I have had a very hard time staying away from the water over the last couple of weeks. I had taken safety into account and the wishes of Ej's to steer clear for the baby's sake. But I am taking a mental beating. Not having a productive way to relieve the stress I am under creating a life and dealing with this very complicated situation has really taken a toll. I have taken up Yoga, but it's not the same. I don't get the physical exertion. I walk for exercise, but I can't clear my head.
And here I am, telling my doctor and Ej that I am going to paddle anyway. I spoke candidly to my doctor regarding the motions I take while paddling. The most dangerous aspect to paddling while pregnant would be to wet exit and expose my baby to anything in the water capable of piercing my gear or jarring my body hard enough, creating placental separation. I am confident in my skill level, safety on the water and judgement. I still have my roll, great mobility and a wonderful crew willing to give me my two hours of breathing and exercise on the river.
Class two and flat water are my options. I am unwilling to endanger myself or the baby on anything else. I take into account the length of the run, the character of the river, the remoteness as well as levels.
My crew is well versed in river safety, CPR and also confident in my ability to make sound choices. I started making plans regarding different runs by asking fellow paddling enthusiasts what runs they would suggest they would be comfortable on. The list was quite extensive from some people and others wouldn't support my endeavor at all.
My choice originally, for length, exercise and safety was the Dead Cow run on the Santiam. Firstly, there is enough draw for my class 3-5 paddling buddies to entertain themselves on the play wave while I shoot video from the banks. Secondly, the run is long. This means I would be exerting myself in my barge of a boat. Safety being a concern in any run, and cell phones, proper safety equiptment, and knowledge of the run was a crucial aspect. The run is lined with private property, fields and such, but the kicker is the hospital, in case anything happened, being within a mile of the take out.
However, high water this weekend forced me to change my plan and head to Barton to Carver... Cell phone service, housing lined river, but very short. I can't have it all!!
We picked up an extra boater, shuttled on up and pretended that there were rapids on the stretch of river we have only done as the Clackamas Clean Up effort throughout the years.
Fantastic to be on the water, with wind, rain and great people all bundled in Gortex! The run was extremely uneventful, however in every way shape and form, a release on every level for me, which really was my goal. I feel a bit more relaxed and ready to tackle the stress eating away at me. Maybe this clearing of the mind will make room for a bit more understanding.
I will also participate in pool sessions with my friends here and in Corvallis. If you are interested in bobbing around in flat water, class two and pools, give me a call.
Dangers of Living
There are all sorts of dangers present when you are pregnant. Don't eat soft cheese or sushi. Don't pick anything up that may be too heavy. And be sure not to enjoy your previous adventurous lifestyle.
I have continued to paddle after finding out in May that Ej and I were going to be parents. Some of the runs have been questionable. Others have been a major step down and all fun. As of Girl Paddle here in Oregon, I decided that class three could wait. (well, shortly after, really). I question, however, what type of paddling I can still do? Doctors will be doctors and it's always interesting to hear other's percpective in what I should or shouldn't do, for the sake of the baby.
Paddling for me, has always been a release and challenge. There's nothing better than to feel alive and happy with the choices that you have made to stay active throughout a pregnancy.
I am now down to little or no kayaking at all. I am smaller in stature than most women while pregnant and I am longing for some small splashes in my face and possibly even a riffle of water over my bow. I'm looking forward to a flat water paddle and will be incredibly excited to drag my boat to the water's edge on a beautiful fall day.
See you on the (flat) water!
I have continued to paddle after finding out in May that Ej and I were going to be parents. Some of the runs have been questionable. Others have been a major step down and all fun. As of Girl Paddle here in Oregon, I decided that class three could wait. (well, shortly after, really). I question, however, what type of paddling I can still do? Doctors will be doctors and it's always interesting to hear other's percpective in what I should or shouldn't do, for the sake of the baby.
Paddling for me, has always been a release and challenge. There's nothing better than to feel alive and happy with the choices that you have made to stay active throughout a pregnancy.
I am now down to little or no kayaking at all. I am smaller in stature than most women while pregnant and I am longing for some small splashes in my face and possibly even a riffle of water over my bow. I'm looking forward to a flat water paddle and will be incredibly excited to drag my boat to the water's edge on a beautiful fall day.
See you on the (flat) water!
Adventures in Kayaking
This summer has proved to be eventful and not much accounting for them.. Here, in chronlogical order, are short recaps of the last two months of pregnacy paddling.
Wenatchee Festival was a great time with a couple of laps on the play run, Pashastin Creek and a meeting of a log in Icicle Creek. Please visit Ej's site for details on Wenatchee Fest.
Laps on the Lower Wind are no longer an option with summer low water. Before considering the run 'out' for the season, we scraped and bumped our way down to the falls to run laps. On one particular occasion, a shirt from the 1992 Olympic Lithuanian Basketball appeared on the banks opposite the hot springs. The always impressive SA Dave stupefies us all with his knowledge of the shirt before Jesus swims it into clear view. He recalled the team, the sponsor (Grateful Dead), the year etc... And then we all did what any group of beer swilling kayakers would do.. Can you wear a holey tye dyed shirt and lick your nipple through a well placed hole?? Dave can..
But I will spare you with a 'clean' picture of Lisa. (photo by Amy Shipman)
Amy dropping the first falls. (photo by Alex Day)
Alex showing us his moves. (photo by Amy Shipman)
Muwah on the second falls, four months along. (photo by Alex)
Several of us have been meeting at Spencer's Hole on a weekly basis to practice our plyaboating skills. Here is an account in pictures.
