Hi all,
Mike and I had the chance to paddle the Gatineau at 4.8 last weekend. The lines have not changed, though they are obviously smaller and easier. Due to rocks, you will want to stay upright at crow's beak. The wall is gone and has become an easily avoided pourover. At Cedar's, take the time to check out any additional lines and maybe have a look at the traditional right slot, since you want to stay upright there too. That being said, there are now eddies that you can use to get close enought to boat scout it, if you're comfortable with that. I was too lazy to walk back up, but there are additional lines that seem to open up at low water.
It is even more beautiful at low water though, with higher white rock faces and such. When you pass the Cedars, it is worth seeing how truly covered in logs the bottom of the river is. It's nuts and worth getting on the river to see it.
Finally, Mme. Lafrance has closed up shop at the put-in. So, we will no longer have her well wishes to start off a Gatineau trip.
However, the Godin's (Bonnet Rouge owners) have bought a property not far from the old put-in. It is right below the first set of boogie rapids. You can paddle up to them if you want. They're having a rough summer but determined to keep the put-in and take-out going, so go for a trip on the Gatineau, do a little bit of camping and support them!
It is still a great summer option, very beautiful and despite a few rocks at Crow's beak and the Cedars, a nice introductory level to the river!!!
