Saturday Paddlers - Guadalupe River

The record drought has taken its toll on the upper Guadalupe River, and has forced the Saturday Paddlers to look elsewhere most of this year for paddling opportunities. However, a couple of rain showers this month lead the optimist among us, otherwise known as Dear Leader, to give the river a try. For two consecutive weekends, the group was given orders to explore some of our favorite stretches of the Upper Guadalupe. The plan this time was to make the run from Bergman Crossing (at Edge Falls Road) to the State Park.

Note: Click on any photo to enlarge.

The river was running at 29-32 cfs during our trip. The photo above, taken from the Edge Falls Road bridge, shows the low water level. Many more boulders than usual were fully exposed. We were regaled at lunch by Susan and Reiko with stories of a more exciting (well, for Susan anyway) exposure the previous weekend.

A view upstream, taken while I was waiting for everyone else to return from the shuttle.


Joline pretends to paddle (and gives instructions) while I push the canoe through a shallow channel. Thanks to Mike for these action shots.

Reiko apparently decided to walk the river rather than use a boat.

Susan "explores" during our lunch break.

Susan, Ann, Reiko, Joline, Cynthia, Scott, Doug, Atusko, and Mike enjoying lunch. Gary is wearing his cloak of invisibility.

Cypress trees kept an eye on us.







Mike rests on the large cypress next to our lunch stop.











Cynthia, ...

Otusko, ...

... and Doug head downstream after lunch.

Note: For an additional seven photos from this outing, click here, then click on "Slideshow."