Eau- Canada

[billcanoes]

http://www.gatineau.org/accueil_en.html

Martin gave me a heads up of a cool event class III-IV drop pool river. I'd like to go but I'm short on vacation- If someone is going from the southeast you might be able to twist my arm.

Bill

[Alden]

If anybody goes to this and gets good pictures (or if anyone has any) I have been looking for some for my guidebook. You will be "famous!"
Thanks,
Alden

[NZMatt]

I Highly higly recommend heading up to the Gatineau. It's an awesome run. There is also a harder section if you feel like it (I think it's the bridge section featured in We Designed Em, but not sure on that). I haven't run that part. The Gatineau has some really sweet surfing and some super cool rapids, but also tons of flatwater. On the other hand, there is something about looking downa t the putin on Sunday morning and seeing mainly open canoes, with very few kayaks!

Go play! This is probably my favourite of all the NE festivals

NZMatt

[billcanoes]

I have a friend who can drive with me- BUT he cant leave till Thursday and I'm supposed to be home on Monday.

And I stretched some ligaments on my right shoulder last Saturday hitting a rock in Petes Morgans on the Cheat- My shoulder doesnt hurt, but it pops a lot moving it-

I'm debating waiting and possibly flying up??? If the shoulder feels reasonable.

[PAC]

Shorter drive would be the Ohiopyle Falls Race Fesst that weekend. It's a nice festival that is growing and the falls are fun to drop over and over, and over again during the practice sessions!
Just a thought since you know know the river! Hope to see you there! Paul C.

[billcanoes]

Thanks for the invite PAC- I was thinking about that too. My buddy Steve K1 is going to the Yough.

I'm still holding off on all paddling plans for the 27th.

Bill

[billcanoes]

Hi Martin,

looks like I just need to find my passport- it wasnt in the Safe Deposit Box, which is where I thought it was.

Bill

[the great gonzo]

Sounds good Bill,
I'll see ya tomorrow at the airport!

martin

[billcanoes]

Martin,

I'm so excited! Thanks in advance for the heads up on the fest and boat usage/ ride etc....



Alden,

Are you looking for pics of the rapid or pics of the event or both?

Bill

[billcanoes]

MSIMS or anyone else going?

I'm leaving in a couple of minutes:)

[msims]

nope. :-/ would love to. I've become a reserve in the weekend warrior brigade....

Have fun, bill!

Mike.

[the great gonzo]

msims, good to hear that you are still on the reserve list for the weekend warrior brigade, I was already getting worried that you might be retired !!!

Are we going to see you sometime on a river again this year, or are two days a year nowadays enough for ya ????

Oh, and I leave the posting of the Gatineau trip report up to Bill...

martin a.k.a. Gonzo the Great

[billcanoes]

The Gatineau is an awesome festival, I'd recommend it to everyone.
The Canadians are super friendly.


It seems like the Canadian hydropower plants want to only dam rapids to minimize environmental impact, but taking away from paddling enjoyment- so participating in many of these events raises awarness.

The river was at a lower level, and think there 5 or 6 class III rapids, harder lines were available - especially if you were brave enough to hop into lucipher's anus. I avoided- as I would other anus'

Also special thanks to Martin who drove over 14 hours and picked me up at the airport.

Hope to make it to Eau Canada next year sometime.

Bill

[billcanoes]

Oh yeah Steve Ocoee (from Lehigh and slippery rock) Martin c1 Sith and OC1 Prelude, I tried a Robson Finkenmeister for 2 days- it was nice! and Dwayne, Colin and Mike all K1 were the paddlers. There was also a c1 conversion paddler Glen from NJ, Dirk and Barbara and one other c1er I saw on the river (these 4 were not part of our group but were nice to talk with)

There was also about 40% open boater which was nice to see.