On 6-22 the entire group of kayakers traveled to a beautiful canyon. In this canyon was a tiny but spectacular creek called Clear Creek. The water actually was extremely clear and really cold. While floating down this beautiful, clear, cold creek, we had wildlife sighting and exciting rapids. Through the course of the run, I did the first half in the raft and the second half in kayak. Both were awesome because of the stunning beauty of the gorge. Steep rock walls and trees above; that is what the sides of the creek consisted of. With these rock walls, it made it difficult to take the raft from the road to the creek. It involved a team of about 6 people and some communication. We made it down this rough steep trail then had to turn around and walk right back up to get our other gear. Even with the short steep hike, this section of water has been my favorite so far. After many jokes about how to say creek and of course paddling, the day on Clear
Creek was a success.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
An hour off the clock, by Sam Goff
The daily student leaders allowed instructors Sam Goff and Dan Thurber to run the notorious Nordheimer class iv/v stretch on the Cal Salmon. The duo set out early, charging tight classic pool drop lines. This boating style is a far cry from the big wave constant action provided by the NF Payette yet still it's very challenging.
The most memorable rapids were Cascade and Freight Train. Cascade provided two routes, an 8 foot boof into challenging soft water, and a chute along a left side wall. The kayakers decided on separate lines. After the rapid, boof proved to be the better choice by Dan as he landed tail first and eased out of the eddy while Sam bombed the left chute. The chute flipped him at the crux, slamming his tail into the wall. A quick roll allowed the instructor to elude the pour over hole, yet the corner of the hole flipped him again. He mustered another roll and the rapid was over with Dan all smiles and Sam breathing hard, working to gain composure.
Freight Train was the final and hardest rapid. It was scouted by the duo. Both chose the same line and styled the crux barely getting their hair wet.
We appreciate the students' flexibility in allowing us to keep our skills sharp.
The most memorable rapids were Cascade and Freight Train. Cascade provided two routes, an 8 foot boof into challenging soft water, and a chute along a left side wall. The kayakers decided on separate lines. After the rapid, boof proved to be the better choice by Dan as he landed tail first and eased out of the eddy while Sam bombed the left chute. The chute flipped him at the crux, slamming his tail into the wall. A quick roll allowed the instructor to elude the pour over hole, yet the corner of the hole flipped him again. He mustered another roll and the rapid was over with Dan all smiles and Sam breathing hard, working to gain composure.
Freight Train was the final and hardest rapid. It was scouted by the duo. Both chose the same line and styled the crux barely getting their hair wet.
We appreciate the students' flexibility in allowing us to keep our skills sharp.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Ranger Danger Dave's Hike by Serena
As a start, I'd just like to say hello to the outside world! I hope all of you reading this are well, especially since I haven't talked to any of you recently.
But, I'd like to blog about what I at least think was the coolest day on the trip so far. It was three days ago, on the 24th and it was a bit of a change of plans. Originally, we were supposed to drive to our next campsite and then spend the rest of the day paddling a section on the Cal Salmon river. But a local ranger asked us the night before if it would be at all possible if we could stay an extra day on the Klamath River and help pull invasive weeds called scotch broom. In return, he'd take us on an "adventure hike" to a waterfall swimming hole. As a group we took a vote and it was pretty unanimous to spend an extra day with "Ranger Danger Dave."
The ride down was fairly uneventful. There were a few swimmers but we all made it to the beach where we were going to pull scotch broom. A lot of the guys in particular got really excited when Ranger Danger Dave brought out the "extractors" for pulling the big bushes whole root system up. It was hot and tiring but we made a pretty big dent in the forest of scotch broom.
We continued down the river to another beach just before a creek. We all got out ready for our hike, but Sean made us all go back to our boats to grab our PFDs and helmets. There was a bit of complaining because we didn't want to wear them on a hike, but by the end we were all glad we had them.
Now I've been on some pretty cool hikes, I have bushwhacked the forests in McCall, I've hiked Glacier National Park, and if anyone ever goes down to Arches NP the Fiery Furnace hike is amazing. But this had to be the most amazing hike I have ever done. The first major obstacle was crossing the fast flowing Ukononum Creek. In fact, it was going so fast that Dave had to get an impromptu wilderness survival creek crossing lesson. We literally had to team up in groups of three, holding onto each other and slowly walk around as one of us was the anchor. There were some close calls on slippery rocks and a lot of adrenaline but the hike had only begun.
