All campers ate breaky safely with buoyancy aids and helmets. The boats launched and by mid morning the river team were guiding the kids through the twists and turns of the rapids Trois Eaux, Backwards and Stand up. Early purposeful capsizes woke multiple campers while the rest woke up with a round of seal launching. Five to seven campers race backward down a hill andinto the water. No one could get enough of the thrill!
Don Noir, Beaver Shoot and Can Opener were soon conquered by our fleet of 31 canoes. Lunch on an overturned canoe in the shade cooled the paddlers as they enjoyed a story from their river leader Eric.
Three more fast waters brought us to our destination Gournier Bivi. Boat teams worked together lugging dry barrels and paddle packs up a trail to VC’s campsite. Ideal sleeping spots were snagged, a tour was provided and then a BBQ brought smiles to all. A dessert of messy banana boats followed covering faces and hands with chocolate. A cool night allowed the canoers to catch some sleep.
A very warm morning greeted the fleet. After breakfast everyone lugged all equipment back down the longish trail leading to the river where our boats sat ready for another day of excitement!
Whirlpool, Elephants and Raft race provided welcomed splashes to our already heated campers. Another chapter of the story from our esteemed river leader introduced Madeline and Cathedral rock which looms amongst the gorge walls of the Ardeche.
A late lunch energized the paddlers. Campers seeking endless adventure ditched their boats and settled for swimming in the lively waters of Leper Colony. After the last of the swimming and digging campers and counsellors from the sandy beach our crew continued down river.
Capsizing seemed to multiply as the afternoon sun continued to beat down. Boats engaged themselves in waters wars. A raft race allowed the architect to shine in each child. Groups of 5-7 boats were formed, stacked and raced down a wide straight. Each team seemed to have a more than a few man-overboards.
The last four rapids brought VC to the final leg: 3 kilometres of flat water. With a couple of swims to break up the stint the campers made it safely and quickly to the take out location.
Dinner was served at 7:30 back at camp gearing the campers for the session two talent night. With a couple russians songs and dances, a performance from the VC band of summer '08, songs from 2 beautiful young ladies and some counselor skills, the talent night completed a wonderful two day adventure. Afterwards 41 tired sun kissed campers retired to their tents ready for a good nights sleep.
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