I participated in the Safety Weekend with WKCC (also recapped on Ej's site)and practiced much needed skills on the river with a quick jaunt to Newport for some surfing. Three of our surfers played a bit farther out and had the advantage of an up close and personal visit with a grey whale checking out the little plastic bobbers. Unfortunately, I had already tuckered out and headed back to the van.
Last weekend, I participated in Girls At Play in Hood River. We had a great crew of ladies on the river stern squirting and trying out our luck in the kartwheel hole above Corkscrew. Thanks, ladies. :) I appreciate the opportunity to boat with you and kart wheel on purpose for once or twice and then windowshade shamelessly!
Working on consistency!
Teva Mountain Games -Vail
Last week, Melissa and I hopped a plane for good ol' Colorado. Neither one of us had ever set foot in the area, so we were quite excited, two months ago, when Melissa called up and tried to rally me for the camping, kayaking and good fun. Our track record more than proves a hearty laugh fest, snorting, and world class kayaking!
All of the above were accomplished! We left Portland after work on Thursday evening and landed in Denver at 11:30. Luggage included camping, kayak gear and three, count 'em, three pairs of shoes.. Including my booties.. I'm getting so much better. Aren't I? We scored a rig with a rack system to carry begged and borrowed boats and enough room for us to sleep in the back, if we so desired.
The drive to Vail was spectacular with an hour long detour summitting at Breckenridge (14k. elevation) back down to 8k or so. This put us in town at a cool 3:30 am. We had printed off information regarding the campsites but little else than ammeneties and a general description of what side of town they were on, but my spidey sense paid off. We exited, circled, and sniffed our way to Gore Creek campground on a dead end road without real knowledge of anything but a lapse of time from the center of Vail Village and that it was east..
We missed our hook up for coffee (decaf these days) with Sam and Arturo, as they were off to another exotic local and their stay was no longer necessary for events. However, we quickly realized others from the area were working or competing. The freestyle competition qualifiers were underway with some strong men and women, but I was most impressed watching Tanya Faux.
She has such power! The other ladies, of course were fantastic, but she stood out as you can see in my pictures..
As I took a few pictures, I was greeted by another spectator and chatted him up for a while and then realized he was also in the competition. Stephen Wright, went on to take 2nd in the finals..
Sweet moves, eh?
As the day wound down, I networked for a while with Eric Jackson, mentioning his need to meet Wonder Midget back home, or as we now call him Margarita Balls.. The kid is 12 and he hand paddled House Wave and Lochsa Falls last weekend..
I also chatted with Nick Troutman and again with Stephen Wright regarding our friend Robbie Virostek. A force soon to be reckoned with as he enters the Keener Program with these two instructors.. Just wait till you see him in action. He'll blow you away.
That evening was the Everest Awards and I don't think I have ever been surrounded by so many people that 'get it'. The passion we have for our sports, the love we have for Mother Earth. I was in the company of such great competitors and, even though I'm not their caliber, it sure was refreshing to hang with like minded people.
One of my favorite conversations was with Silver Moon. She was enlightening and connected in so many ways. What a great woman to talk with.
Later that night, things turned a bit rowdy.. Designated driver meant no less fun having for me!
The bar closed down in the middle of a Prince song due to a nasty sewage leak from the hotel above into the bathrooms of the club and sent us holding our nose and washing our feet in the sinks down the road at Vendetta's where I continued to binge on water and boater talk! The Tanyas, Tia, The Jacksons. What a blast they were to hang with! For as buzzed as they all were, Ej still pulled out a show stopping performance to take first in the finals.. Way to go! 
But I still think Stephen had the biggest air! Check out more pictures.
Boating: I mentioned begged and borrowed? Our good friend, Josh Bechtal, quenches our river lust with two Pyrahna 420s to hit Dowd Chute. The put in being at the play park in Vail and running about 5 miles.. Good fun after a weekend at the Lochsa. Check out the video of the preivous day's fun!
The next notable event, other than running into Jesse Coombs bushwacking off the same run during shuttle, was the 8 ball boatercross.. Had I felt human that day, I would have entered.. The winner is pretty much a crapshoot. The goal is to get down the river with all the 8 balls givin' er all to stop you in your tracks! Doh! It looked like so much fun!
All of the above were accomplished! We left Portland after work on Thursday evening and landed in Denver at 11:30. Luggage included camping, kayak gear and three, count 'em, three pairs of shoes.. Including my booties.. I'm getting so much better. Aren't I? We scored a rig with a rack system to carry begged and borrowed boats and enough room for us to sleep in the back, if we so desired.
The drive to Vail was spectacular with an hour long detour summitting at Breckenridge (14k. elevation) back down to 8k or so. This put us in town at a cool 3:30 am. We had printed off information regarding the campsites but little else than ammeneties and a general description of what side of town they were on, but my spidey sense paid off. We exited, circled, and sniffed our way to Gore Creek campground on a dead end road without real knowledge of anything but a lapse of time from the center of Vail Village and that it was east..
We missed our hook up for coffee (decaf these days) with Sam and Arturo, as they were off to another exotic local and their stay was no longer necessary for events. However, we quickly realized others from the area were working or competing. The freestyle competition qualifiers were underway with some strong men and women, but I was most impressed watching Tanya Faux.
