The question was how on earth would we top last years trip to the French Alps, but somehow this years trip managed to exceed all expectations and was a fantastic success.

Eight Pirates in the shape of Andrew Attfield, Sammy Deans, Neil Somerford, Peter Post, Rob Deakin, Pam Ludlow and John and Ollie Osborn made the 11 hour journey down to L’Argenteire la Besse which is situated just south of Briancon, a short drive from the Italian border. I say 11 hours driving but thanks to a puncture Sammy’s car took 18 hours and arrived aboard a low loader!!

Once the car problems had been solved it’s fair to say that the week unfolded into a paddling “tour de force”. We had arranged for a professional coach, Darren Joy of Fluid Skills, to join us for a couple of days and his expert knowledge helped us  improve our paddling and push us to the limits of our ability. On top of the benefits of coaching, we were also able to run some of the classic grade 4 alpine river including the Durance Gorge, The Lower Guisane and the Ubaye Race Course.

Our accommodation at the gite, Moulin Pappion, was fantastic with great hospitality and even better food (three courses plus cheese and wine every night!) and thanks goes to Andrew Attfield for arranging such a great trip.