So once again, I headed up to the Clearwater River. Without a huge downpour or torrential rains, it will be the last weekend of the year for paddlers, as the water level is getting too low. I was in the presence of some pretty amazing paddlers, which not only pushed my paddling skills, but also scared the crap out of me. I wanted to be able to keep up, AND keep my head above water. Loïc, Dave and Joel were all very accommodating to me, and kept a keen eye to ensure that I wasn't getting myself into too much trouble. I still don't know how Loïc makes cartwheeling, and spins look so effortless...it's just not fair.
On Saturday we paddled the upper Clearwater River. The only way to enter the river is via a 12ish foot waterfall drop! I had never done one of these before, but had great instruction and demonstration from the others. I have to admit that paddling towards the horizon line, I was a little nervous, but it turned out to be super smooth, and a lot easier than I expected. I just wish that there was a way to get back to the top so that I could have done it again. The rest of the weekend turned out to be great paddling, as we watched Joel shoot Donkey Falls, had some great surf's on waves lower down on the river.
Sunday was a great day, but as usual, paddlers were on river time. Loïc had to be home for family dinner that evening, and I think that we arrived JUST in time. Tess' family was kind enough to drag me along for some fantastic Thai food and ice cream, despite the fact that I stunk like neoprene and paddling gear.
This week Dee has been away in Vancouver taking a writing course at UBC, lying on the beach reading, and frequenting the various coffee shops in the Kitsalano area, all the while leaving me to fend for myself in Kelowna. It hasn't been pretty! While I have managed to play as much as possible, there has been a lot of pizza and Kraft Dinner consumed. I guess either I just didn't feel like cooking anything exciting for myself, or I didn't have time as most dinners were consumed at about 9:30pm.
On Saturday we paddled the upper Clearwater River. The only way to enter the river is via a 12ish foot waterfall drop! I had never done one of these before, but had great instruction and demonstration from the others. I have to admit that paddling towards the horizon line, I was a little nervous, but it turned out to be super smooth, and a lot easier than I expected. I just wish that there was a way to get back to the top so that I could have done it again. The rest of the weekend turned out to be great paddling, as we watched Joel shoot Donkey Falls, had some great surf's on waves lower down on the river.
Sunday was a great day, but as usual, paddlers were on river time. Loïc had to be home for family dinner that evening, and I think that we arrived JUST in time. Tess' family was kind enough to drag me along for some fantastic Thai food and ice cream, despite the fact that I stunk like neoprene and paddling gear.
This week Dee has been away in Vancouver taking a writing course at UBC, lying on the beach reading, and frequenting the various coffee shops in the Kitsalano area, all the while leaving me to fend for myself in Kelowna. It hasn't been pretty! While I have managed to play as much as possible, there has been a lot of pizza and Kraft Dinner consumed. I guess either I just didn't feel like cooking anything exciting for myself, or I didn't have time as most dinners were consumed at about 9:30pm.
