Canoeing the Continent: Week One Blog

Montsoreau, France. In six days just shy of 100 miles upstream from Nantes have been canoed.

It was always the expectation that canoeing the continent would be hard and the wide rivers of the Loire have provided confirmation.

While our training incorporated upstream work, it was inevitably accompanied by a swift return home on the downstream current we had just overcome.

Here there is no such respite and constantly refuelling, hydrating and stretching are instead essential to retain any momentum.

Aside from the physical strain, canoeing upstream also challenges our understanding of rivers.

Deciding upon which side of the river, when to cross and when to tow the canoe are as crucial to a successful day as how strong you feel.

While neither of us would claim to be experts, our ability to read the river has certainly improved over the past week.

However, a long term expedition asks for more than simply travelling.

The day doesn’t end when the miles on the water are covered.

Instead, a camp site must be found, the tent has to be pitched and dinner prepared.

The canoe is the pack-horse but her work hauling cannot start immediately.

Every morning, the gear is organised and packed in two waterproof rucksacks and three specialist food barrels before being strapped to the boat.

We take 10 litres of water at a time as well as sufficient food to provide three to four days of a large and balanced diet.

Food, water and resting places are found from the towns located two or three miles apart along the Loire.

At times these towns have proved unrewarding with only a few houses in walking distance.

On other occasions there is a jetty to moor the boat, an information centre for Wi-Fi and water as well as a café for a break.

While so far you have heard only the essentials of the expedition, it is not all bad.

The Loire is picturesque and as we begin our second week, we are entering the famous wine region.

The final day of the week is a rest day and we’ve made the most of the bustling river front and range of restaurants at Montsoreau.

The next goal is to intercept the Tour De France in the city of Tours.

TIBS News will have our latest in another exclusive weekly report, while more regular updates are available @CanoeingEurope on Twitter and at www.canoeingthecontinent.com.

This photograph was provided by sybarite48.