California and Oregon Rafting

Martin, Frost, and I ran the Class II+ gnar of the Gualala Sunday and had a great time. We report fun rapids, great scenery, over 300 photographs in under 3 hours (thanks Martin), and great burritos in Healdsburg. I’d highly recommend this run as a quick (about 2 hours away from the Bay Area) and relaxing paddle.

We had about 200-300 cfs as the Schwind book recommends. The canyon is buily to easily handle 600-1000 cfs and I’d like to take a raft down with that kind of water. We drove home along the Wheatfield Fork of the Gualala which would be great for you Class I enthusiasts!

After one of the wettest weeks on record for Southern California, many of the creeks that I usualy run were either too high or the roads to the put in were washed out or covered in mud. Our original plan was to run Middle Piru from just below Pyramid Lake to Piru Lake. I had run this section several times over the years but the road to Piru Lake was closed to all but emergency personel and residents . I now had to come up with a second plan. We chose Gold Hill Gorge on the Upper Piru. My parteners in crime this day were Adam Schwartz and Brian Baker. Adam would be in his new Jackson kayak (only it’s second day on the river) and Brian and myself would attempt a assumed first raft descent of the Gold Hill Gorge of the Upper Piru. Brian and myself are LA City fireman and had just gotten off work Saturday morning at 7:00. “Epic on Piru” Continued

Ran the North Fork today with Jeffe and Denny. I haven’t been there for a while and have forgotten what an amazing section of river that is. Lets try and hit up ol’ Chamberlain Falls a bit more this season!

This last Sierra storm left us tons of snow and water for skiing and paddling. Most everyone stayed in the mountains to enjoy several feet of fresh powder, but Dougie and I got together for a little New Years paddling. We hit up Bear Creek up by Cache Creek on Friday and did Big Sulfur Saturday.

“The Book” says that Big Sulfur is Class III – IV+, but I’d hate to see a Class IV paddler go there. The first mile or so was very continuous and big. We elected to portage quite a bit and enjoy the scenery. At one point we were forced to run some annoyingly tricky drops above some unscoutable stuff. Bill Tuthill and Darrin Cavalli joined us for a good time that started at McDonalds and ended at Taco Bell. We decided to begin keeping track of our boating days so that we can compete with Martin next New Years. We were all happy to have a 100% boating percentage (a new stat) at the end of the day.

It looks like the next great opportunity for paddling will be the Smith in February.