This past weekend, we decided to take on another river kayak trip. Given our challenges on our last river trip, B dove in deep to prepare; reading books, websites, purchasing topographic maps, and visiting the Alaska Public Lands Information Center for information.  The plan was to leave one car at a take out spot and set in 18 river miles down the road at Cripple Creek; easy peasy!

And so we set off to the Chatanika River.  Along the way we realized that the handy information and guidance from that the Alaska Public Lands Information Center sent us off with was, from 1991.  The take out spots seems far less defined than they were said to be in the information we’d gleaned; the mile markers in the Alaska River book were incorrect. Ah well.

We found a spot to leave a take-out car at, B scouted down the creek to the river in his kayak and set up a marker for us to identify the spot.  Ever the improvisor, he used his socks.

Our set in spot at Cripple Creek revealed a strong current; lots of debris and fast. N hesitated, but we decided to go for it.  It was a beautiful day and the scenery was too much to resist!

Unfortunately I don’t have pictures that really tell the story of this river. It was fast. It had debris. It required constant maneuvering.  Upon setting in we were zapped around a series of bends, quick action required to avoid trees and rock faces.  I admit, N might have screamed a bit. This was not a class one river. There was a rush of adrenaline.

When we navigated the currents we would find ourselves pushed onto rocks below the water that required lots of effort to dislodge yourself from. We lost count of the times this happened, though whomever occupied the boat in front was inevitably the scout providing insight for the follower.  Occasionally for a minute or so it would calm down, which is when I would quickly grab my camera from my sleeve to snap some shots.

And then B was zapped into the river; while I was compelled futher down the river until I was able to propel my boat on top of rocks to stop, B worked to empty his boat of water and get back into it. He made it, his water bottle continued on ahead in the river without him.

And so we continued; time moving as fast as the river, hours went by. I spotted a couple alongside the river and was able to learn that after about 4 hours we were just 4 road miles from our final destination, very exciting!  We continued on, keeping an eye on the side of the river to try to spot Bs sock marker.

Of course not much later B’s path on the far side of the river pushed him deep into a pocket; I looked on, turned my head and tried to figure out if he was trying to move off the river on purpose….and before I knew it was unable to avoid the massive tree that I was being pushed into. Now I was in the water. My boat was full of water and my paddle was floating in the water ahead of me. Realizing that losing a paddle was not really OK, I managed to grab my boat by the cockpit and force myself with the current as fast as possible after the paddle.  I caught it.  And then I continued on in the river until there was ground to grab with my now bare feet & hoisted my belongings up to the shore…managing to catch my shoes floating down the river, though now mywater bottle too continued on down the river without me.

& Then B floated by, also not in his boat…having seen me go into the water and lose my paddle he’d gotten pushed out of his boat as well.  This time he lost his hat to the river. Together we re-grouped, helping to turn and drain each others boats, and take a couple pictures.

And we set back onto the water.

And soon enough, discovered our marker.

Excited to have finished it!

I suppose we’ve learned that no matter the preparation, you’re likely up for surprises.  Since going on this trip, we’ve found yet another book on river trips which more accurately reveals that this section of the river is for experienced kayakers only; conditions all the more extreme when waters are high.  The waters were very high.  We didn’t see a single other boat on the water with us.

I’m thankful we have the kayaking skills to do it, it was fun, though we’re not convinced that some easier waters that allow you to check out the scenery vs the water wouldn’t be a touch better!  Like…maybe a weeklong trip along the Yukon?  We’ll see!

On our way back to get the other car, the boats, and head home, we saw a rainbow. 

& In an even more fitting end to this river adventure, B happened on some folks who had run out of gas and picked them up to get gas into the car. Remembering the importance of paying it forward.