Next we walked along a hillside of loose pebbles. Mini rockslides were caused by each step and our guide Ranger Dave even had to pause for five minutes so a larger rock slide would settle and even after it did, only one of us could cross this section at a time.
Then we entered this canyon, sometimes with the walls so steep we had to get in the water and wade upstream before climbing back up the slippery rock.
The scariest part, though, was when we once again needed to cross the creek, but by this time it was moving so fast that even mountain man Ranger Dave was nearly swept off his feet. I thought the leaders were going to call the hike off at this point, but I was shocked. They sent one instructor across in his kayak and tied a rope across the river on two trees. We all grabbed the rope and held on for dear life as we crossed the current, some with better success. I know some were over taken by the current and had to stop just to calm down and catch their breath before continuing. Some marched their way across while others just went super fast and got momentum to do some of it for them. Getting everyone across while others one at a time took a long time and by now we were behind schedule. But to make matters worse, as we were cheering everyone on, no one noticed where Ranger Dave went. In our attempt to find him on the slight trail, we took a lot of wrong turns, had some communication errors, and wasted even more time. We finally lost the trail for good at an amazon looking waterfall, which happened to not be the one we were looking for. We regrouped, took some Alzar group photos and Ranger Dave finally came back to find us. It was at this point the leaders called the hike over because we still had to get back to our boats, boat down the river, drive to our new site, set up, and make dinner.
We never made it to the waterfall, but this hike was a perfect example of the journey being so much better than the destination. It was an adventure and we even saw a different waterfall. And even though I was really disappointed that we turned around, I will always imagine the waterfall. And I can always hope to go back and do the hike again.
But, I'd like to blog about what I at least think was the coolest day on the trip so far. It was three days ago, on the 24th and it was a bit of a change of plans. Originally, we were supposed to drive to our next campsite and then spend the rest of the day paddling a section on the Cal Salmon river. But a local ranger asked us the night before if it would be at all possible if we could stay an extra day on the Klamath River and help pull invasive weeds called scotch broom. In return, he'd take us on an "adventure hike" to a waterfall swimming hole. As a group we took a vote and it was pretty unanimous to spend an extra day with "Ranger Danger Dave."
The ride down was fairly uneventful. There were a few swimmers but we all made it to the beach where we were going to pull scotch broom. A lot of the guys in particular got really excited when Ranger Danger Dave brought out the "extractors" for pulling the big bushes whole root system up. It was hot and tiring but we made a pretty big dent in the forest of scotch broom.
We continued down the river to another beach just before a creek. We all got out ready for our hike, but Sean made us all go back to our boats to grab our PFDs and helmets. There was a bit of complaining because we didn't want to wear them on a hike, but by the end we were all glad we had them.
Now I've been on some pretty cool hikes, I have bushwhacked the forests in McCall, I've hiked Glacier National Park, and if anyone ever goes down to Arches NP the Fiery Furnace hike is amazing. But this had to be the most amazing hike I have ever done. The first major obstacle was crossing the fast flowing Ukononum Creek. In fact, it was going so fast that Dave had to get an impromptu wilderness survival creek crossing lesson. We literally had to team up in groups of three, holding onto each other and slowly walk around as one of us was the anchor. There were some close calls on slippery rocks and a lot of adrenaline but the hike had only begun.
Next we walked along a hillside of loose pebbles. Mini rockslides were caused by each step and our guide Ranger Dave even had to pause for five minutes so a larger rock slide would settle and even after it did, only one of us could cross this section at a time.
Then we entered this canyon, sometimes with the walls so steep we had to get in the water and wade upstream before climbing back up the slippery rock.
