The Black Hole

After a 4 hour drive through the winding Alps we reached the drop off point for the hike to the Rhine Source. Go left or be a sheep and follow the other people right? right is is, straight up from 2030 m to a lung busting 2800 m. The view takes the breath away as much a the hike, then its a steep knee jerker down the mountain to Lake Tuma, the source of the Rhine.
Its smiles a jokes as we pack our kayaks with the 1000 miles worth of gear. 17 foot kayaks in grade 3 white water, this should be fun. With a small push off the bank we are in the flow, bouncing through the small waves, enjoying the moment. The Black hole i thought was in outer space but it seems there are two of them because firstly The Lowri Rose Sean's kayak gets sucked into the roller coast ride of his life. With paddles flying and Blue kayak bobbing, the black hole was having its way with the welshman. Phil's HMS Charl-E was next to tackle the hole and like a big hit from Jona Lomo ( the All Blacks rugby ) the hole took him down. With Mango ( color of my boat ) flying every where and ginger beard soaking up the river they came out the other side different men.
With a swish of the paddle and a gliding kayak, Mr R Tweddle crusied the mercyless Black Hole and came out the other side on a river red carpet with his hair looking good and a perfect smile. Feeling used and abused the river had its way with two of the three White water experts, NOT.
It was a tough learning curl but we realized that 17 foot touring kayaks where not designed for white water paddling so 6 hours of portaging was the task that lay a head. It was long 18 day but nothing a good cup of tea would not cure.