A couple of hours late afternoon 'soft' Rafting the Arno River in Florence sounded super inviting with the heatwave we have been experiencing. Combined with the fact that it would be an historical tour of the old Mills and Wool factories that had thrived for centuries on its shores, made it even more enticing. The organisers were keen to reassure clients that it would be 'soft', nothing strenuous and little chance we would finish in the River, although a second pair of shoes could be handy! I had visions of shooting the rapids over the weir breaks and quite hoping for an adrenaline rush of 'hard rafting' and ready for the big splash.
T-Rafting organized the event and we were lucky to have both guides , Enrico and Sebastian – expert rafters, kayakers, and lifeguards with an impressive list of skills from rescue technicians to teachers of freshwater ecology and river restoration. So we were in for a real treat.
A brief explanation of what was in store and life jackets for us all as well as the waterproof bin for all our personal things so nothing could get wet. I was already getting excited….Down to the riverside and into the rubber dingy, paddles for everyone and we were ready. "Let's try to synchronise paddles….go…go…go" was the instruction and while there were only 6 of us I could see we would not be winning any medals for our coordination. Fortunately Sebastian steered our way out of trouble as we may have gone round in circles and never left home base!?!
As we drew closer to our first 'rapid' and old Mill I began to understand the meaning of 'soft', as in the current heatwave and drought, the level of the River is far too low to cruise across the weir breaks. "Everybody out!" My dream was crushed and my feet wet!
Still we could at least climb the steps up to the Old converted Mill, now a sweet Bed & Breakfast, and realise the importance of the Mills and later the Medieval Wool factories – Le Gualchiere, strategically placed along the Arno's banks.
The Arno had been essential for transporting goods, like wood from Casentino to build the Cathedral and Palaces, with navigation possible, at least in the winter months, all the way to Pisa and Livorno. Enrico delighted in relating the old latin expression still used in Florence 'a ufo' meaning free/gratis as A.U.F.O ( ad usum Florentinae Operae) was stamped onto the beams to be used in the Church as they were allowed through 'duty free'!
I love these quaint tales and connections to historic details which over time get lost and no one really remembers the origins.
Our trusty guides worked hard hauling the dinghy across the various weirs and then it was back to rowing, one.. two…three…. each to our own beat but at least we went forward! We passed more mills and wool factories now converted to hotels or divided into apartments or more unfortunately abandoned.
Wool was traded from all over Europe to be 'worked' in Florence in the medieval factories harnessing the hydraulic energy of the river. The most prized being English wool for its long fibres that were cleaned and combed, entwined and then pressed with the enormous wooden hammers powered by the river, belting this woollen fabric to make it tough, waterproof and sought after by the wealthy far and wide. A tough smelly job, the continual noisy banging, and damp and dirty amid lime and urine used for cleaning and vegetal products for colouring.
I was so fascinated by the Wool fabrication that on hearing there was to be a theatrical performance at one of the largest Wool factories, 'Le Gualchiere di Remole' my name was first on the list for a ticket. A video in Italian here gives an idea of the process.
Built in the 14th century, now unfortunately abandoned and in ruins after centuries of production of these fabulous 'blanket-style' mantels. The ghosts of the Gualchiere recounted their lives, their loves, their hopes and dreams, and their sufferings as workers in the factory. The terrible floods – 1333, 1547, 1740…..
My vision of the Arno River and Rafting in Florence had certainly changed after these experiences, while my appetite for 'real rapids' remain and Enrico and Sebastian have left me with an open invite for one of their many rafting experiences on www.t-rafting.com.
Check them out: White water Red wine rafting, Sieve Bridges and Tortelli Rafting, Florence Ponte Vecchio Rafting with an aperitif at sunset,….. to name just a few!
This entry was posted in Florence and Tuscan Titbits and tagged rafting florence, Tourism, Tuscany by Sue Jane. Bookmark the permalink.
Thanks Johan. In this heat I hope to do more rapids. Hope to see you when you're over here.