Were in Switzerland, Graubunden, it's Oktober and we are lucky, the sun is shining and many rivers are running again, so Lieke and I decided to run the Valserrhein; my favorite run of the season.
From Ilanz you drive into the direction of a town called Vals. The Valserrhein is an amazing gorge; an amazing creek which has three portage's. We quickly realized we had a real nice water level and it was a delight to run nice clean lines down the little drops and rapids of the this steep river.
At the putt in the riverbanks were still covered in snow. Wearing a double set of thermals under our dry suits and the presence of the warm autumn sun made us feel and warm and comfortable. Fairly easy we arrived at the first 'cave' portage, here you have to climb through a tight hole in a rock, followed by a Himalaya start back in the river. Running the class V-VI rapid instead didn’t appeal to us, we leave this drop to the brave boys.....
After the first ‘cave’ portage the nicest rapids of the Valserrhein are following, clean lines, little drops, boofs, auto-boofs. We are enjoying every minute of our trip in this stunning gorge in autum. The second portage is a long rapid that ends in an undercut with a log jam. Portaging here is hard work; struggling on the rocky banks, pulling our kayak over the big rocks and fallen trees. It was time for the girls to make a chocolate break.
The third part of the run is a bit easier, still nice moves to make and more time to enjoy the scenery. I always look forwards to the little drop towards the end of this section. Then a big horizon line apears. This15 meter waterfall lands on rocks, and is the third portage. With a 20 meter long rope we lower the kayaks down the cliff of the drop and run the last part of the Valserrhein. A set of real friendly and enjoyable drops. Around 15.00 (3pm) we arrive at the take -out, a great day, good fun, nice water level, good lines, stunning.
What a great autumn paddle.
