On Saturday we decided to move the Sunday trip from the morning to the afternoon, so we avoided precipitation, but it was still chilly. Our car thermometer reached a high of 50 on the drive home. Nevertheless, John Walton came (in shorts!), along with a majority of the TAPC Board.
The river was high and fast, not at all like the little stream we paddled last year. Paddlers need to be able to make quick decisions to avoid all the debris from trees that were swept downstream last fall when the Brown Bridge Dam was removed. There is even a monolith of concrete that came away from an old bridge crossing. Lots of remnants of washed-away docks too. There are also a bunch of funky eddies reminiscent of the Hodenpyl stretch, but with less room to maneuver. Our group had no problem with the current, but this is not a river for novices, at least at the present water level.
No doubt the recent rain caused the high water. By far the most exciting part was getting under two low bridges. I removed my hat, set my boat to go through in a straight line, and kissed my own lap, glad that I wasn't taller. We all got under without incident, but we had never before had that much adrenaline on the Boardman!
We stopped for a break at Shumsky, where we could use the spacious porta-potty that the club is once again funding this season. Harold was particularly helpful in helping to extricate John Heiam and me from our kayaks, since the landing was under water. Kati showed up in her newest paddling ensemble, complete with her new lightweight paddle (complete with blue fish stickers), pastel blue paddle jacket and nifty high camouflage boots.
It was cloudy and cool, but we all enjoyed the trip, as well as dinner afterwards.
Written by Lois, photos by Kati