A mild, only slightly windy day found twelve kayakers on the Upper Guadalupe. A river flow of 40 cfs resulted in a lot of bumping and scraping, but was still sufficient for an enjoyable day on the water. The paddle trip started at the Interstate 10 crossing in Comfort. The take-out was at the Seidensticker crossing on River Bend Road.Note: Left click on any photo to enlarge.
Nancy herding wild kayaks at the put-in.
Dotty playing with fire.
Kathy finds a comfortable spot in preparation for the wait for the shuttlers to leave and return.
Bing "The Old Man and the Sea" at his most al-"luring".
Nancy and Eva looking forward to a day on the river.
Deborah explains to Mike how she broke her paddle.
The shuttlers finally head out.
He who hesitates is lost. Henry tries to run the dam just down- stream from the put-in. Only the front half of the kayak was willing to follow orders.
Backing away for a second attempt.
This time with gusto!
Success - although poor form with the paddle.
A fairly clean landing and recovery, but with an uncooperative skirt (the story of my life).
Awakened from a peaceful slumber.
Jerry waits at "Henry Tree" for Dotty's recovery from a spill.
Nancy under the tree.
Dotty having a great time as she slips under the tree.
Bing reprises Spencer Tracy's 1958 role as Santiago in the Hemingway classic. Or is he instead thinking of the 1990 Anthony Quinn version as he studies his elusive prey?
Robert and Mike head out from the lunch spot a little early ...
... as Santiago continues his quest for marlin and the remaining paddlers enjoy their margaritas.
Eva and Jerry ready to continue downstream.
Round 'em up, move 'em out!
Sandra and Joline join the parade, ...
... with Deborah bringing up the rear. But who took the photo?
Jolene relaxes after helping with the recovery of Kathy's kayak after Kathy's first-ever wet exit.
Jerry's faithful kayak waits for its master to finish working his way around "Kathy Rock."
Underway again.
The take-out crossing finally in sight.
Even in the midst of a severe drought, a spring flows from an opening in the limestone to replenish the river.
2 comments:
I think you are very happy.
Great photos as always Henry but one word of caution. The dam downstream from the IH-10 bridge has a nasty reputation. Unsuspecting paddlers have been caught in it's hydraulic. Running it with "gusto" was probably your key to success. Looks like it was a fun trip.
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