This coming weekend is the Rouge Jamboree, information at [http://cckevm.org/intro-jamboree], and map attached below (sorry, only in French). Nice festival organised by the CCKEVM, and it's also sponsored by--not one--but two Quebec microbreweries (last year we drank the place dry).
This year is, let's say, interesting: the level is already below 27 m3/s. This is LOW for early July. Last year at the same time it was at 85 m3/s. As comparison, in 2009 we ran it at about the same time of the year and the level was 160 m3/s, i.e. 6 X current flow, and we did it all in playboats (although a certain paddler ran most of it without a boat, oops...).
At this low level, the run is easy easy, including usually big things like the washing machine, and the water is really warm. Expect to scrape the bottom/slalom between rocks in the first 4 rapids, however. The real attraction this year is that the 6 consecutive waterfalls normally portaged become runnable for those so inclined. So expect some action there, either as an actor or as a spectator.
In conclusion, this year's festival offers a beginner-friendly run with shuttles continuously running starting at 9:30, as well as a set of waterfalls that promise a big dose of excitement. 40$ including camping etc. Any taker?
--Christian Gigault
