What likely will be a theme for what promises to be low water year, I had to change rivers - from the lower Green River Gorge to the Sauk. At just under 3000 CFS on the Sauk gauge, it was a great level. It was actually a challenging level with lots of rocks and holes to keep us on our toes almost the whole way down.
It was a gorgeous day with the temperature in the high 60's and hardly a cloud to be found. I was joined by John Kelly in a kayak, Steve Courtney, Howard Young and the lovely Peggy Mainer - all in canoes. In addition we saw 2, perhaps 3, pairs of Harlequin Duckies.
It was the first time down this stretch for John. He got tripped up by the hole at the bottom of Jaws and "Spitzed" the lower half of Whirlpool but did great considering it was his first time. Whirlpool proved challenging for both Steve and Peggy but despite a few tenuous moments, they both made it down upright. Steve hadn't paddled since last summer but with the exception of almost pinning his boat at the bottom of Whirlpool did well. Steve reported that he retired for bed early that night, at 8:30 - fear is indeed exhausting.
Apres paddling was appropriately conducted at the Rhodes River Ranch in Oso.