She has such power! The other ladies, of course were fantastic, but she stood out as you can see in my pictures..
As I took a few pictures, I was greeted by another spectator and chatted him up for a while and then realized he was also in the competition. Stephen Wright, went on to take 2nd in the finals..
Sweet moves, eh?
As the day wound down, I networked for a while with Eric Jackson, mentioning his need to meet Wonder Midget back home, or as we now call him Margarita Balls.. The kid is 12 and he hand paddled House Wave and Lochsa Falls last weekend..
I also chatted with Nick Troutman and again with Stephen Wright regarding our friend Robbie Virostek. A force soon to be reckoned with as he enters the Keener Program with these two instructors.. Just wait till you see him in action. He'll blow you away.
That evening was the Everest Awards and I don't think I have ever been surrounded by so many people that 'get it'. The passion we have for our sports, the love we have for Mother Earth. I was in the company of such great competitors and, even though I'm not their caliber, it sure was refreshing to hang with like minded people.
One of my favorite conversations was with Silver Moon. She was enlightening and connected in so many ways. What a great woman to talk with.
Later that night, things turned a bit rowdy.. Designated driver meant no less fun having for me!
The bar closed down in the middle of a Prince song due to a nasty sewage leak from the hotel above into the bathrooms of the club and sent us holding our nose and washing our feet in the sinks down the road at Vendetta's where I continued to binge on water and boater talk! The Tanyas, Tia, The Jacksons. What a blast they were to hang with! For as buzzed as they all were, Ej still pulled out a show stopping performance to take first in the finals.. Way to go! 
But I still think Stephen had the biggest air! Check out more pictures.Boating: I mentioned begged and borrowed? Our good friend, Josh Bechtal, quenches our river lust with two Pyrahna 420s to hit Dowd Chute. The put in being at the play park in Vail and running about 5 miles.. Good fun after a weekend at the Lochsa. Check out the video of the preivous day's fun!
The next notable event, other than running into Jesse Coombs bushwacking off the same run during shuttle, was the 8 ball boatercross.. Had I felt human that day, I would have entered.. The winner is pretty much a crapshoot. The goal is to get down the river with all the 8 balls givin' er all to stop you in your tracks! Doh! It looked like so much fun!
Sweet Kick Flip, Yo!
I competed in my first *ever* Big Air competition. Now, we all know that I'm not really a play boater, I'm just a boater who likes to have fun and try to stay on a wave for more than a second. But I bought this little Crazy 88 and practiced with Amy's and Ej's boats in the pool for a solid couple of months. I can now edge transition!! Woohoo!! All you play boaters laugh it up, cuz sometimes I land things. Sometimes I am agressive enough to hit a blunt! And sometimes I even show the boys how it's done on a ramp in the middle of a competition.. Yay me!
And the rotation!
And the rotation!
I like to Boof!
May 16,2007
I just completed the farmlands run on the white salmon this evening, bombing down with fellow female sensation, Heather Herbeck and one other Wet Planet guru. This had been on my list of todos for the last year and a half. Everytime I read a report or details of the run, I convinced myself that I would run it, someday, just not that day. I have had several opportunities, just always turned them down.
The major wood worth mentioning is above Lava: This is keeping people off this run. At this flow (3.75' to 4') it was nearly unseen, except the limbs sticking straight out river center. The rest of the log is down stream and right now, you can maneuvre the regular line (left avoiding the exposed limbs and cutting right) We felt it on the bottom of our boats... (a little shudder just now.) At lower levels, I imagine this getting really hairy. To the point I may not be attempting to run the run.. So, when you get through Little Lava, you should be very aware of eddies, hop down, take a gander at the log..
My line down Off Ramp was beautiful! I had two lines to choose from and I committed to starting left, charging across the main flow before the curler to the eddy on river right and then boofing off the ledge. I thought about portaging this and then looked at the portage, thought it worse than swimming, and stoked that I did and stuck my line.
All in all, the run was spectacular! Next time, we will meander more, take some pictures and soak in the beauty. The gorge was amazing, you are perfectly surrounded by tree lined lava rock. I imagine if shit went down, those walls would prove to be a major pain in the ass.
Mad props, yo!
Sandra
I just completed the farmlands run on the white salmon this evening, bombing down with fellow female sensation, Heather Herbeck and one other Wet Planet guru. This had been on my list of todos for the last year and a half. Everytime I read a report or details of the run, I convinced myself that I would run it, someday, just not that day. I have had several opportunities, just always turned them down.
The major wood worth mentioning is above Lava: This is keeping people off this run. At this flow (3.75' to 4') it was nearly unseen, except the limbs sticking straight out river center. The rest of the log is down stream and right now, you can maneuvre the regular line (left avoiding the exposed limbs and cutting right) We felt it on the bottom of our boats... (a little shudder just now.) At lower levels, I imagine this getting really hairy. To the point I may not be attempting to run the run.. So, when you get through Little Lava, you should be very aware of eddies, hop down, take a gander at the log..
My line down Off Ramp was beautiful! I had two lines to choose from and I committed to starting left, charging across the main flow before the curler to the eddy on river right and then boofing off the ledge. I thought about portaging this and then looked at the portage, thought it worse than swimming, and stoked that I did and stuck my line.
All in all, the run was spectacular! Next time, we will meander more, take some pictures and soak in the beauty. The gorge was amazing, you are perfectly surrounded by tree lined lava rock. I imagine if shit went down, those walls would prove to be a major pain in the ass.
