Charlie and Marcia, somewhere on a river.  

Click on picture to enlarge.

Paddling in Utah

by Charlie and Marcia Wood

 Marcia and I are not so anxious to put on our dry suits and get out on the river this year.  Even with dry suits we think we would be cold.  It's been an exceptionally long and cold winter here.  Probably turn from winter right into 100 degrees and summer.  But here it is June and it snowed on the mountains today.

 Now it is July first and 100 degree days.  The water is still high on the colorado

DESOLATION CANYON ON THE GREEN

Permit application time is now.  Actually it is a Telephone Lottery "first call, first permit" system this year - call 5 months in advance of the launch date you want.  Call now for a permit in December 2008. 

The BLM website for phone and permit information is:

 http://www.blm.gov/utah/price/riverinf.htm

May is a good month for Desolation as the water is high and the mosquitos are not out yet.

We did a Desolation trip May 12.  The permit holder was Janet Quinn, the great granddaughter of Mcpherson, who had a ranch in Desolation.  Daughter Karen and husband went.  Bob Coltharp was the planned leader, but he got sick and had to have a pacemaker installed on the put-in date - he tried to get them to install the pacemaker at the putin, but you know they wouldn't do that?  Ron Hilbert, and old friend and river professional lead the way.  Chad Gregory here in Moab bought my old Avon Pro raft and did a good rowing job and was young and took care of Marcia and I - we needed lots of help.  Marcia fell sometimes while walking like to the latrine, and I would try to help her and get exhausted and couldn't take care of myself.  One of those bad decisions for us to go (our health is so bad and we really couldn't take care of ourselves), but I just had to have one last trip in my favorite canyon.  Marcia is going to do it - whatever it is - no matter what.  The NOC instructor once said "we'll scout this rapid (on the Cartecay) and those that feel they can, can run it.  Marcia immediately said "I want to run it".  The instructor was amazed and said you haven't scouted yet.  She says "I know I want to run it".  Desolation was a good time in my favorite desert canyon.  The trip had 23 people, all of whom we had met and run a river with somewhere.  A lot of people, tent city sometimes, but friends we have fun with.  A good time with a lot of friends on the last river camping trip we will do.

  Marcia has an appointment at the University of Utah for some tests to see if they can find out what's wrong with her legs.  Tests, x-rays and MRI's at Moab and Grand Junction couldn't find the problem.  Marcia is and has always been brave.  She says, well, we have to die of something.  She has also always been upbeat and enjoyable to be around.  She's good!

CATARACT CANYON ON THE COLORADO

The Park Service website for phone and permit information is:

 http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.htm

The park service has said that no permits are needed this year (the last I heard).  They will have some kind of sign-up for campsites. 

Ron Hilbert, an old friend from Calif. wants to go on Cataract - he's never been on it.  I don't know that I will be physically up to it.  Ron was the cutting edge whitewater instructor of his time in California.   I would really like to go since Ron is going, but I keep getting weaker every year as I progress into my seventies, and the rapids in Cataract can be a little dangerous at some water levels.  Maybe I'll go.  I only have half my lungs left and only half my heart beats.  The arthritis gets so bad I can't hardly move.  Maybe I won't go.  Friends will carry Marcia's and my gear up the bank at camp, and help us set up.  What a deal.  Maybe I'll go.  Marcia has serious problems walking now.  We won't go.

SAN JUAN RIVER

WESTWATER

No more Westwater trips for us. 

Permits are issued 2 months in advance.

I'm not capable of running the Westwater rapids, but maybe we will do some Ruby-Horsethief runs.  Plan our Ruby-Horsethief trips so we can meet our friends that are running Westwater at the Westwater Ranger Station and help with their car shuttle.  

YAMPA RIVER

 High this year.

 Klamath River, Northern Calif.

We have been doing a Klamath trip every year.  Friends and relatives join me and Marcia on Labor Day weekend and we do various runs on the river Sat, Sun and Mon.  I have a daughter and Sister and Brother and Cousin and Nephews and Nieces that live in Redding, CA which is close to the Klamath.  We camp at a forest service campground and run day trips;  paddle raft, kayak and canoe.

Last year we did a Rogue River trip in Oregon right after that

We are still planning on the Klamath Labor Day trip, and have been invited on the Rogue by friends saying that they will take care of us.  The doctor told me I was not going to get any better, that he would try to slow the progression of old age problems as much as he could.  No Rogue River or any trips taking our camping gear in the raft.

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LINKS TO UTAH RIVERRUNNING

A rafters talk forum for Utah rivers

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/utahrafters/

Information on both Colorado and Utah river trips

http://home.mesastate.edu/~jerry/guide/index.html 

See you on the 4th of July trip if Marcia's walking problems improve.