Re: [Paddlewise] Los Angeles River

Is this part of Disneyland?

Brad (Old Person)

On Tue, Jul 9, 2013 at 8:09 AM, Mark Sanders <marksanders_at_sandmarks.net>wrote:

> 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<http://www.sandmarks.net/BigCityRiver/LARiver1.html>
>
> Mark Sanders
> www.sandmarks.net
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