Mad props, yo!
Sandra
Canyon Creek Extreme Race 5-4-2007
I'm tired. Coming straight from the river and crawling into bed for a nap just seemed like the most perfect finish for the day. I have a HUGE smile on my face!
I preface this with my previous experience down Canyon Creek, WA (CCWA) at 2-3 inches off the unit: not spectacular. High anxiety and all the excuses in the world, but really. "I screwed that line up. God I suck!" Lead to swim after swim. Regardless if the swim is warranted, even if the paddler next to me would have swum.. I remember a day I used to be able to brush myself off with a smile and get back in my boat.. But, I was in a funk and I became hyper critical of myself. I struggled to enjoy paddling. My mental reaction was extremely negative. No matter the support from whom I was dating, no matter other's perceptions of my ability. I was no longer feeling capable of running class IV water.
On Canyon Creek, in January, I reverted to an unpleasant run at another time which I started questioning my ability. Something I had been doing since July.. Do I belong on a river like *insert challenging river here*? I knew I had some dumb swims within the last couple of months but I was brushing them off. Then I found out that others, who don't usually paddle with me, started to comment on my experience.. And here, I was thinking we were all supposed to be supportive.. My self criticizing clouded my judgement. Self doubt took hold faster than I could say supercalafragalystic... I spent the next couple of months not really enjoying the runs I was on, over analysing everything. And overall, feeling as though I wasn't capable.
Then one day, I said a magic phrase... I don't care. Followed quickly by a dismissal of my own self deprecation with the word, WHATEVER. Finally, something snapped. I felt as though I was validating myself and giving myself strength just by allowing myself to let go. Everybody swims. I call it a zen spanking. Not just an awakening, self awareness. But a bitch slap.
I stopped caring if others thought I should have been on whatever run. Who were they to judge? I also realized that if that was the only paddling they saw me do, then what other conclusion could the come to? I saw myself from their perspective. They hadn't been on a run with me that I ran like my normal self. I hadn't been normal on a run with myself.. Here's the back hand across the cheek bone: I needed to remember my strengths. I shouldn't let other's opinion sabotage my own. And I just got tired of being so critical of myself. It was all within me..
Here's what I did. 1. I learned how to breathe again. 2. I remembered that I loved to kayak. 3. I took chances and believed in myself. 4. Oh, I went to New Zealand and took a time out too. Paddled there as well within my skill level.
Upon my return, I outfitted my boat to fit me like a glove with a little help from Kayak Shed and Ej. I called up my friends and went kayaking. And guess what? I HAD FUN AGAIN... I even had a swim, but I really could have cared less... How many of us have been in that position? Working so hard to improve, reaffirm my skills and to prove myself to others as well as myself. I hope you out there can appreciate my desire to have a good time on the river and stop being overly critical.
Back to Canyon Creek... I worked back up to it with a couple of runs down the Upper Wind River and West Fork of Hood River. I had a goal in mind to run CCWA before I couldn't, mentally or for lack of water. This time, warm rain and intermittent sun breaks instead of freezing conditions on a cold January day with a class V- rating. Loooow water, but who's counting? I put on with Tao, Heather, and Nate. Andy L caught up to us. I was a little stiff on the first run with a roll in Swizzle Sticks. I grated up against the right wall. Brutal on my thumb. I rolled in Thrasher. I came up with a -what's that? A smile? Yep.. I felt great!
I then concentrated on the lines I would use for the event from Big Kahuna on down to the finish line. Sidenote: Wow, it's very cool to see how Tao breaks down a run for a competition.. I was Luke Skywalker with Yoda in the swamps learning the ways of the Jedi.. And then on the paddle out, I conserved energy and took my time getting back to the take out. I ran Canyon Creek clean. I was incredibly proud of myself.
On the second lap, I had a great run! We stopped at Big Kahuna, where there were 30 others waiting for the race to begin.. But above that, I worked on the timing of my boof with Tao, and I had relaxed. There was a huge difference in my posture and my boofs were perfection on Prelude and Thrasher. Ahh, confidence.. .
The race: Not bad for being the only unsponsored woman or not in the Word Class Kayaking Academy.. And again, I was smiling. As I came to Champagne, I remembered what Tao, Heather and I looked at from river left, I glanced at the horizon line and paddled aggressively toward the boof and I was airborne. I landed exactly where I needed to line up for Hammering Spot and launched off the drop. I could here cheering from all the supportive racers as I came down to the last rapid, still feeling strong. Crossing the finish line, I looked back on the drops. My lines through Champagne, Hammering Spot and the finish line were exactly what I pictured. The boulder gardens and Big Kahuna burned a little time. But no pins, no rolls. Hell ya! Another clean run down Canyon Creek. :)
A huge thank you to Heather Herbeck for being so supportive via email and any time we talked about our mental game on the river! An enormous hug to all that I talked to as we shared our stories. I genuinely appreciate all the help of you letting me work through my funk.
I love what I do. I do what I love. Thanks for the support! You rock!
Sandra
I preface this with my previous experience down Canyon Creek, WA (CCWA) at 2-3 inches off the unit: not spectacular. High anxiety and all the excuses in the world, but really. "I screwed that line up. God I suck!" Lead to swim after swim. Regardless if the swim is warranted, even if the paddler next to me would have swum.. I remember a day I used to be able to brush myself off with a smile and get back in my boat.. But, I was in a funk and I became hyper critical of myself. I struggled to enjoy paddling. My mental reaction was extremely negative. No matter the support from whom I was dating, no matter other's perceptions of my ability. I was no longer feeling capable of running class IV water.