The scariest part, though, was when we once again needed to cross the creek, but by this time it was moving so fast that even mountain man Ranger Dave was nearly swept off his feet. I thought the leaders were going to call the hike off at this point, but I was shocked. They sent one instructor across in his kayak and tied a rope across the river on two trees. We all grabbed the rope and held on for dear life as we crossed the current, some with better success. I know some were over taken by the current and had to stop just to calm down and catch their breath before continuing. Some marched their way across while others just went super fast and got momentum to do some of it for them. Getting everyone across while others one at a time took a long time and by now we were behind schedule. But to make matters worse, as we were cheering everyone on, no one noticed where Ranger Dave went. In our attempt to find him on the slight trail, we took a lot of wrong turns, had some communication errors, and wasted even more time. We finally lost the trail for good at an amazon looking waterfall, which happened to not be the one we were looking for. We regrouped, took some Alzar group photos and Ranger Dave finally came back to find us. It was at this point the leaders called the hike over because we still had to get back to our boats, boat down the river, drive to our new site, set up, and make dinner.
We never made it to the waterfall, but this hike was a perfect example of the journey being so much better than the destination. It was an adventure and we even saw a different waterfall. And even though I was really disappointed that we turned around, I will always imagine the waterfall. And I can always hope to go back and do the hike again.
Ranger Danger Dave by Burke
On the 24th of June the Alzar School spent the day with river ranger "Danger" Dave. We started with some paddling and service work, pulling scotch broom, an invasive species. After that we were rewarded with an amazing hike to a secluded waterfall. Now I've done some hiking in my day, and I'm not the biggest fan. But this hike was awesome! We crossed a creek three times, and one of them we had to set up a safety line across the river to hold onto because the current was so strong. At one point, part of the group got sidetracked and climbed up a rock face and some rocks fell but no one was hurt. Then, when the whole group caught up and reorganized we realized we had lost Ranger Dave. After we took a few pictures at a beautiful smaller waterfall, Dave came back and showed us the way to the main falls, but it was getting late and so we turned around and made our way home. So, no we did not make it to our destination, but we still had an amazing day with Dave.
Elena's thoughts on FLOW
Paddling every day has been super cool and I am getting a lot better. I've already had two pretty good tries at a combat roll and my eddy turns and peel outs are improving. We have been to some incredibly beautiful places, especially Clear Creek. And, the photos I've been taking with my silly little disposable camera hardly do justice to any of the fantastic views.
The swims I've been having have been mostly uneventful and more tedious than anything else. Although, I did freak out a bit when I stayed in a hole longer than I was comfortable with.
Other people are missing cell phone service and high speed Internet. I find myself desperate for running hot water and my mother's cooking. The parade of meat, cheese, and grain is understandable on an extended trip but I am afraid some of the upcoming meals planned by the students will not be very balanced. Maybe if I get done early shopping for my meals I can buy a bottle of vitamins and zucchini. Even being leader of the day doesn't mean you can stop people from planning a dinner entirely of ramen noodles and peanut butter.
The swims I've been having have been mostly uneventful and more tedious than anything else. Although, I did freak out a bit when I stayed in a hole longer than I was comfortable with.
Other people are missing cell phone service and high speed Internet. I find myself desperate for running hot water and my mother's cooking. The parade of meat, cheese, and grain is understandable on an extended trip but I am afraid some of the upcoming meals planned by the students will not be very balanced. Maybe if I get done early shopping for my meals I can buy a bottle of vitamins and zucchini. Even being leader of the day doesn't mean you can stop people from planning a dinner entirely of ramen noodles and peanut butter.
A cold day on the water by Adam
It was only the second day of the trip when we paddled the Cabarton section of the Payette River. We were told the water would be very, very cold, but little did we know that it would also be raining. After performing my first roll in the water, my whole upper body instantly went numb. At first I thought it was going to be a long, miserable day, but when I began to notice the intensity of the rapids my mindset changed. I completely forgot about how cold the water was and spent the rest of my day enjoying the awesome rapids. At the end of the day, instead of looking back on a cold, miserable day, I looked back on a great day that marked the beginning of an amazing trip.
Chaco tans and cornbread pans by Joe
Every day starts almost the same. Wake up too hot, step outside and it's too cold. My nose is too stuffy to breath through. I stumble through the morning twilight to the horrid smelling portapotty. I then try to help the cooking crew with any last minute preparations. As I eat, I wait for my allergy pills to take effect. This is my ideal situation.
