My wife and I traveled to South Arm Campground on the Lower Richardson on Friday the 24th and Tina and Jamie showed up a little later in the afternoon.  I had inquired about the logging road gate near by and found out that it was locked.  The camp director was surprised that they locked it for the weekend. We would have had a short 8 mile drive to the put in if the gate was open. Instead we had a 72 mile round trip to set shuttle, a boat ride,  a short paddle down the section from Lower Richardson to Pond in the river, a long paddle across the Pond in the River( wrong direction into the wind).We get to the Rapid and all is well. good medium level. Jamie and I had paddled this a few years ago so there were no real surprises. We were both paddling our play boats in hopes of trying our skills out at Smooth ledge.  The first three rapids are just how AW describes them big waves and as long as you stay away from the few holes that form you are in great shape. Paddle hard, stay forward and up right. Swims are not recommended - the rapids are long with few eddies to catch.

 Smooth Ledge came up quickly and there were several groups playing in the wave. Jamie and I decided to watch as some young boaters made it look friendly. Then out of the woods two boaters a dog and a boom box arrived. Once they were all set we were in for a real show of how it is supposed to be done. Numerous tricks were perform for our viewing. Sure is fun to watch.  After this performance Jamie and I decided to head down.  The longest and probably the hardest rapid on the river.   We spent as much time as we could taking time to enjoy the rapids knowing we were close to the finish.  Since this was only my second time a I had forgotten about the last  two rapids,  that was a pleasant surprise.  I waited for the last rock pour over that you could possibly find on the river to prove to myself that I do actually have a roll.  Jamie and I laughed about it and paddled to the take out.  This river is well worth the trip if you turn it into a camping adventure also.  Always a joy to be with Jamie and Tina.

 John A