[Paddlewise] Los Angeles River

I always assume Paddlewise is still working silently, just waiting for 
folks to come back to the fold! I'm not sure if I posted this here back 
in June, so I am now. It's my report about our safari down the Los 
Angeles River, which only just had a small stretch opened to kayaks back 
in May. I don't think most people think of LA having a river, so here's 
some photos that proves it does.
And if I actually did post this back in June, please forgive me for 
tying up more bandwidth!! Sadly, if you're asking if Paddlewise is still 
around, chances are you're old and the memory might not be what it was!


Steve and I had been parked in front of the gates to the LA River for 
about a minute when a River Ranger rode up and told us we were illegally 
parked, but he let us throw our boats off before we moved along. Parking 
and access are definitely one of the tough issues for anyone who'd like 
to brave a river run! We got lucky and soon were joined by Lee, Sheryl 
and Bill, who were nice enough to set up the relay car at our put-out. 
Gathered around, we contemplated the steep concrete ramp that served as 
the access point to the river. Climbing into the boat at the river's 
edge took some finesse, lest you send yourself into the quick current 
without your skirt or paddle.

Lee was the first to push off and I wasn't sure we'd ever see him again, 
as the current took him downriver apace, but he found an eddy and hung 
out in the reeds waiting for the rest of us. Soon we all had a taste of 
the current and our river trip was on. Sheryl was our unofficial tour 
guide, having brought a map with the points of interest on the route. It 
was like paddling down two rivers at once, with the stark concrete levee 
on one side and beautiful, overgrowing plants on the other. At different 
areas of the river, the plants and concrete would switch sides and 
occasionally we'd find ourselves with plants, trees and reeds on either 
side.

We passed by some kids fishing from the wall and noticed a couple people 
pulling kayaks on wheels along the bike trail to the put in. It was the 
River Ranger we'd met earlier and his partner and they waved as we went 
by. Our progress was alternatively speedy and leisurely with rock snags 
quite common. Seldom was the water very deep, but usually a push would 
get you over any snags.

Soon we came to the proverbial fork in the river. To the left was a 
steeper run and Sheryl said she thought that was the way we were 
supposed to go. Bill took the leap, which was a fun ride that for most 
of us ended with a paddle through deep brush. I decide to make sure to 
bring bug spray on my next trip! We continued on now over a concrete 
shelf that kept the water moving quick. All along there were plenty of 
eddies to stop to hang out. After we passed another small rapid, we were 
joined by the Rangers making their way down, which allowed us to pester 
them with questions about the river--kind of our own private guides.

Constantly while we paddled, I think we were all amazed at this respite 
from the urban jungle that's been hidden here so long. There was little 
hint of the hustle and bustle going on around us. Even the stark 
concrete side of the river took on it's own beauty to contrast that of 
jungle side. I had expected to do quite a bit of portaging, but never 
had to get out of my boat. Plenty of bump and grinding, but usually the 
current would get you through. I thought the ride would be over in a 
flash, but it was a real nice time even if it did end too fast!

As with most paddles, the take out wasn't my favorite part! Steep walls 
and long walk around to the street are a given. Maybe when they open 
more of the river, the can improve the launch and land sites. I had 
thought that paddling the LA River was just something to do to say you 
did it and who really knows how long they may let us paddle there, but 
it was really an enjoyable experience that I'd enjoy doing again. If 
they can open more areas of the river, it will really be a great resource!

Photos:

http://www.sandmarks.net/BigCityRiver/LARiver1.html

Mark Sanders
www.sandmarks.net

#
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************