Currently I am sitting on a grassy hill with a large flat rock on my lap as a table. I love camping. I do miss my family and friends. As I sit here and think about my trip highlights I have realized that a major component is injuries. Everyone has a myriad of bruises and cuts. It seems like half of my shins are scabs or scrapes. I don't bruise easily but I have a dollar coin sized blackspot on my left knee. I haven't had one in years. I have suffered multiple forearm lacerations from brush. I am not nearly as bad as some others. Some of the girls are black and blue all up and down their legs.
We all wear our battle wounds with pride, hoping we have the most impressive wounds.
Currently I am sitting on a grassy hill with a large flat rock on my lap as a table. I love camping. I do miss my family and friends. As I sit here and think about my trip highlights I have realized that a major component is injuries. Everyone has a myriad of bruises and cuts. It seems like half of my shins are scabs or scrapes. I don't bruise easily but I have a dollar coin sized blackspot on my left knee. I haven't had one in years. I have suffered multiple forearm lacerations from brush. I am not nearly as bad as some others. Some of the girls are black and blue all up and down their legs.
We all wear our battle wounds with pride, hoping we have the most impressive wounds.
Methodist Creek by Gordy
After a little later than expected lunch, the more experienced paddlers decided to go to the South Fork of the Salmon River. After arriving at the put in, our fearless leader of the day, Katie, decided to take charge. We quickly unloaded our boats and waited for shuttle. After our instructors Sean and Dan arrived, we finally got to have some fun.
Katie did a great job leading everyone down the river. She showed everyone the best possible line to take, although sometimes this meant she wasn't able to watch where she was going. After getting to run some great rapids, without anyone swimming, I have to say it was a great run.
Katie did a great job leading everyone down the river. She showed everyone the best possible line to take, although sometimes this meant she wasn't able to watch where she was going. After getting to run some great rapids, without anyone swimming, I have to say it was a great run.
Location: Clear Creek, CA by Bailey
The roar of an upcoming rapid fills my ears. I focus on direct strokes as the blade of my paddle cuts through crystal clear water. The sweet aroma of danger, the great outdoors, and freedom fills my nostrils. The rocks, some ten feet below me, look like yellow lines on a highway. They speed right by and are filled in by new shades of green, brown, and blue. Clear Creek cuts right through this beautiful canyon. I am truly blessed to be here and throw up a quick prayer of thanks. I ask for courage as the roar builds and I can see whitewater around the next bend.
As the wave train begins, I practice precision strokes as my creek boat cuts through wave after wave, generating a huge smack across the water. The waves build and build. I push my boat faster and faster. The rush to the top as your bow dips down to spearhead the next rapid. I break through the wave and my face gets splashed with whitewater. The wave train is is done, I peel into an eddy t receive a thumbs up from Mac. We continue downstream through the icy clear water.
As we pull out of Clear Creek I roll over. The paddle slaps my instructors and classmates feel great. The river turns and we get into some flat water. Out of a large pine, a bald eagle soars across the river. The mark of the United States. The eagle finished off a phenomenal day on the river. I was ready to face the challenges ahead. The GRI topped thirteen that day.
Until the next adventure...
As the wave train begins, I practice precision strokes as my creek boat cuts through wave after wave, generating a huge smack across the water. The waves build and build. I push my boat faster and faster. The rush to the top as your bow dips down to spearhead the next rapid. I break through the wave and my face gets splashed with whitewater. The wave train is is done, I peel into an eddy t receive a thumbs up from Mac. We continue downstream through the icy clear water.
As we pull out of Clear Creek I roll over. The paddle slaps my instructors and classmates feel great. The river turns and we get into some flat water. Out of a large pine, a bald eagle soars across the river. The mark of the United States. The eagle finished off a phenomenal day on the river. I was ready to face the challenges ahead. The GRI topped thirteen that day.
Until the next adventure...
Hike with Ranger Dave by Sarah
In Happy Camp, California, we met the ranger and helped him with pulling plants that are invasive species to California. The day before we had pulled the mustard seed plant. We decided as a group to raft and kayak down the Klamath River with Ranger Dave and helped pull another kind of invasive species. Ranger Dave told us about a really cool waterfall up a creek and we all decided to hike towards it.
