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Written by Richard Larsen

Category: Trip Reports

Published: 19 May 2009

Hits: 32

Organizer(s): Richard Larsen

Date: 2009-05-16

Kayakers (K1): Frank Wells

Canoers (OC1): Len Carpenter, Richard Larsen

Predominantly: Intermediate WW

Water Level: Medium

Primary Realtime USGS Gauge Site: North Creek

Primary Realtime USGS Gauge Flow (cfs), e.g. '797': 2000

Primary Realtime USGS Gauge Height (ft), e.g. '2.96': 4.30

This is a long drive to paddle, and the weather looked marginal, but the level looked good - so three of us went. We drove three cars, placed one car at the Glen Bridge, and put in at Riparius. This allowed us to paddle the lower and harder section first, and perhaps quit after this section if the weather got too bad. First we had a moderate head-wind, and then that stopped and a very light rain started off and on. We made the 'hook', or 'Z-drop', with no problems, and then the rain got steadier. We ran the long class 3 with light, constant rain, but got down OK. The level was very enjoyable, but the rain annoying. At the take-out, we once again had to use the left bank above the bridge, which requires a class-3 rock-scramble while carrying a canoe. (Not really - but it is a short climb.)

At that point, the leader (RL) decided that paddling in the rain was not that great. Even though the rain had momentarily stopped, the forecast was for worse weather in the PM. The others wanted to paddle the North Creek to Riparius section, so RL loaded all three boats on his car and shuttled the others to North Creek. Would be no problem, their cars were at Riparius. RL left, and after 10 minutes thought "I never saw LC get his paddles from my car" - checked - and there the paddles were. So, back to North Creek to give LC the paddles. The two remaining boats headed down, and the weather started getting nasty. A strong headwind came up and blew the boats around in Spruce Mountain Rapid, and lightning was approaching as the boats got to Riparius. Shortly after the boats were loaded on the cars, the proverbial situation of "all hell broke loose" occurred. The trip home was described as class 4 driving, with cars pulling off the road in driving rain. About the time the boats came off the river, back at North Creek the gauge started going straight up because of rising water. But, everyone got off the river in time to beat the driving rain and the rising water - so it was a good trip! Len and Frank really know how to squeeze every moment of excitement out of a day!

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Written by Paul Savard

Category: Trip Reports

Published: 17 May 2009

Hits: 59

Organizer(s): Paul Savard

Date: 2009-05-16

Kayakers (K1): ryan, tyler, aj, francis,shane,paul s.

Other Personal Watercraft: eric

Predominantly: Int-adv WW

Water Level: Medium low

Painted Gauge Height (ft) e.g. '3.3': 2

Estimated Flow (cfs), e.g. '600': 170

Primary Realtime USGS Gauge Site: Wells River

Primary Realtime USGS Gauge Flow (cfs), e.g. '797': 179

Primary Realtime USGS Gauge Height (ft), e.g. '2.96': 2

We all gathered at f+w access got our stuff on and walked up the road to the bridge. Between Ryan and I we lead our group through the appropriate lines as we made our way down. We had five first timers: Eric, Tyler, AJ, Shane, and Francis. When we got to the falls, Tyler,AJ, and Francis nailed that drop as though they had done it may times before!! Shane was one step away but at the last moment decided to walk around. Then there was Eric in his inflatable shedder who brought the excitement!! There was no place that intimidated him including the falls. He went over like a trooper, made it down but not quite up right. My hat's off to you!! Anyway Ryan and I both went over and the trip came to a close. Again thanks everyone for showing up. It was a pleasure. Ryan's pics have been posted. Paul S.

Details

Written by Paul Savard

Category: Trip Reports

Published: 17 May 2009

Hits: 25

Organizer(s): Paul Savard

Date: 2009-05-13

Kayakers (K1): paul c., francis, ryan, pat , dave, dan,chris, jim, paul s.

Canoers (OC1): tony

Predominantly: Nov-int WW

Water Level: Medium

Painted Gauge Height (ft) e.g. '3.3': 2

Estimated Flow (cfs), e.g. '600': 381

Primary Realtime USGS Gauge Site: Moretown

Primary Realtime USGS Gauge Flow (cfs), e.g. '797': 381

Primary Realtime USGS Gauge Height (ft), e.g. '2.96': 2

It was a great turnout. We all stayed together picking are way from eddy to eddy. I had three first timers Francis, Dave, Pat which after scouting horseshoe chose the middle line. All made clean runs good job guys! Tony had his canoe and made it look easy. The rest of the group followed the grace. However Ryan and I thought we would go for the right side and I'll let the pics to follow tell the rest of the story!! I want to thank everyone for coming. It was a pleasure as always. Paul S.

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Written by Ryan McCall

Category: Trip Reports

Published: 17 May 2009

Hits: 47

Organizer(s): Ryan

Date: 2009-05-17

Kayakers (K1): Dave, Dan, Ryan

Predominantly: Int-adv WW

Water Level: Medium

What a Day to be on a classic!

Decisions were tough to make today with the deluge we got last night. It seems that Dave and I get in an annual run on Patterson ever year. Today seemed like a good day for us to hit it in 2009. We caught it at about 2 inches over the gauge rock. About a perfect level for a budding creeker. Dan, Dave's ski & biking bud started boating last year and is ready to step it up.

The flow was enough that we could put on up at the Clark Camps. What a great warm-up to the regular run and if you go up further there are some real quality IV+ drops.

For the most part it was a clean beautiful run with some minor fish counting from the budding creek boater and a live bait paddle recovery. MAN THE WATER IS STILL COLD!!!

I say this every time I do up a TR on this run...if you haven't seen the inside of Patterson and its gorge and its drops and its rapids..treat yourself! It may be one of the prettiest runs going and its not so hard that you can't take it in while you are paddling it.

As we were taking out it looked like the school bus had just dropped the kids off for a field trip...there were a couple more groups lined up to head to the put in for a run.

A great run on a great day.....