BWCA Just paddled Desolation & Gray Canyons Boundary Waters Listening Point - General Discussion
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10/21/2021 03:02PM  
Northstar Canoes does a fall trip every year treating outfitters and retailers to some river adventures in the Southwest while showing off their IXP line of canoes (B17 & B19). I'm the lucky guy that gets to go with them as a "campfire troubadour". Previously we did the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande in TX and the San Juan in Utah.

This year we did the Green River Desolation Canyon run near Moab. 84 miles of beautiful canyon scenery, petroglyphs and VERY challenging whitewater canoeing. We swamped once and my PFD definitely saved my life as I got hung up with my legs pinned under the seat.

Here's a pic of the last rapids just before takeout. It was adrenalin rushing and heart stopping and now I think I'll stick to flat water paddling.

 
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10/21/2021 09:46PM  
Are they NUTSSSS!!!!!?
 
tumblehome
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10/22/2021 08:13AM  
Mocha: "Are they NUTSSSS!!!!!?"


That stuff always scared me. Free trip though, I'd run the rapids..maybe
 
Driftless
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10/22/2021 09:42AM  
There was a time in my youth, but not anymore. Looks like an exciting trip!
 
apk
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10/22/2021 09:49AM  
It's a beautiful river. I paddled an inflatable kayak on that stretch as a teenager. I don't think I have the guts to do it in a canoe now, at least not on a self-supported trip or without a lot more experience.

I'd really like to get back, though, so am looking at Labyrinth and Stillwater portions which look more my speed. All of the beauty and solitude but no rapids.
 
10/22/2021 10:44AM  
tumblehome: "
Mocha: "Are they NUTSSSS!!!!!?"



That stuff always scared me. Free trip though, I'd run the rapids..maybe"


There were definite moments that I was wondering if I was crazy to be doing it and truly felt my heart rate and blood pressure rise. We did 2 portages and 2 linings around some class III rapids that were clearly not doable in a canoe.

I was lucky in that my stern paddler (Jason from Ely Outfitting) was an incredible reader of the rapids and in giving clear and concise commands to me in the bow. Also, Bear Paulsen of Northstar as a group leader was not only very respectful of the water and the particpants' safety, but was always the leader going down each rapid to direct the safest route.

All that being said, I'm pretty ready for some peaceful waters now!
 
WHendrix
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10/22/2021 06:15PM  
You should be able to write a killer song from that experience.
 
10/25/2021 05:44PM  
It sounds like a great trip Jerry! I'm always jealous reading your accounts and seeing pictures here and on FB.
 
yellowcanoe
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10/27/2021 06:44PM  
I would do it with a competent guide . The trouble is I have run on some trips like that with incompetent guides. If you have a group you trust, you are golden.
 
yellowcanoe
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10/27/2021 06:44PM  
I would do it with a competent guide . The trouble is I have run on some trips like that with incompetent guides. If you have a group you trust, you are golden.
 
yellowcanoe
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10/27/2021 06:46PM  
dupe post
 
mjmkjun
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10/28/2021 10:46AM  
Beautiful country. You live to write another song! Yeah.
 
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