I went on a solo expedition this past Saturday.
Previously did Bergheim down to the GRSP (~ 8 miles).
This time put in at GRSP and paddled down to Rebecca Creek Road (over 14 miles).
Somewhere in the ballpark of 24 miles on the upper Guadalupe.
And there's more to come...
This run was probably the biggest test I've had to date and one of the most fun. Multiple (what I would guess) class II+ rapids. No dams on this run although there is a low water crossing from what looked like a private ranch road about 2 1/4 miles down from the put-in; looked like it could have a decent hydraulic. I was on at a higher flow so I made it through with no portage. I made it down unscathed until the tail end of the trip where I encountered Rust Falls just upriver from the crossing at Rebecca Creed Road. This area of the river is littered with tree islands and boulders featuring an abrupt 2-3 foot drop on the right side. It was definitely the most challenging part of the trip and came at a bad time. This was at dusk and I was struggling to read the river. Supposed to go right in most cases I think, but left is an option in higher flows. Also at higher flows the center line can venture into Class III- territory and you can find yourself dodging roots and rocks. That's what I did. I hit a submerged root and it began to push me sideways. While trying to recover and straighten out I spilled. I have a good size bruise on my thigh and a scraped shin. Aside from that nothing serious.
Previously did Bergheim down to the GRSP (~ 8 miles).
This time put in at GRSP and paddled down to Rebecca Creek Road (over 14 miles).
Somewhere in the ballpark of 24 miles on the upper Guadalupe.
And there's more to come...
This run was probably the biggest test I've had to date and one of the most fun. Multiple (what I would guess) class II+ rapids. No dams on this run although there is a low water crossing from what looked like a private ranch road about 2 1/4 miles down from the put-in; looked like it could have a decent hydraulic. I was on at a higher flow so I made it through with no portage. I made it down unscathed until the tail end of the trip where I encountered Rust Falls just upriver from the crossing at Rebecca Creed Road. This area of the river is littered with tree islands and boulders featuring an abrupt 2-3 foot drop on the right side. It was definitely the most challenging part of the trip and came at a bad time. This was at dusk and I was struggling to read the river. Supposed to go right in most cases I think, but left is an option in higher flows. Also at higher flows the center line can venture into Class III- territory and you can find yourself dodging roots and rocks. That's what I did. I hit a submerged root and it began to push me sideways. While trying to recover and straighten out I spilled. I have a good size bruise on my thigh and a scraped shin. Aside from that nothing serious.
