(photos of Exploits River/Grand Falls Canyon River, A. Dyer July 2008)
Sometimes you just have a try something new. I believe. And so two weekends ago, although the forecast temperatures were below seasonable, and drizzle drizzled, a few of us headed out to central Newfoundland and the grand Exploits River for KNL's Badger Run. Posted especially for sea kayakers with little WW experience, it was a fun weekend. We camped at Paul & Joy Roses' place (who run the wonderful Rafting Newfoundland trips).
Exceptional hospitality on their part added to the weekend. Me, being the only novice (a single 2-day course on the Ottawa River in 2005 my only previous WW), I impressed myself that I never swam on this trip. Following sat. night's steaks, beer, and campfire, we scouted the Canyon section on Sunday. Class 3. I waved the flag and said "next year," (hold me to it).
My compadres and more experienced river rats Brian, Pete, and Dick ran it no problem - although it wasn't without excitement. The amazing Paul Rose (with a hole in his boat taped with duct tape) and youngsters Andrew and Breen strutted their stuff for some time on the Virgin Wave. While the waves look almost grandmotherly here, I can attest to their testy and toothsome nature. Know your stuff or be eaten!
Meanwhile, back at the camp--where Paul & Joy are building 4 1/2 star chalets with jacuzzis and hot tub--the huskies are simply adorable. An all around great weekend.
6 comments:
Wow, what a weekend you guys must have had. Great pictures. I did a rafting trip in Grande Cache, AB a few years back and it was a blast, I've always wanted to try it in a kayak. Maybe next summer :-)
Brian, recommend you give it a whirl next year. knl has so many great events in summer. a
awards all round for bravery!!
I'm not sure how sea-kayakers can fit in those wee plastic things!!
Claire,
i'm looking at an inspector Gadget solution - you know, a kayak that is 16'8" when you need it on the sea, but that shrinks to 6' 8" when you want to have fun rock hopping or playing in WW. there has to be a techno solution at some point :) and it would save on buying x number of boats :)
New mantra: money for boats, not bombs!
:) Alison
What is this tent/tarp! that is awesome!!!!!!!!
thanks
rob
Hi Rob,
agree, that tarp is on my wish list. I believe it is from MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op). Friends told me they used it as a tent in Labrador last summer when it was too buggy to even spend time putting a tent up - they just lowered & staked this tarp & crawled in underneath with their sleeping bags. Sounds like a multi-purpose item to me. Alison
Post a Comment