Re: [Paddlewise] Los Angeles River

Interesting!!!  I always think of that river as it looks in, say, "Them!"
i.e. flat concrete.

Is that the natural bottom or is there debris in this section?


-----Original Message-----
>From: Mark Sanders <marksanders_at_sandmarks.net>
>Sent: Jul 9, 2013 11:09 AM
>To: "'PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net'" <Paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
>Subject: [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
>
>#
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