Off to a promising start
Our first observation was that the last time we three were here, the ramp ended before the water started, rocks were sticking up all over and water was pouring out of one gate in the dam. This time, the water was half-way up the ramp, there was not a rock to be seen, and we were surprised to see that no water was pouring out of any gates in the dam. We entered water with strong flow, moving about 3 miles per hour.
Duane and Sam starting downriver
The ride was quick and rollicking. This is a pool-and-drop section of river, but the pools were moving at 3 mph, as previously mentioned, and the twenty or so feature-laden 100-yard sections of whitewater were moving closer to 8 mph. There was not much time to look for wildlife as the frequently and rapidly approaching tree branches and wave trains required most of our attention. There was not much picture taking for the same reason, although Sam was testing his old motorcycle video camera, which he had mounted to the deck of his kayak, and he left it running at times for some good action shots.
Interesting observation: With the trough length most frequently encountered today, my kayak, at 11’ 8”, was just long enough that the stern was still fully supported by back of the wave I had just come over, aiming me down into the ramp of the next wave as it came over the bow. This kept me fully water cooled as the upper parts of the waves hit me in the chest and face.
Kent and Duane on one of the longer pool sections of the run
(photo by Sam Reyna)
We were surprised when we came upon the takeout after only one hour and 20 minutes on the water. It was an exhilarating ride, and one we all agreed we want to do again . . . and again.
Epilogue: There was no water showing on the dam as we completed the shuttle to get my truck.
The Takeout at Muddy Fork Road
Conclusions – Lessons Learned:
We timed our entry into the release just fine this time, although we wonder what happened to the constant release that was supposed to be happening until after dark. Maybe it comes in one spurt per hour, and we entered the area between spurts. Whatever the dam situation was, we had plenty of water, and it provided a lively and quick run. I would do it again at the level we had – it was fun to hit the many 100-yard wave trains.
Next time I will take the trouble to attach myself to the kayak with the spray skirt. I took on quite a bit of water while my spray skirt stayed nice and dry under my rear hatch cover.
I am considering selling my beloved Jackson Karma RG for a shorter model more appropriate to my new environment.
Parting Thought: This run at this level would have terrified Alice.
Please see photo album here