Re: [Paddlewise] be careful in foreign waters

Craig Jungers wrote:

>Several years ago I paddled the Wenatchee River in Washington State between
>Leavenworth and Cashmere (Class III) with some Kiwi white-water paddlers.
>They told me that the rivers in NZ were much different than ours because of
>the narrow nature of the islands and the steep approaches to the mountains.
>The rivers run much steeper, are much shorter, and have many more hazards in
>them (boulders). During our 12 mile run they said that a typical NZ run
>would be half that or less.
>
>A serious downside to this would be fewer opportunities to get out and
>scout. 
>

You mean like this? (steep run as much as 360 feet per mile gradient?, 
big rocks)
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_nm/co_black.htm

more wonderful photos of Black Canyon of the Gunnison River
http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np.black-canyon.all.html

Of course, that would be a long trip downriver (14 miles).  Sadly, this 
classV also "has claimed the lives of experienced and respected kayakers."

Wonder if your Kiwi paddling acquaintances ever gave Burnt Ranch Gorge a 
try - even includes a tunnel (nice photos at the link):

http://www.cacreeks.com/trin-ran.htm

btw, I'm not a creek boater so I don't know about the vast majority of 
canyon runs out there.  Maybe Steve will educate us.

The kayaking companion of the deceased kayaker in NZ made his way back 
up the drop to try and find his friend.  So it sounds like it was 
scoutable.  Possibly they did scout it.  I know there are canyons and 
runs where kayakers don't scout before they run, though.  In Texas, 
because the rivers seem to be always alternating between dry and 
flooding, and take houses, barns, buses, as well as trees downriver with 
them making deposits along the way (such as the cow draped in a tree 30 
feet off the ground), we learned scouting is essential (strainers or the 
occasional cow plumeting from above).  I can't imagine running what I 
couldn't see ahead.

Jackie
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