On Canyon Creek, in January, I reverted to an unpleasant run at another time which I started questioning my ability. Something I had been doing since July.. Do I belong on a river like *insert challenging river here*? I knew I had some dumb swims within the last couple of months but I was brushing them off. Then I found out that others, who don't usually paddle with me, started to comment on my experience.. And here, I was thinking we were all supposed to be supportive.. My self criticizing clouded my judgement. Self doubt took hold faster than I could say supercalafragalystic... I spent the next couple of months not really enjoying the runs I was on, over analysing everything. And overall, feeling as though I wasn't capable.
Then one day, I said a magic phrase... I don't care. Followed quickly by a dismissal of my own self deprecation with the word, WHATEVER. Finally, something snapped. I felt as though I was validating myself and giving myself strength just by allowing myself to let go. Everybody swims. I call it a zen spanking. Not just an awakening, self awareness. But a bitch slap.
I stopped caring if others thought I should have been on whatever run. Who were they to judge? I also realized that if that was the only paddling they saw me do, then what other conclusion could the come to? I saw myself from their perspective. They hadn't been on a run with me that I ran like my normal self. I hadn't been normal on a run with myself.. Here's the back hand across the cheek bone: I needed to remember my strengths. I shouldn't let other's opinion sabotage my own. And I just got tired of being so critical of myself. It was all within me..
Here's what I did. 1. I learned how to breathe again. 2. I remembered that I loved to kayak. 3. I took chances and believed in myself. 4. Oh, I went to New Zealand and took a time out too. Paddled there as well within my skill level.
Upon my return, I outfitted my boat to fit me like a glove with a little help from Kayak Shed and Ej. I called up my friends and went kayaking. And guess what? I HAD FUN AGAIN... I even had a swim, but I really could have cared less... How many of us have been in that position? Working so hard to improve, reaffirm my skills and to prove myself to others as well as myself. I hope you out there can appreciate my desire to have a good time on the river and stop being overly critical.
Back to Canyon Creek... I worked back up to it with a couple of runs down the Upper Wind River and West Fork of Hood River. I had a goal in mind to run CCWA before I couldn't, mentally or for lack of water. This time, warm rain and intermittent sun breaks instead of freezing conditions on a cold January day with a class V- rating. Loooow water, but who's counting? I put on with Tao, Heather, and Nate. Andy L caught up to us. I was a little stiff on the first run with a roll in Swizzle Sticks. I grated up against the right wall. Brutal on my thumb. I rolled in Thrasher. I came up with a -what's that? A smile? Yep.. I felt great!
I then concentrated on the lines I would use for the event from Big Kahuna on down to the finish line. Sidenote: Wow, it's very cool to see how Tao breaks down a run for a competition.. I was Luke Skywalker with Yoda in the swamps learning the ways of the Jedi.. And then on the paddle out, I conserved energy and took my time getting back to the take out. I ran Canyon Creek clean. I was incredibly proud of myself.
On the second lap, I had a great run! We stopped at Big Kahuna, where there were 30 others waiting for the race to begin.. But above that, I worked on the timing of my boof with Tao, and I had relaxed. There was a huge difference in my posture and my boofs were perfection on Prelude and Thrasher. Ahh, confidence.. .
The race: Not bad for being the only unsponsored woman or not in the Word Class Kayaking Academy.. And again, I was smiling. As I came to Champagne, I remembered what Tao, Heather and I looked at from river left, I glanced at the horizon line and paddled aggressively toward the boof and I was airborne. I landed exactly where I needed to line up for Hammering Spot and launched off the drop. I could here cheering from all the supportive racers as I came down to the last rapid, still feeling strong. Crossing the finish line, I looked back on the drops. My lines through Champagne, Hammering Spot and the finish line were exactly what I pictured. The boulder gardens and Big Kahuna burned a little time. But no pins, no rolls. Hell ya! Another clean run down Canyon Creek. :)
A huge thank you to Heather Herbeck for being so supportive via email and any time we talked about our mental game on the river! An enormous hug to all that I talked to as we shared our stories. I genuinely appreciate all the help of you letting me work through my funk.
I love what I do. I do what I love. Thanks for the support! You rock!
Sandra
May Runs
May
May 5th June Creek, 1500cfs on Clack Shane, SA Dave, Jesse, Amy, Jesus. Fun flow with my Crazy 88. Not usually running this high at 1500..
May 4 th Canyon Creek Wa 375 on Heisson gauge. ORG Extreme Kayak Race. Tao, Nate and Heather Herbeck and Andy L. Back up on that horse. See my post regarding CC Race. :)
My attempt at play boating with EJ on Bruno the other day.
May 5th June Creek, 1500cfs on Clack Shane, SA Dave, Jesse, Amy, Jesus. Fun flow with my Crazy 88. Not usually running this high at 1500..
May 4 th Canyon Creek Wa 375 on Heisson gauge. ORG Extreme Kayak Race. Tao, Nate and Heather Herbeck and Andy L. Back up on that horse. See my post regarding CC Race. :)
My attempt at play boating with EJ on Bruno the other day.
April Runs
April 1 Upper Wind at Medium Flows. Heather, Nate, James, Amy, Josh, Dave H.
April 6th Ej and I played at Bruno Mountain for Good Friday. 1000 cfs.
