I can safely say I am not one for internet dating, but I have used the internet to find kayaking partners. This has always been fine and I have had no negative experiences – indeed some of those I have met lurking on the deepest, darkest kayaking forums have become excellent friends.
This was how Jonny and I arranged our recent trip to the Pyrenees. We had been looking for someone to join us on a trip to Italy, to share costs etc, but to no avail. We did however find Mike, who was looking for one or two extra people to share driving and eddies on a trip to the Pyrenees, where he was meeting up with a couple of friends who recently embarked on a European paddling /travelling road trip. The promise of crystal blue grade 4-5 waters was almost too much to resist, but the addition of a company estate car and European fuel card reeled us in. If levels were too low / high, we could always move over to Italy anyway, as it wasn’t going to cost us anything.
We first met Mike 15 minutes before jumping in his car and heading to Dover. 20 hours later, we met Adam and Mark, parked in a layby drinking beers. Very random, the power of the internet should not be underestimated!
The Pyrenees are a beautiful place, very different to the usual mecca of the Alps. The hills are greener, quieter and less-developed. If you are prepared to put up with more driving, wild camping, river permits, erratic water levels and the need to be flexible, you will be rewarded with crystal waters, deep canyons and culture. There is definitely something here for all paddlers, from the boxed in canyons of the Veral, to bimbling along below the Murrilos de Gallegos. Sadly, a week in I managed to break a finger and, unable to hold a paddle, spent more time exploring the mountain towns and villages, taking photos and being philosophical.
First impressions count, and are hard to change once made. My first impressions of the Pyrenees were ones of beauty, awe and magic. My first impressions of my internet buddy were somewhat different, as it was clear that their personality, morals and motivations were very different to my own. Luckily, friendships with Mark and Adam were easily forged, and the location made any differnces bewteen individuals insigificant.
Lessons learnt include :- it is absolutely impossible to judge a person over the phone or internet, first impressions count, there really is such a thing as all the gear no idea (in more ways than one), friendships can be made and broken in the strangest of situations, good river shoes are as important as a boat.
I would like to thank Jarvis for making the trip possible, Mike for introducing me to new friends, sat navs for taking us on the most scenic (but never the quickest) routes, and Doug for showing us the light. I look forward to seeing new friends again, and intend to return to the Pyrenees to fully explore the rivers they have to offer.
