Saturday Paddlers - Guadalupe River

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.

Alamo Heights vs. Boerne

A Stab from the Past

Kathy and I attended a Tuesday night high school soccer game at Harry B. Orem stadium, a venue where we had spent many hours in years past. The eighth-ranked Mules were hosting Boerne, the top-ranked team in the San Antonio area, in an important district match.

Guess who? The Heights keeper and a teammate clear the ball from a Boerne corner kick.

A clearing header as an attacker crashes the party.

Sandwiched by two defenders.

But ref, I got all ball!

Well, some of the fans were enthusiastic.

Change of direction.

Strong defending in the air.

The Heights' keeper sacrifices his body to punch the ball clear.

Solid defending results in a Heights' throw-in.

Not a contact sport?













Sprinting for the ball.

The Boerne keeper is put under pressure.

Heading the ball towards goal - several Heights' attacks in the last five minutes almost broke the scoreless draw.

A helping hand as the game ends.

The 0-0 tie leaves Alamo Heights in first place, a half game ahead of Boerne, after the first complete round of district competition.

Diablos vs. Blades

Note: Left click on any image to enlarge.

Most of the Diablos were able to attend the game against the Blades. We even picked up a new goalkeeper, Roly, who is from Bolivia. Unfortunately, despite his fine efforts, the team did not play well, and was held scoreless. I lost track of the number of goals scored by the Blades. And Aries apparently forgot how to put on a jersey.











Javier waiting for the ball.













Rob giving chase.















Juan collects the ball.

Peter making a throw-in while Rob faces the ball and Aries makes a run into space.

Amir passes the ball as Juan looks on.

Mehran elevates for an acrobatic header.

Pedro in action.

Aries in a 1-v-1 duel.

Rob inflicts pain.

Roly releases the ball.

Javier looks for an opening.













Roly in action.

Art about to make a long pass.

Aries on the attack.