Guadalupe River

While the Saturday Paddlers used the Monday holiday to run a stretch up near Waring, five us decided we were ready for something involving a little more adrenalin. Or perhaps we wanted to live up to the name of this blog. Anyway, with the gauges showing there was more water downstream from the recent rains, we chose the FM 311 to Rebecca Creek Road section of the Guadalupe River. According to the Spring Branch gauge, the river was running a little over 450 cfs. The five hardy paddlers were Joan, Julie, Mike, Robert, and me.

After I dropped off my van and trailer at the take-out, and after a short delay due to confusion about on which side of the bridge I would be parked, Joan picked me and my boat up and drove us to the FM 311 bridge. The others were waiting for us there.

Note: Left click on any photo to enlarge. Use back arrow to return.

Thanks to Robert for all of the photos. I had decided to use the shortest boat in my stable, a Dagger Mamba 8.5, and so did not bring my camera along. The photo above shows me sneaking around some downed timber to get to the drop on river right at Mueller Falls. Mike and Julie, who like Joan and Robert took the swift channel to the left of the island, are seen surfing in the background. They had gone ahead and were able to verify that my path was not blocked by any debris not visible from above.

I showed off the latest style - protecting my head from both the sun and the rocks. Definitely dorky.

We stopped just below one of the rapids for lunch. Robert's photo caught me in the act of serving the frozen margaritas. Perhaps I should have waited until after Rust Falls to drink mine.

While the others scouted at Rust Falls, I went ahead and ran it on far river right. There usually isn't enough water on that side. I made it through successfully, and then returned for another go.

Julie and Mike took the usual route on river left, avoiding the main falls.

Joan did the same.

I decided to return back upstream and run the horseshoe section of the main falls, something I had successfully done a couple of other times at lower water. I first acted as the safety as Robert successfully ran the drop. Julie then positioned herself between the trees just below the drop with my throw bag, and Mike waited below. Unfortunately, I gave everyone the show they had been waiting for. Trying to avoid the water crashing in from my right, I hit the drop just a little too far to river left. This meant I ran into the submerged roots of the large cypress guarding the entrance. Since the roots were sloped, my boat rolled over onto its right side and I ended up upside down at the bottom of the falls. Boat, paddle, and one sandal continued on downstream as I grabbed the rescue rope thrown by Julie. No damage done - unless you count my pride.

Despite my mishap, it was a good run and we all had fun. Thanks again to Robert for providing all of the photos. Sorry we didn't get one of him to prove that he was really there.