We met at the put in at 9:30, dropped off the boats and ran the shuttle. We were on the water at 10:24 am on a gorgeous day – very blue with a few wispy clouds. I had invited quite a few people, and we had a good group. Mary and I represented the HCC, and Calvin, Karen and Debbie came from various local lists.
Karen, Calvin and Kent at the Hwy 65 put-in
The first point of interest was an overhanging ledge that was dripping a curtain of water into the river.
Next up was a snake on a dead branch that Karen pointed out to us.
When we came around the right curve in the river at 3 miles in and saw the Rock of Gibraltar (a car-sized rock in the middles of the river), I went first to take videos. At this level it wasn’t too challenging, but it added to the variety of the trip.
Mary riding the waves
Our lunch stop
My turn to point out a wasp next hanging over the water.
Calvin watching me steal his soul
Debbie and Mary coming around a little blufflet
A nice little multi-tier cascade
Our 7th-inning stretch break
Debbie cooling off at our little break
Mary at the optical illusion wall
Our little group coming to the end of the road
A consequence of recent rains and declining river levels is mud at the takeout – t was pretty deep, and there were a lot of handprints in it from people before us.
We were off the water at 2:30.
LESSONS LEARNED:
Pick good days for group trips – pay extra for good weather.