Re: [Paddlewise] Los Angeles River

Neither Disneyland nor for that matter the Los Angeles Angles are in Los 
Angeles, but for those who can remember that far back, the LA River is 
an E ticket ride!

Mark

On 7/9/2013 8:46 AM, Bradford Crain wrote:
> Is this part of Disneyland?
>
> Brad (Old Person)
>
> On Tue, Jul 9, 2013 at 8:09 AM, Mark Sanders 
> <marksanders_at_sandmarks.net <mailto: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
>
>     Mark Sanders
>     www.sandmarks.net <http://www.sandmarks.net>
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