Multiday Packrafting with Dog

It is November 2021. A long and exciting season lies behind us, with tours and courses well into the fall. But it is not quite over yet. One last time this year, adventurous packrafters will meet for a Multiday Basic Training. Two-legged packrafters and four-legged packrafters. Because this course is different. Not only humans paddle along, but also dogs. Over the year, three LWA participants have sought and found each other who are not only packrafting enthusiasts, but also want to share their hobby with their best, furry friend on multi-day trips. We like such unusual projects!

To this end, in November we are once again at the campsite Nahe-Alsenz-Eck for a visit. Where a few months ago the sun was shining on relaxed campers, now the drizzle sticks to the last motorhomes and abandoned permanent campers' caravans. Almost spooky, such a campsite in the foggy November weather, but somehow also very cozy.

At late autumn temperatures of 6-10°C we meet on Saturday morning to devote ourselves to the first part of the course under the canopy of the campsite kiosk: Packing. The big question: What do I need on a multi-day tour? Accompanied by the second big question: What can I leave at home? Piece by piece we pack, unpack, repack. We discuss different packing philosophies and systems and also deal with the next important question: What about the dog? What does the four-legged friend need? Here three experienced dog owners meet, who have already experienced one or the other outdoor adventure with their panting companion, and from whose experience now all mutually profit. Stories, experiences and lessons learned are exchanged, insights are gained and strategies for future adventures are worked out.

The big question: What do I need on a multi-day tour? Accompanied by the second big question: What can I leave at home?

All this with a cozy get-together in typical November weather, supplied with hot drinks by place owner Christoph.

After this relaxed start into the day, it's time to get down to business, at least for a test run with multi-day luggage, boat and dog. There is not much time today, it gets dark early. So we set off for a short walk along the banks of the Nahe, a few hundred meters to a suitable entry point. The conditions are perfect to test the conversion system from walking to paddling, designed for rainy weather. Fortunately, the dogs have been provided by nature with the best functional clothing ever: Fur. They probably just wonder why mistresses and masters squeeze into funny plastic overalls and lie patiently waiting in the wet grass.

Fortunately, the dogs were equipped by nature with the best functional clothing ever: Fur. They probably just wonder why mistresses and masters squeeze into funny plastic overalls and lie patiently waiting in the wet grass.

Then we're off. Packraft is set up. Luggage is stowed. Now only the dogs must want to take place in the boat. This works very well with one, with the other there are still a few teething problems. But eventually we are on the way, the landscape around us is immersed in a peaceful, almost sleepy mood.

Nature comes to rest and we glide right through it. In addition the dogs, like figureheads they overlook this strange scenery from their colorful boats.

Once back at the campsite, this first test is unanimously rated as successful. Now it's time to somehow dry everything as best we can (perfect practice for tours in the far north) and then we sit around the campfire together. When you spend a whole day outdoors like this, you quickly get used to the rhythm of nature. Soon the flames are blazing and cheese fondue begins to melt in a cast iron pot. Coziness from the inside. We don't last long outside after dinner. Weather and darkness soon pull us into bed, which seems much cozier on such November nights.  

On Sunday, it's time to put into practice what we discussed the day before during a day hike. After a short breakfast in a wonderfully refreshing drizzle, we climb the Rotenfels with our multi-day backpacks packed.

Steeply the path winds through the bare trees and with every step you have the feeling that the backpack would rather run in the other direction. But once we reach the top, a view opens up that is worth all the effort. Thick clouds of fog hide the view around the Rotenfels, but every now and then they briefly tear open and you can see the Nahe, how it seems to hide black and sluggish under the clouds.  What a scenery! I realize once again that you don't have to wander far to feel far away and very small in a landscape.

For the dogs, this hike is a walk. All three are active athletes and used to the movement. We also enjoy the hike along the top of the rock and walk chatting back down towards the entrance.

Arrived at the Nahe you notice that the conversion from hiking to paddling is now easier for everyone. The luggage is quickly stowed away and the situation is no longer so unfamiliar for the dogs. Soon we are all sitting in the boats, wrapped up in dry suits and comfortably warm underwear. The Nahe is dark and sluggish and seems reluctant to move for us one last time before winter.

Set up on the Nahe - the dogs can hardly wait

As we pass the foot of the Rotenfels, the view is gigantic as always. However, the rock looks quite different at this time of year. The fiery red porphyry does not shine against a blue sky as it does in summer. It also seems a bit grayer, a bit more colorless, a bit more tired. In contrast, we seem to be from another world in our colorful boats. And I think that's how we feel, too. Hardly a person is on the road, not on foot, not with the wheel and certainly not with the, stop, but there is one with the rowing boat on the way!

The waterfronts, so busy in summer, are already hibernating. We, on the other hand, feel alive in this dreary scenery, the cold air on our faces and the cold water around us heighten our senses and connect us to the landscape.

I think it's the last paddle for all of us this year. We happily climb out of the water, pack up our boat for the last time and hike a bit back to the campsite to finish the paddling season for this year.