Trip report by Harold; photos by John and Jocelyn
Lois and John led another spectacular trip on the Sturgeon on Labor Day. The water was cranking at about 225 CFS (typical sept flow is 175). This gave us some nice drops, fun haystacks, and amusing swirls. There were no unusual obstacles and no portages.
The weather was just a little on the cool side and definitely breezy. That was ok, it probably kept traffic on the river light. John Walton was solo paddling a tandem with his faithful dog Piper. Piper is an energetic delight, but the larger boat, wind and dog together were definitely a handful.
Of course bright sun, warm temperatures, and calm air arrived in time for the drive home.
Kathleen Imre recovered a canoe paddle, found the owner and returned same. We had one wet exit in which Kathleen, John W and others participated in boat recovery. John W also recovered a pump lost by some previous kayaker while working on the boat rescue.
We had some gear failures. My new seat cracked. I guess I went a shade too light on construction. While others were busy with the aforementioned rescue, I jury rigged a repair with some driftwood and a piece of my kneeling pad. The fenders on Sara’s new Yakima trailer cracked. The failure was non-critical, addressed with rope and gorilla tape, but a bit disappointing on a new trailer.
A good time was had by all, we came off the river with more gear than we entered it, no gear, boats, or people lost. A successful trip.
John Heiam keeps his feet dry, with the help of his wife Lois
Terry
Cyndi
Kathleen
Lois
John W. and Piper
Pam, who works in PR, knows that if someone points a camera at you, it is best to smile!
Terry
Harold
Piper and John W.
Cyndi
Pam enjoys the first touch of fall color
John W enters the the chute at the large log jam
John W. goes into the logjam to help get Cyndi's kayak
John W. goes out on a limb to help Kathleen help Cyndi
Kathleen gets herself out of the logjam after John W got her paddle
Cyndi drags her kayak to shore
