questions sur la riviere romaine

[DAVID CAREY]

Once again, I have to apologize for needing to post in English, but, rest assured, I am learning French as fast as I can!

I have a few questions for the community here. Some friends of mine have managed to get themselves a little time off from work, and they are insistent that we try to run the Romaine, since we hear that this is the last year it will be there. I have tried to find out as much information as I could by reading books, searching online, and talking to people who have been there, but I though I would run everything past you guys, since you are likely to know best!

How many days does it take to run the river? I have heard differing reports, from 5 days to 8 days. As of right now, we can leave about 8pm Monday night and need to be back by about 9pm the following Sunday. August 5th through the 14th. We were planning on driving up in one car and taking turns driving while others are sleeping, but since it is 13.5 hours from Pittsburgh to Quebec City and I understand it is 13.5 hours from Quebec City to Havre-Saint-Pierre (is that correct?), that puts us in line to fly in on Sunday morning and we would need to be off the water by mid-afternoon on Saturday. That gives us 6 days. We can maybe delay our return by one extra day, if need be.

Is 6 days and nights enough time? What about shuttle? Will we be able to find someone to drop our car off at the take-out? If one of us has to hitch a ride, that could take longer. I am actually very worried about these time constraints- which brings me to another question:

How often do you need to delay a flight on these sorts of trips? I am sure these are small planes and low clouds or light rain would prevent a flight from taking off.

Speaking of the planes, is there just one air service available? I have tried searching online, but only found one place. How expensive is it usually? One of my friends called to check availability, but that is all the farther we have gotten in arranging the flight. I wish he would have asked how many people can fit in the plane.

Lastly, do any of you want to come along? And, if time constraints prevent us from this trip, do any of you want to paddle with us elsewhere in Quebec next week? Whatever has water, the stouter the better!

Thanks, folks- I’ll see you all soon!

[David Morissette]

Great project! I can give you a few clarifications about the river and the project based on some of the work I am doing, but I have never run it and it is not up to my level.

It is not really true that it is the last year you can run it, I am not sure about the schedule of the construction but for sure next summer the river will still be pretty intact except at Romaine 1 and 2 sites. The construction has already started and is well under way at the Romaine 2 site, so expect to see a lot of activity at KM 90 (55 miles upstream from the mouth) and I think the river is already flowing through the temporary diversion canal at that location. Expect a long portage at that site. Outside from this site you won’t see much from the river and the river won’t be altered (no rapids are flooded neither the flow change, only a short reach at Romaine-2 could be dry). Next year should be similar, although the works could have started at Romaine-1 too but the river will still be in its natural state.

As far as logistic, the Romaine is like 500km (320 miles) long so the length of the trip varies depending on where you land. I think most people who go for whitewater usually fly up to near KM 185-200 (120 miles upstream from the mouth) where the river really starts to drop, which would definitively make more than a 6 day trip unless you want to paddle like crazy. You probably would need to start downstream, people who have done it could suggest you a good spot. Furthermore the river losses most of its elevation in 3 separate reach of 3-5 miles long each, and the shores are boulders bigger than your car so reconnaissance and portage can be hard and lengthy. The last significant drop is approximately around KM 55-60 (35 miles upstream of mouth) and is a 120ft+ fall, La Grande Chute. After that the river is mostly flat except 1-2 rapid and the take out is not very far from the ocean, unless you would be able to make and arrangement to use the Hydro Quebec access road to shorten trip, which I doubt as it is gated and controlled.

For flying to the put-in I don’t have much clue locally, but if the ceiling is low likely you won’t be able to fly. The weather can turn crappy there went big system ride up the east coast. Havre-St-Pierre can be done in 10hrs from Quebec I think.

If you want something not as tight regarding the schedule and have the chance to experience the amazing North Shore wilderness, the Magpie could be a great choice, it’s approximately a 5 day trip.

Hope it helps!

[Auteur]

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