When we got to the confluence of the creek and the river, we got out of our boats and began to hike. About 300 yards into our hike, we found out we had to cross the very fast and cold creek. One of our instructors, Dan, aka Lt. Dan, gave us a lesson on how to cross a creek properly. We all found a partner or two, grabbed onto their PFDs and waded across the creek while rotating in a circle.
Once on the other side, we had to walk along the creek where the gravel was really loose and rocks were constantly rolling down. Ranger Dave was in the front making and following the trail as we followed like a herd of sheep. We climbed rocks and logs, getting scraped by thorns and wading through the water and then climbing back up slippery rocks to the trail. At one point in our hike, we saw a rattlesnake and quite a few of us freaked out and hurried past it as quickly as possible.
A ways further upstream, we had to cross the creek again. Ranger Dave went out half way and came back because the water was too fast. Two of our instructors, Dan and Sam (who were going to kayak the creek) set up safety, a throw bag to a tree on the other side so we had a line we could use to get across.
When most of us were across, Ranger Dave told us to follow him, and he set off up the creek. We didn't hear what he said because he spoke so softly, and the creek was so loud. We realized that we should have followed Dave instead of waiting for the instructors to cross, so we all started walking in the direction we saw Dave go, looking for him. We had to stop at a rock wall that we couldn't get around or go over. We took a few pictures and waited for Dave, who made it to our waterfall only to find out our swimming hole was too fast. He came back with pictures and our instructors decided that it was too late in the day to continue because we still had about two miles of river to continue and we needed to drive to the Cal Salmon to set up our camp. Hiking out was almost as cool as walking in towards the waterfall in my opinion. The creek was harder to cross and the snake was still there.
We got to the takeout and loaded our trailer with hopes of getting our dinner at Wendy's, which we did not receive, and headed tp the Cal Salmon River.
When we got to the confluence of the creek and the river, we got out of our boats and began to hike. About 300 yards into our hike, we found out we had to cross the very fast and cold creek. One of our instructors, Dan, aka Lt. Dan, gave us a lesson on how to cross a creek properly. We all found a partner or two, grabbed onto their PFDs and waded across the creek while rotating in a circle.
Once on the other side, we had to walk along the creek where the gravel was really loose and rocks were constantly rolling down. Ranger Dave was in the front making and following the trail as we followed like a herd of sheep. We climbed rocks and logs, getting scraped by thorns and wading through the water and then climbing back up slippery rocks to the trail. At one point in our hike, we saw a rattlesnake and quite a few of us freaked out and hurried past it as quickly as possible.
A ways further upstream, we had to cross the creek again. Ranger Dave went out half way and came back because the water was too fast. Two of our instructors, Dan and Sam (who were going to kayak the creek) set up safety, a throw bag to a tree on the other side so we had a line we could use to get across.
When most of us were across, Ranger Dave told us to follow him, and he set off up the creek. We didn't hear what he said because he spoke so softly, and the creek was so loud. We realized that we should have followed Dave instead of waiting for the instructors to cross, so we all started walking in the direction we saw Dave go, looking for him. We had to stop at a rock wall that we couldn't get around or go over. We took a few pictures and waited for Dave, who made it to our waterfall only to find out our swimming hole was too fast. He came back with pictures and our instructors decided that it was too late in the day to continue because we still had about two miles of river to continue and we needed to drive to the Cal Salmon to set up our camp. Hiking out was almost as cool as walking in towards the waterfall in my opinion. The creek was harder to cross and the snake was still there.
We got to the takeout and loaded our trailer with hopes of getting our dinner at Wendy's, which we did not receive, and headed tp the Cal Salmon River.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
First set of blogs from FLOW 2011
Luke's Blog Entry
On the morning of June 19, the Alzar School departed Idaho bound for Oregon and eventually California. With anticipation speeding our efforts, we quickly packed up camp and drove off in the early morning sun, leaving behind our generous camp host Steve (believed by many to be Sasquatch). The school drove through rolling hills pockmarked with caves and 20 foot cliffs, passed silver and blue lakes, and snow-capped mountains.
