Saturday Paddlers - Guadalupe River

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Saturday Paddlers have learned to adapt, if nothing else. After arriving at the appointed location for a holiday dinner only to discover that the restaurant was completely booked, the intrepid paddlers quickly regrouped for a dinner at Cappy's. A good time was had by (L to R): Susan, Reiko, Linda, Nancy, Mike, Claire, Lee, Joan, Joline, Kathy, and Henry's chair.

New Year's Day found the "Thursday Paddlers" on their traditional run on the Guadalupe River from Canyon Dam to the second crossing of Highway 306. Although the sun didn't break through the clouds until the river runners were loading their kayaks back onto their vehicles at the conclusion of the trip, the temperature did manage to stay in the low 60's for the duration of the journey and there was only a little wind. The release from the dam was about 71 cfs, so navigating skills were at a premium. The photo above shows a fly fisherman near the end of the trip, closely watched by a stone sentinel.

Susan finds a warm spot at the put-in.

Just add water, Scott.

Boats waiting patiently (unlike me) for the shuttlers to return.

Back to my paddling roots - the Lower Guadalupe.

At Horseshoe Falls, some elected to portage, while ...

Henry apparently decided to go through backwards, ...

and sideways, ...

and backwards, and then the other sideways, ...

... and finally forwards! Mike gleefully "congratulates" Henry for his unique run.

Susan runs the rapid without a problem.

Mike watches expectantly as Henry carries his kayak back for a second attempt.

The bow dips under, ...

... but pops right back up.










Success!

After a lunch break which included frozen margaritas and not-so-sparkling wine, the paddlers line up for a group shot. Left to right: Joline, Susan, Julie, Mike, Nancy, and Scott.

Scott and Susan at 2-1/2 mile dam.

Once again, some of the less daring decided to try the left hand portage.

Mike modestly celebrates his clean descent past the water wheel.
































Julie enjoys the same route.

Some wildlife was observed, or perhaps did the observing.

The gander boldly struts his stuff.

You lookin' at me!

Two of the geese performed some fancy dance moves for the intruding photographer ...

... before gliding off peacefully.

Kayakers warily float past the Guadalupe River's own "old man of the mountain."