Rhena on the move – Part 5

Schaffhausen to Rheinau, what a ride!

Remember when I told you that there was a point of no return coming up. Well, let me tell you more about it now that I’ve caught my breath. What a ride that was. And I timed it perfectly. I had thousands of people watching me - well, not technically me as such, but let’s start at the beginning.

Overview. Source: Google Maps

I spent a few days going back up the Rhine just to make sure I was ready to move on and that there would be no regrets later on. I mean, I’d only heard stories of what was to come. And I knew that nobody ever made it back. Some of us have completely backed away and decided to retire to Lake Constance and not go on because of the uncertainty. I have to say I don’t blame them.

After Schaffhausen my day started with navigating a hydro-electric power plant. Tricky little buggers those are. They look like a barrier that you can just float through. Although come to think of it … you don’t really see where yourre going. So, you float into this barrier and suddenly you’re gripped, spun around in a turbine, and then spit out again at the end. We were all dazed and confused. Nobody had warned us about this. I also don’t remember going through anything like this my entire life.

Note to self – next time don’t eat before one of those barriers and maybe ask others if there’s a way around. I mean what about the fish? They’d be knocked unconscious. Something to investigate. If I make it that far. I’m getting a little scared. Especially after this experience right now. Oh wait, I just heard that if I’d stayed left, I’d have avoided the turbines. Well, thanks for the warning!

You know why I was on the right-hand side? I was listening to some hikers complain about the closure of beautiful route 60. They were complaining about having to walk right of the river on a paved road. That’s the Swiss for you. They want well maintained hiking routes, but they complain about maintenance work going on. Mind you the diversion is well marked and not really a problem. Anyway, I now blame them for not paying enough attention and being hit by the turbines.

I feel like if there are more of these power stations there will be a lot of rock-paper-scissoring going on. I mean some of us will have to brave the turbines - otherwise there’s no power. Maybe we can send some of the lucky ones in there; those who were floating on the left this time.

My stomach feels better and I float on. We chat a little and are a bit nervous about what’s to come. Suddenly there are rocks in the middle of the river and clumsy old me stubs her little toe. That hurt! Who put those rocks here? I then realize that these are like speed bumps or other measures to slow down traffic on the road. They want to make us pay attention and also warn us a little. I see a bridge and there’s a train running across.

Railway bridge across the Rhine to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall.

This doesn’t look too bad. I can feel the current speeding up and sense that there’s something going on. I don’t think I’m quite ready yet and I notice a slowing current to the right. So, this is where I’m headed. In my mind it’s a bit like an orgasm – you want to time that just right. And nobody wants to get to the point of no return too quickly, do they?

Sorry, my mind wandered for a moment there. I’m back. I meet a guide of sorts who tells us that screams from passing water units are worst on the left and that it’s an easier ride on the right. I’m now faced with a dilemma. Do I want to go down quick and fast or take it a bit slower. I’m thinking quick is the way to go on this one. I head back across to the left.

Looking down onto the water from the railway bridge.

I have now passed the railway bridge and things really do pick up. I can hear my friends scream. I can hear and see people up close and then all becomes a blur. I fall. I free fall. Why was I so stupid to be right on the surface? Such a rookie move! I keep flying through the air, people take my picture. I open my eyes and smile. This is actually really cool. I’m enjoying this.

I’m back in the water and we’re all trying to get our bearings. What a RIDE that was. I so want to do that again. Wow! I just went down Europe’s largest waterfall. People come from all over the world to enjoy this. And today there are especially many visitors. It’s the day before the Swiss National Day which is August 1. Traditionally there are big fireworks here on July 31. 10,000 visitors are expected and many of them have just watched me go down the waterfall. What a treat for them.

View from below the Rhine Falls -railway bridge in the background.

I’m exhausted from the excitement of the day and hang out to watch the fireworks. They are too loud, but pretty. I fall asleep to the sound of them in that big calm area just below the waterfall. I then float down the river to Rheinau but it’s late and dark. I need this really calm stretch. Luckily for you Evelyne’s taken some pictures while it was still bright and sunny. Enjoy the video here.

Oh, and I’ve known Evelyne for a while and I think she will catch up with me on the other side of Rheinau and not bother walking that entire loop. It’s just a hunch though. I’ll see you in Rheinau. I need to rest some more.

Stopped before that first bridge/barrier in Rheinau.

Please note! There will be a separate newsletter about the Rhine Falls, visiting them, tips and tricks, train connections and also short or longer walks. There is a wheelchair accessible route as well.

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Video