Airy Explorations, May 24-25

Pete has taken to the air. No, not by growing wings in proof of the evolutionary theory, but by starting a course with Tom of Deimos Paragliding. And I got some airtime too; albeit only in the passenger seat with Tom on the controls. Slightly bumpy conditions made for plenty excitement!


Pete in the air at Bridal. The Mighty Fraser and Harrison Lake in the b/g.


Pete and instructor Tom at Woodside - but no air time for Pete. Conditions were not exactly beginner-friendly.

Victoria Day, May 17-19

Looks like we skipped spring this year – from a very cold April and first half of May to temps in the 30’s (Centigrade!). Since the warm weather sent the Wenatchee flying up to 20,000 cfs, I opted for a trip up the Sunshine Coast and headed to Skooks for some fun rides. Less than a dozen boaters, but tons of spectators – usually it’s the other way around! On day 2 and 3 of the Victoria Day weekend I paddled the skinny kayak into the impressive fjord landscapes of Jervis Inlet and Hotham Sound. Camped on my own tiny private island near 500-meter high Freil Falls. Could hear the thundering water all night. My neighbors on the next island over were very noisy too. Lots of snorting, puffing and barking - I never knew that seals were that vocal.


Into Hotham Sound


Jervis Inlet and Mt Churchill


Harmony Islands


Camp island


Freil Falls


Oystercatcher


Skookumchuck Tidal Rapids - nice sunny day and only 10 boaters!


Brian with reflections


Simo kicking up some spray

Wenatchee, Same Procedure As Every Year - May 10/11

About a month late this year the Wenatchee finally came up to good play levels and we hit the road south. And as every year on the first weekend the river is up we met a group of friends from Seattle at the put-in. How comforting: despite all the chaos in our busy world, here we meet again in the warm sunshine east of the Cascades. No email or phone calls needed just the rise of the river and the paddling tribes gather.




The Wenatchee doesn’t disappoint either: dry and sunny, excellent surf on Trestle, Drunkards and the smaller waves, in the evening chat about the paddling trips of the last season and other news. In the morning the customary stroll up the hill through meadows of yellow balsamroot and blue lupines to views of the snow-covered cascades and the Wenatchee valley below. Good to know that some of the nice things will always be here.

VKC Whitewater Festival - totally awesome!

About 150 people showed up from many corners of the PNW and further afield (PG, WA, Alberta, Manitoba, Australia). Shuttles ran smoothly, camping set-up worked great, the downriver race went without a hitch and dinner was excellent (thanks for the flowers, Dave). Rain stopped on cue for the evening, when three VKC alumni entertained with stories from the past, prices for race and raffle were distributed and the band got everybody into perfect party mood including audience participation with a cow-bell solo and singing performances. Sunday came with sunshine, more river runs and other activities. Thanks to the many volunteers for putting on this excellent event (especially Christian and Farzana). Thanks to the sponsors for their help and the many great prices!

Pictures coming soon.