Finally good weather and appropriate river conditions on a day we'd reserved to go paddling! With varying amounts of enthusiasm, Diana, Luis, Jules and I headed to Uttigen to paddle (drift) along the Aare to Bern.
The flow-rate in the river was a bit higher than the last time we were here, and was flowing quite quickly at the entry point. With a bit of trepidation from some of the party we launched (I need to remember that not everyone spends as much time on flowing water as I do), and we headed off downstream fairly briskly. It was a little bumpy for the first couple of kilometers, but then settled down into a more steady flow, enough for everyone to have a drink, some snacks and to relax a little. It was warm in the sun, but not very hot, and I managed to keep cool by getting splashed in the rougher water on a pretty regular basis.
We stopped at the same place as last time - near the small island just upstream from the Hunzigebrügg. Roman's burgers were once again a hit, cooked on Diana & Luis' portable gas barbecue, although overall we did take a bit too much food. We stopped for maybe an hour before heading off downstream once more. The boys were tempted with a swim a little past Eichholz, but the girls elected to stay in the boat this time. We arrived in Bern safe and sound, and were pleasantly surprised at the efforts to make the exit a bit more safe and convenient for everyone. Newly installed were clear signs for where the swimmers & boats should exit separately from one another. A small change but one that definitely helps with both congestion and safety. Once out of the water we celebrated with a beer in the park before packing up and heading to the station.
Overall it was 22.1km, and took us 4 hours 20, including the stop for lunch. The flow in the river was 180 m³/s, and probably about the limit for us.
With a lovely day forecast - 30C & sunny and with some water in the rivers, I took the opportunity to head to Bremgarten to paddle down the Reuss to Gebenstorf
The day started with a brief chat with police. They were kindly explaining to the paddlers that the entrance to the water had moved to the island over the old wooden bridge in Bremgarten. It was all very polite and friendly as one would expect in Switzerland, and I will ensure I use the correct eingang next time!
Once in the water I paddled upstream to look at the new entrance on the island. It looks pretty well-placed with steps leading down to a very sheltered eddy and even a toilet provided. Curiosity satisfied, I headed off downstream. There was a decent flow in the river - enough to make the rapids below Bremgarten a bit of fun, but as usual the packraft rides well through rough water.
I had good fun heading downstream with a mixture of paddling, drifting, and playing in eddies. My right elbow was just about holding up, but will see over the next couple of days. I got a reminder that the pack raft swamps easily, and once half full of water it isn’t very responsive. I need to remember that it’s not a kayak, and not suitable for playing in white water.
It wasn't such a good trip for wildlife - possibly just a bit too warm for the usual waterfowl. I did see a few seagulls, and one dragonfly that didn't land on me (I'm starting to take it a bit personally!)
I arrived in Gebenstorf happy, but having caught the sun a bit (oops) - need to add suncream to the packing list, particularly on the first long sunny day out in the year. Overall it was 26.2km, and took me 3 hours 30. The flow in the river was 170 m³/s, and good fun.
With a nice day forecast, and a bit of flow in the rivers (but not enough to be cause for concern), I decided that it was the day to get the pack raft out for the first time since late summer 2020.
I decided to try a route along the Limmat that we’d seen people do on our cycle ride to Baden in May. I entered the water near Badi Letten, but next time would use the steps and grass area on the north bank of the river over from Escher-Wyss platz, just downstream from the bridge). It was lovely drifting down the river, which was going at a nice pace so that I didn't have to paddle but relaxing enough - pretty much a perfect speed for a first day out in a little while.
The route was pretty easy. You have to exit the river to avoid the Höngger Weir, but that is very well signed and otherwise there’s little that requires attention. I did have a little play in the rapids near Schlieren, and I need to remember that the pack raft doesn't have a spray deck. It's very stable, but it can get swamped easily in a few big waves.
I saw lots of bird life en-route. Herons, a few types of ducks, plus a kestrel, a kite - being mobbed by a crow - and I think a buzzard. I did see a dragonfly, but just for once none landed on me as I drifted.
I finished the route and exited the river at Glanzenberg where it’s a very short walk to the station and a train back to town. Overall it was 9.4km, and took me 1 hour 50. The flow in the river was 74 m³/s at Unterhard.