Just a quick update, we had an epic day today. A big thank you to Ross (the human measuring stick) for joining me.
The river level was under half what it was yesterday. Which is cool, because if that river level was there, the upper part of the river would have been working. Thats with very little rain. I can only imagine what it would be like with prolonged heavy rain. Which isn't a stretch of my imagination, this area is after all in one of the wettest parts of the country.
Anyway onto the river:
- Note on Scale: the photos etc. don't do it justice, the scale is much bigger than it appears. Most of the Photos are taken from 20/25m up from the river.
- 2km+ hike in.
- Very deep canyon type river walls. With big bolders creating many of the rapids.
- constant gradient. No drop bigger than 10ft. Drops between 80m and 100m in 1km....
- First section, at the confluence of the Polladirk and a stream (we didn't go up the Polladirk any further), is a Grade 5 triple drop. It goes, but scary.
- then the river joins a the stream, the river widens. Its solid continuous Grade 4 for about 1km, this had very very steep walls, spotted some syphons.This is the core part of the river. It looks top notch.
- this is then followed by 1km of consistent Grade 3.
See the full Photo Gallery and Map here.
Its a serious mission, it would require a confidant, prepared, well equipped, strong group. But oh boy does it look like a solid river.
Top Tip: Bring a head torch, you may end up in the dark.
Top Tip 2: Maps give distances "as the crow fly's". Take into account the slopes. Distances are actually much much larger than I expected.