April 7 Lisa and I ran something. The Clack? Quick run, was it? But I can't remember and I didn't write it down. But we made Mac and Cheese at her house afterward and the boys showed up from their Washington creeking episodes.
April 8 Upper Wind with Lisa, Jeff and I can't remember who else came along.
April 14th, Kim Karper and Ejs friend, Makenzie, down the Bruno Section. 1000 cfs.
April 15th Bruno, was supposed to head to Breitenbush but it was waay low for the Cat. Shane, Mike Ross, S A Dave, Jesus, Allison.
April 22, Beach with Adam. The breaks had an east orginating wind. breaks were just ok. But still fun.
April 28th Ej and I headed to Bruno Mountain Section of the Santiam for a play run.. Huge difference after stuffing a bunch of foam in my boat.
April 29th Safety boat The Clack from Three Lynx to Memaloose for Shane and PCC
April 6th Ej and I played at Bruno Mountain for Good Friday. 1000 cfs.
April 7 Lisa and I ran something. The Clack? Quick run, was it? But I can't remember and I didn't write it down. But we made Mac and Cheese at her house afterward and the boys showed up from their Washington creeking episodes.
April 8 Upper Wind with Lisa, Jeff and I can't remember who else came along.
April 14th, Kim Karper and Ejs friend, Makenzie, down the Bruno Section. 1000 cfs.
April 15th Bruno, was supposed to head to Breitenbush but it was waay low for the Cat. Shane, Mike Ross, S A Dave, Jesus, Allison.
April 22, Beach with Adam. The breaks had an east orginating wind. breaks were just ok. But still fun.
April 28th Ej and I headed to Bruno Mountain Section of the Santiam for a play run.. Huge difference after stuffing a bunch of foam in my boat.
April 29th Safety boat The Clack from Three Lynx to Memaloose for Shane and PCC
March Runs
March 3rd Lake Creek with Ej, James, Sandra U..
March 4th Kalama for Shane and PCC
March 10th
March 11 Sandy at high water with Allen, Hattie, Amy and Lisa. So much fun!
March 17 and 18th.. No boating. Wedding in Oakland.
March 24 Dee to Tucker 6' with Amy, John, Daniel, The Dave. Wood in the first blind drop around the second corner. Portage, but may have been able to scoot through. Small hole directly down river from the log.
March 25 West Fork Hood River at 6.1' on the gauge. Kirk and I, newly outfitted Burn!! Rude Boy was an ass. I didn't see it until it was too late! But I remembered how to have fun again! Thanks Kirk!
March 31 Dead Cow Wave with Ej and Amy. new boat, new boat new boat!! Dagger Crazy 88, Lime Green.. My first blunt, on accident!
March 4th Kalama for Shane and PCC
March 10th
March 11 Sandy at high water with Allen, Hattie, Amy and Lisa. So much fun!
March 17 and 18th.. No boating. Wedding in Oakland.
March 24 Dee to Tucker 6' with Amy, John, Daniel, The Dave. Wood in the first blind drop around the second corner. Portage, but may have been able to scoot through. Small hole directly down river from the log.
March 25 West Fork Hood River at 6.1' on the gauge. Kirk and I, newly outfitted Burn!! Rude Boy was an ass. I didn't see it until it was too late! But I remembered how to have fun again! Thanks Kirk!
March 31 Dead Cow Wave with Ej and Amy. new boat, new boat new boat!! Dagger Crazy 88, Lime Green.. My first blunt, on accident!
You Fool.
She's got it all figured out
She knows what everything's about
And when anybody doubts her,
Or sings songs without her
She's just so mmm
She knows the world is just her stage
And so she'll never misbehave
She gives thanks for what they gave her
Man, they practically made her
Into a mmm
She's the one that stumbles when she talks about
The seven foreign films that she's checked out
Such a fortunate fool
She's just too good to be true
She's such a fortunate fool
She's just so mmm
She's got it all figured out
She knows what everything's about
And when anybody doubts her
Or sings songs about her
She's just so mmm
She's the one that stumbles when she talks about it
So maybe we shouldn't talk about
Such a fortunate fool
She's just too good to be true
She's such a fortunate fool
She's just so mmm
She knows what everything's about
And when anybody doubts her,
Or sings songs without her
She's just so mmm
She knows the world is just her stage
And so she'll never misbehave
She gives thanks for what they gave her
Man, they practically made her
Into a mmm
She's the one that stumbles when she talks about
The seven foreign films that she's checked out
Such a fortunate fool
She's just too good to be true
She's such a fortunate fool
She's just so mmm
She's got it all figured out
She knows what everything's about
And when anybody doubts her
Or sings songs about her
She's just so mmm
She's the one that stumbles when she talks about it
So maybe we shouldn't talk about
Such a fortunate fool
She's just too good to be true
She's such a fortunate fool
She's just so mmm
Turning Point?
There are several things I could say right now, of the level of kayaking I would like to do, pushing the envelope and taking risks. But the only thing stopping me from taking it on is my personal reservation.
It started in July. Someone once told me that if you are nervous about a run and you let the anxiety take hold, your skill level has dropped by two classes.. For example, you are capable and have run class four on a regular basis, anxiety takes hold and you become a class two boater and your roll isn't as persistent..
I watched two people roll their eyes regarding a swim I took. Hit three holes, several roll attempts and finally hit a couple of rocks. I translated that into 'I am incapable' and have struggled with it on every run since.
