“Spend as much time as possible on mountains, in small boats, or otherwise out in the weather; if you never get wet, cold, exhausted or scared, you won’t properly appreciate being dry, warm, rested and safe.” ~ Peter Jay

"I’m an adventuring river rat at heart. Put me on a floating piece of driftwood and I’m happy." ~ Christina Glauner

"There’s folly and foolhardiness on one side and daring and calculation on the other." ~ C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower novels

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Creek Boating

This weekend I took advantage of the open invitation from the Black Hills Paddlers to try creek boating. I joined them for a pool session on Saturday night to get accustomed to the play boat I would be borrowing for the planned paddle on Sunday. I also was borrowing a whitewater paddle, helmet, and a splash skirt for the play boat. I still don't have rolling down, but I feel that I have all the pieces, I just need to put it all together.
On Sunday morning, we met to carpool to Sand Creek near Beulah, WY. NOAA says the air temperature for Beulah was in the mid to upper 30s, plus it was quite windy. There were many little drops and a couple of substantial drops along our route. All in all, it was a great paddle. I had a great time; Thanks to Justin, Kelly, and all of the Black Hills Paddlers. I would urge all of my flat water paddling friends to contact Justin, Kelly, or any of the Black Hills Paddlers about getting a taste of whitewater and creek boating. And, of course, a few pictures from the outing.



From 2011-04-03

From 2011-04-03

From 2011-04-03

From 2011-04-03

From 2011-04-03

3 comments:

  1. Well, this was quite an adventure, Pat, and one that I don't think that I will be joining you on! There is marked contrast between my cruise on Lake Alvin yesterday and your weekend shooting down those creeks in fast water. I admire your willingness and courage to try out this aspect of paddling.

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  2. Muhahahahaha! That looks like GREAT fun! Would love to come creeking with you someday!

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  3. This looks like a blast ... but I have the wrong kind of boats for it!

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