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Today is our second expedition with our new found kayaking
group. Waking at 6 to make the
rendezvous I am dubious about this trip.
I have no apprehension about paddling; it’s the forecast high of 97+ along
with my phone telling me it’s already 80.
Nicida and I have been looking forward to today’s
paddle. It is close to home, a possible
place for us to explore on our own when the urge hits.
Rendezvousing with the group we meet several different members,
all having kayaked several times before.
The launch point is somewhat hidden, being in a San Gabriel Wildlife
Management Area. A parking lot, with a
short walk to the river, is at the end of the gravel road. Hats off to David and Steve for finding this
place. There is a bit of a steep descent
to access the river but there is a ramp made of PVC pipes for sliding canoes or
kayaks to the river. Ropes and muscle
make launching and landing easier. Thanks
to Howie, Rick and David for assisting us; in and out of our kayaks.
The slow flowing river is tree lined, providing shade along
most of the river. Clouds come and go
during the trip upstream; a breeze makes our paddle comfortable, my
apprehension of paddling in blazing heat is unfounded. I spot several dragonflies dipping their
tails in the water; they are releasing eggs for their next generation.
A couple of our group disappear for a while, exploring small
creeks feeding the river. They reappear,
enthusiastic about their exploration.
The banks lining the river gets steeper and taller as we progress. We come up to a narrow point in the river
where paddling upstream is not an option.
Rick and Steve jump out, helping drag the rest of us through the
shallow, faster flowing water. The area
reminds me of a jungle, large leafed plants line portions of the banks. I am brought back to reality hearing trains
rumbling down the tracks we drove across on the way to our launch point.
Continuing upstream we encounter more spots of shallow, faster
flowing water. Downed trees along one of
the spots pose another challenge heading upstream. After a few more rapids, only class 1, we
decide it’s time head back to our vehicles and lunch.
Along the way I spot several egrets studying the water, looking
for a meal. Insects are doing their hot
weather buzzing as the morning progresses.
We don’t really feel the heat until the last half hour before landing.
We reconvene at Dale’s Essenhaus enjoying BBQ ribs, brisket,
sausage and other bar food.
It was a good day.
Thank you for stopping by,
Mark
Please excuse the fogged images.
Entertaining as always Mark. Happy to hear you are getting good use with your kayak's and your new found friends. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Terry. We are having fun finding these new areas to kayak.
ReplyDelete