Last weekend I did a smash and grab long weekend in the Ardeche, South of France.  A smash and grab because I flew in on the Friday, enjoyed the customary first night sherbets, then hit the river for a two day river trip down the Ardeche, then flew back the next day.

The mighty Ardeche.  And mighty it was.  Great water levels.  Decent paddling.  At this time of year it’s the maker and breaker of legends.  And it lived up to it’s reputation.

Getting to the Ardeche is easy.  Fly to Nimes or Marseille, courtesy of our least favourite budget airlines, then a transfer of about an hour to the lovely Ardeche region.

Going on an Ardeche river trip at this time of year means so much to me.  It means being 20, forgetting life, loving nature, working hard, caring for your friends, paddling hard, decent water levels, sleeping under the stars, enjoying life!  It means so much more.  For me, the best days of my life were as a canoe instructor in  the Ardeche.  When I go back, I am in that exact same instance.

So having real leisure time with my mate Blue and his wife Caroline was a treat.  Coupled with a bivvy at Gaud and a BBQ that turned into a superb party with a group of French ski guides.  Quite a mad night.  There is nothing like a good bivvy and the smell of canvas.

Living the dream baby.  Living the dream