The drive to Oregon was supposed to be six and a half hours. However, thanks to a few cleverly disguised highway turnoffs, we arrived at the lake near our campsite a couple of hours late. There, some students just paddled around and some achieved their esteemed "15 rolls.". A burst of luxury arose when Wilson busted out his "Dr. Brauhner's" shampoo and multiple students and teachers washed their hair for the first time on the trip.
After paddling, the school traveled to our campsite, where we were promptly attacked by hordes of mosquitoes. While we waited for our dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, we engaged in a fierce battle with those mosquitoes. Eventually they retreated, and we fell asleep covered in itchy bites, but satisfied with our victory.
- Luke Schwarz
Big Foot, by Katie
Yesterday, we saw Bigfoot. Some may know the creature by the name of Sasquatch, Yeti, or the Abdominal Snowman, but either way... We saw the creature. In fact, I actually touched him and am still living to tell the story. Although this sounds extremely hard core, if you have not already guessed, Bigfoot was only a statue.
This was just one experience that we had while touring around Happy Camp. Also, many of us were starting to become noticeably odiferous (and it has not been a pleasant scent). Thus, we enjoyed the luxury of taking a shower and washing our clothes - just for the record, all of us did our own laundry, which was a great preparation for college and none of us can skirt our responsibility to do our own laundry at home. I also have not been to an old school laundromat before. This laundromat took quarters for everything. The quarters worked great for the washer and dryers, but $2 worth of quarters got me a shower that lasted six minutes. Needless to say, after six minutes I was all rinsed off except for my conditioner... With no quarters left, my Nalgene, full of water, finished off my shower by being poured on top of my head. Many others also experienced a shower that was cut short.
Today we are running Klamath. With a little bit of luck, I might be fortunate enough to raft it with Kat, who speaks in broken Spanish as part of the cultural aspect of our journey in Idaho and Northern California. Hasta luego!
- Katie Thompson
On the morning of June 19, the Alzar School departed Idaho bound for Oregon and eventually California. With anticipation speeding our efforts, we quickly packed up camp and drove off in the early morning sun, leaving behind our generous camp host Steve (believed by many to be Sasquatch). The school drove through rolling hills pockmarked with caves and 20 foot cliffs, passed silver and blue lakes, and snow-capped mountains.
The drive to Oregon was supposed to be six and a half hours. However, thanks to a few cleverly disguised highway turnoffs, we arrived at the lake near our campsite a couple of hours late. There, some students just paddled around and some achieved their esteemed "15 rolls.". A burst of luxury arose when Wilson busted out his "Dr. Brauhner's" shampoo and multiple students and teachers washed their hair for the first time on the trip.
After paddling, the school traveled to our campsite, where we were promptly attacked by hordes of mosquitoes. While we waited for our dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, we engaged in a fierce battle with those mosquitoes. Eventually they retreated, and we fell asleep covered in itchy bites, but satisfied with our victory.
- Luke Schwarz
Big Foot, by Katie
Yesterday, we saw Bigfoot. Some may know the creature by the name of Sasquatch, Yeti, or the Abdominal Snowman, but either way... We saw the creature. In fact, I actually touched him and am still living to tell the story. Although this sounds extremely hard core, if you have not already guessed, Bigfoot was only a statue.
This was just one experience that we had while touring around Happy Camp. Also, many of us were starting to become noticeably odiferous (and it has not been a pleasant scent). Thus, we enjoyed the luxury of taking a shower and washing our clothes - just for the record, all of us did our own laundry, which was a great preparation for college and none of us can skirt our responsibility to do our own laundry at home. I also have not been to an old school laundromat before. This laundromat took quarters for everything. The quarters worked great for the washer and dryers, but $2 worth of quarters got me a shower that lasted six minutes. Needless to say, after six minutes I was all rinsed off except for my conditioner... With no quarters left, my Nalgene, full of water, finished off my shower by being poured on top of my head. Many others also experienced a shower that was cut short.
Today we are running Klamath. With a little bit of luck, I might be fortunate enough to raft it with Kat, who speaks in broken Spanish as part of the cultural aspect of our journey in Idaho and Northern California. Hasta luego!
- Katie Thompson
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