RI7ER JOURNAL POSTS

The Sjoa Expedition Journal - Øvre Sjodalsvatn to Griningsdal Bru

Saturday, 10 July 2010

Tail wind across the Upper Sjodalsvatn Lake, kept us moving at a swift pace in the morning. Loaded river kayaks are not fun to drift across a lake in steady winds, windcapping the surface. Without a rudder, you have to keep paddling to keep the boat going in a straight line. The sceney was pleasant with The Jotunheimen mountains in constant stormy atmosphere as our backdrop. Huts, private cabins, farm-houses and tourist lodges dotted the shoreline, the clouds on the horizon line were ever-changing.

Arrived at Postfuru, boated a rapid under the bridge, which has an awesome surf wave at the exit and at 351.44 on the guage is sweet with great eddy service.

The 2nd drop was descended on the river left channel by Ine. Scott was 2nd to go on the river right channel. He got tooled, by going over in a hole and then getting dragged upside down over a shallow slide/ledge. Ine and i stopped filming when he started to bounce whilst upside down.

A quick rescue resulted with just a sponge lost, a scar on new helmet, paddle blade smashed off, bruised shoulder and a small hole in his paddle jacket.

LUNCHTIME .... time to make a plan and Scott to dry out.

Cruisy afternoon over Lower Sjodalsvatn Lake, and then some cruisy rapids with brilliant blue skies and high cirrus clouds.

Gave Brett a call and he drove up the valley to meet us just above the rapids and bridge at Griningsdal with a replacement paddle. He was happy to meet up with us and suggested next time, that it was not for replacing trashed gear. We agreed that this would be better for us as well.

Rob Wilson