euro tunnel. Danny managed to catch the earlier trains squeezing on the back. Everyone decided it would be a great idea to do a booze run, but after driving 100 miles they gave up looking for a cash and carry.

Leaving the UK Saturday morning we had Tim, Dan, Charlotte & Katie - AKA Team two for the purpose of todays blog.

Meanwhile Charlotte was still trying to establish what to leave out of her bag in order to pack light.

Team two caught the 06:40 ferry from Dover, where Katie and Charlotte's Toilet Chronicles began. Katie has just finished her “tinkle” and reached across for the loo roll, only to wave her arm in front of the flush sensor giving her bum a wash followed by a loud screech. The next loo stop for Charlotte and Katie was rather interesting - a hole in the ground, having not been to the loo for four hours. No choice but to try and not splash their feet.

Meanwhile Team one were still making their way to France via Italy and possibly the Mont Blanc Tunnel costing around 126€ (€42 per vehicle). This was despite specific instructions from Al on avoiding the tunnel. So now it was Team 2’s time to take the mick after their Italian adventure last time they came to the French Alps back in 2010.

Team 1’s plans were to paddle the Upper Guissane upon arrival, but all of Connor’s passengers nearly didn't make it. For once it wasn't Connor’s driving, lesson 1 don't let Marshy drive when he’s tired. Described by Mat as “like being on a train due to all the swerving side to side.” Once at the river  the rain stopped and the sun came out for Team one as they started their first river trip on a Grade 3 with a 4minus in it. The river trip was fairly uneventful except for Connor, who managed to break his spare paddle (his normal paddle was broken before he came out) along with an out of boat experience. They then headed over to L’agentere slalom site for a play about.

It was the first time the Duo has been out in the French Alps and was occupied by Rich and then Sophie in the front. Sophie clearly has no fear. Not only did the Duo survive without any events, Sophie has not paddled before and did a fantastic job. The Duo has now been named “The Love Machine”.

Sadly Terry had to travel home due to unforeseen circumstances, so the Coull’s dashed off for a 5 hour round trip to Marseille airport. 

The rest of us arrived at the accomadation, which we think was a bargain. Everyone had a bed to themselves, warm showers and a fully equipped kitchen. Its an 8 storey town house which as you can see looks tiny from the outside, but it's plenty big enough. The stairs are a nightmare all being made of different materials and being different sizes. Not only do the holes in the ground tone your legs but also the stairs, its a mission. On the plus side there is a winch on the 7th floor, so if we cant make it back up Dan, Tim or Steve who are based up there will have to winch us up. Marshy reviewed his GoPro only to find something he didn't remember seeing whilst his GoPro was on his head. A mystery white hairy bum.

In the evening Conor had a drink then decided it was appropriate to try to fix his paddle with resin. His drink was then ruined by dropping resin in it. We all headed off to bed with instructions from Rob to be ready to leave at 09:00.

Breakages - Conors Spare Robson Paddles, Rob's back rest guide (Fixed with Zip-ties) 

Written by Katie with input from everyone.