Microtrash Attracts Critters

I've been unable to make a post since we returned from a week long trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon river. It was an amazing river through beautiful country but the high water levels presented us with more of an adventure than any of us could have expected. We knew the water levels had been high and were pleased to see that the forecast was calling for the water levels to drop down between 5 and 5.5 feet by Memorial Day (our put in date). We were further relieved to hear that the water had dropped even lower (down to 4.5 feet) the day we meet up with Andreas, Gudrun, Garret, and Lisa to get ready for the trip. We spent our first night at the put in at Marsh Creek where we had a meat fest and Gudrun had her very first smores! The proper put in at Boundry Creek is still closed due to snow so we opted to do the additional 20 miles of Marsh Creek. Once we were a couple of miles into Marsh Creek we all realized that there was no way the river was down to 4.5 feet and that this was going to be much more intense and much less relaxing than anticipated. We managed to flip both boats only once and I happened to be the only person in EACH boat when they were flipped. I love my dry suit even more with each swim I take. The scariest part for me wasn't swimming but the half mile I had to hike to rejoin with the group when the paddle boat flipped on Marsh Creek. I managed to make my way to shore but the traverse over 5th class wet/mossy rock proved to be one of the most stressful traverses I have ever managed. I finally found my way to the group with a good cut in my hand but I didn't care as I was so happy to be back with the group. The remainder of the trip was pretty uneventful for our group but each day we were told stories of the carnage experienced by boaters. There was a sense of comraderie among the boaters on the river and groups were joining forces each day to run safety and paddle together.


The put in on Marsh Creek. As you can see, the water levels were pretty high.


The group putting up the tarp. We got really good at putting this up as it rained everyday at least once.



Carrying the gear boat around Dagger Falls. This was the next rapid after we flipped in BIG Hole Rapid. Big Hole lived up to it's name so we decided not to chance it with Dagger.


Dagger Falls. I think why we decided to portage is pretty obvious.


Gudrun and Andreas cleaning out the food bin after flipping the gear boat. Luckily we had a break in the rain and everything was able to dry out.


Hot Springs in our campsite.


The group at the take out.