When will I let go of this? I can't seem to move from that moment.
It started in July. Someone once told me that if you are nervous about a run and you let the anxiety take hold, your skill level has dropped by two classes.. For example, you are capable and have run class four on a regular basis, anxiety takes hold and you become a class two boater and your roll isn't as persistent..
I watched two people roll their eyes regarding a swim I took. Hit three holes, several roll attempts and finally hit a couple of rocks. I translated that into 'I am incapable' and have struggled with it on every run since.
When will I let go of this? I can't seem to move from that moment.
New Zealand February 2007
Please visit my photographs for some great shots. I whittled them down from a cool 600 photos in 2 weeks..
New Zealand Photos
Enjoy the journey through my eyes..
Sandra
New Zealand Photos
Enjoy the journey through my eyes..
Sandra
Kaituna: All the Way!
Now in Rotorua, ready to kayak and i have never worked this hard to get to the put in. Every last car was rented in Auckland so I opted to take a bus here. Currently in a hostel traveling solo and trying to either hitch a ride, rent down here or hop on one of the rafting companies vehicles that come to pick up the tourists. I'll see if I can bat my blues and buy them a beer. Let me tell you that this is an amazing place!! The flowers, of which seems to be the only models posing for my camera.. You have a mixture of evergreen, rolling hills and the most dense tropical forrest I have seen. This doesn't even compare to the hikes I did while in Hawaii with my friend, Jason back when I was 21. I'm sure it's similar to the central american jungles. The rolling hills give way to gullies. Lush greenways, and right now, I'm overlooking a huge lake, the sun is setting, the clouds are rose coloured, whispy and a layer of stratus above, much darker, threatening really.
Morning.. I rented a car. The raft guides were all 18 or so. I didn't stand to really make any headway with them unless I was wearing a triangle top and a toga hat at the party. And really, I felt that I didn't want to ask them. They didn't look like the mood I was in. You know, the fake smile, the giggle at their rediculous jokes to get a ride to the river. I did, however, meet a few Kiwis my age and they gave me directions to their campsite for the next day. Their raft trip was for 11am.. There's my backup..
The only car in Rotorua was perfect sized for me and my kayakless self.. Road trip! So very excited to see the sites from the map and some little roads that lead to smaller, dirt roads, that lead to a dusty hill with amazing views... I started down the way at 9 am in my ride towards the Redwood Forrest. Among palm fronds... Still spectacular!!
1pm was my meeting time and I was to look for the white vanagon. Seems to be a choice ride here for boaters.. I arrive to meet Sam Sutton and hit the river, but first, lets meet some raft guides.
The Run: I pull into the take out and a group was finishing the run. I happened to walk up to a handsome raft guide (stay away from guides, their sly) and they created a bit of anxiety in me when they compared the Kaituna to the Truss at home. I haven't done the Truss yet for multiple reasons.. First, it wasn't on my list of runs to do. And second, do I need to in order to be a kayaker in the area? Anyhow, I keep thinking of Big Brother and the Cave... Sam and I chatted for a while, I'm sure he was gauging my ability of lack of ability.. He has two boats for me: Java or the Mystic.. The Mystic looked like I could outfit it, but low and behold, I was still falling out of the outfitting... But the Java brought back unpleasant memories and the last swim I had at Opal. Damn, I'll take the Mystic over a Java today..
The drops were reminiscent of a tropical Opal Creek, but not quite. I expected a bit more, however, I still had a great time.
At the end of the run, we traded to our play boats and I got a lesson from the 3rd ranked Freestyler in the world.. Pretty cool.. Looping at the hole seemed the thing to do.. Good times. I threw a loop, but didn't quite stick the landing. Got a chuckle from Sam though.. I also met the best, according to Sam, kayaker on the North Island. His name escapes me. I remember him being humble and such a sweetheart. He threw some cartwheels in his creeker at the hole.. Fantastic to watch such grace.. I could have run that a few times that day!! Too bad I was psyched out in the beginning of the run from the pretty boys..
Morning.. I rented a car. The raft guides were all 18 or so. I didn't stand to really make any headway with them unless I was wearing a triangle top and a toga hat at the party. And really, I felt that I didn't want to ask them. They didn't look like the mood I was in. You know, the fake smile, the giggle at their rediculous jokes to get a ride to the river. I did, however, meet a few Kiwis my age and they gave me directions to their campsite for the next day. Their raft trip was for 11am.. There's my backup..
The only car in Rotorua was perfect sized for me and my kayakless self.. Road trip! So very excited to see the sites from the map and some little roads that lead to smaller, dirt roads, that lead to a dusty hill with amazing views... I started down the way at 9 am in my ride towards the Redwood Forrest. Among palm fronds... Still spectacular!!
1pm was my meeting time and I was to look for the white vanagon. Seems to be a choice ride here for boaters.. I arrive to meet Sam Sutton and hit the river, but first, lets meet some raft guides.
The Run: I pull into the take out and a group was finishing the run. I happened to walk up to a handsome raft guide (stay away from guides, their sly) and they created a bit of anxiety in me when they compared the Kaituna to the Truss at home. I haven't done the Truss yet for multiple reasons.. First, it wasn't on my list of runs to do. And second, do I need to in order to be a kayaker in the area? Anyhow, I keep thinking of Big Brother and the Cave... Sam and I chatted for a while, I'm sure he was gauging my ability of lack of ability.. He has two boats for me: Java or the Mystic.. The Mystic looked like I could outfit it, but low and behold, I was still falling out of the outfitting... But the Java brought back unpleasant memories and the last swim I had at Opal. Damn, I'll take the Mystic over a Java today..
