Today started out with sunny skies, thin waters, trees & rocks.
The first half of the paddle above coffee pot landing was spent grinding along in what felt like the Guadalupe River at 700 cfs.
There was so swift water sections with one having a large tree lying about 14” above the waterline. The tree came up quickly, I was glad I had many years of whitewater practice sizing the gap quickly and deciding I could clear it with maybe an inch to spare. I knew the repercussions of misjudging that gap and getting pinned between the tree and the boat. Sometimes you risk it for the Brisket.
The beavers in this neighborhood have been busy. I must have crossed 20 or 30 dams. I found it odd that I would see the dams, but not the houses like I saw in Alaska. It was a home or a dam, never in the same area. Maybe they liked the commute to work?
I met Sam at Coffee Pot for a quick check in and just after that, the water got deeper and the paddling way more enjoyable.
I caught a glimpse of a black bear following me just above the river in the ridge line for some time. It never got to close, just close enough that we both kept an eye on each other.
The ducks, the water fowl in general are around every turn. They are fat, happy and enjoying the weather. I don’t blame them, as summer he seems lovely!
As I finished the day, the canyon narrowed, the trees became large and the 100 mph winds became evident with huge trees blown over the river, torn out of the ground and broken into toothpicks.
Mother Nature at war with itself.
My shoulders are tired today. The tired of doing control strokes to navigate the trees and rocks. I know this feeling and these muscles will hurt for a few days. The dog days of shallow slow water always hurt.
Tomorrow will be another 20 mile day in a really slow boat. But that boat is the best boat for the job!