The drops were reminiscent of a tropical Opal Creek, but not quite. I expected a bit more, however, I still had a great time.
At the end of the run, we traded to our play boats and I got a lesson from the 3rd ranked Freestyler in the world.. Pretty cool.. Looping at the hole seemed the thing to do.. Good times. I threw a loop, but didn't quite stick the landing. Got a chuckle from Sam though.. I also met the best, according to Sam, kayaker on the North Island. His name escapes me. I remember him being humble and such a sweetheart. He threw some cartwheels in his creeker at the hole.. Fantastic to watch such grace.. I could have run that a few times that day!! Too bad I was psyched out in the beginning of the run from the pretty boys..
NZ Blunder
Hello from New Zealand! It started off a bit bumpy, but I have persevered! My first flight was cancelled in Portland. I would have missed any connecting flight so I didn't leave until Saturday, which meant I didn't arrive till Monday. (international dateline and hellish flight) I missed the whole reason I was coming this weekend. There was a gathering for friends that are leaving the show and it was the last gathering at this city before they moved on. There was a Prom theme and had planned to wear a bridesmaids dress from a wedding I was in. The party was on Sunday night. :( Oh well. It is what it is.
They also misplaced my luggage and only half arrived here and just received the rest of it yesterday. There were screaming kids on the flight alternating fits. Reminiscent to a flight to Europe in business class I once had. Needless to say, the first day was soured since my mood sucked. But quickly got over it when I started exploring.
I'm renting a car tomorrow to head down to Taupo and Rotorua tomorrow, which are prime places for kayaking. Then off to the north west coastline for black sand beaches. I'm looking forward to getting out of Auckland. I'm ready to move on for sure. I think I am going to spend the next three days off by myself. There are so many backpackers here that I will have no trouble linking with people to chat with. So good mix of traveling with people I know and then time to myself. My friends are all working and I will have the advantage of taking time away.
I have been visiting my Cirque Du Soleil friends and saw the show from back stage sitting with the musicians in a black cloak as to be invisible to the audience. If you have never been to a show, the music is a live performance and normally within view of the audience. This one is set back a little more from the stage, behind the 'forest' yet you can see everything within the show. I was privy to the queues given by the stage manager, the musical director and the like with a head set. I have received a very warm welcome here with my cirque 'family' and miss them quite a bit but I certainly know that I made the right decision to stay in Portland. It's great to visit them, but in all honesty, I can say I'm happy with my choice! I certainly struggled for a couple of months over that. Anyhow, the museum sit atop this amazing hill called the domain in a park setting and overlooking the city of Auckland. The weather is slightly humid moving into the latter part of the summer here. It threatens to rain but hasn't as of yet. The climate has a tropical feel.
Can't wait to head to the south island. Amy and I are getting together straight away. She met another girlpaddler down there. It seems like we will have a girl paddle of our own. Except my friend Adrian who started kayaking. If we include him on the run, it will still be like a girl paddle.. 75% women exploring the runs.. I have a guide book that classifies things here as moderate or hair raising. Their moderate being 3-4 and then 4-5. They have a have two more classes, 6 as in you swim and live it's doable and a make my day classification.. F**k that!!
Flora is amazing! The amount of blooms astound me! I have several decent pictures so far. Looking forward to taking more. :)
More as time goes on! I will have a pool day eventually to document more of my travels as it gets more interesting. Driving will prove quite entertaining for my next email. I can almost guarantee it. :)
They also misplaced my luggage and only half arrived here and just received the rest of it yesterday. There were screaming kids on the flight alternating fits. Reminiscent to a flight to Europe in business class I once had. Needless to say, the first day was soured since my mood sucked. But quickly got over it when I started exploring.
I'm renting a car tomorrow to head down to Taupo and Rotorua tomorrow, which are prime places for kayaking. Then off to the north west coastline for black sand beaches. I'm looking forward to getting out of Auckland. I'm ready to move on for sure. I think I am going to spend the next three days off by myself. There are so many backpackers here that I will have no trouble linking with people to chat with. So good mix of traveling with people I know and then time to myself. My friends are all working and I will have the advantage of taking time away.
I have been visiting my Cirque Du Soleil friends and saw the show from back stage sitting with the musicians in a black cloak as to be invisible to the audience. If you have never been to a show, the music is a live performance and normally within view of the audience. This one is set back a little more from the stage, behind the 'forest' yet you can see everything within the show. I was privy to the queues given by the stage manager, the musical director and the like with a head set. I have received a very warm welcome here with my cirque 'family' and miss them quite a bit but I certainly know that I made the right decision to stay in Portland. It's great to visit them, but in all honesty, I can say I'm happy with my choice! I certainly struggled for a couple of months over that. Anyhow, the museum sit atop this amazing hill called the domain in a park setting and overlooking the city of Auckland. The weather is slightly humid moving into the latter part of the summer here. It threatens to rain but hasn't as of yet. The climate has a tropical feel.
Can't wait to head to the south island. Amy and I are getting together straight away. She met another girlpaddler down there. It seems like we will have a girl paddle of our own. Except my friend Adrian who started kayaking. If we include him on the run, it will still be like a girl paddle.. 75% women exploring the runs.. I have a guide book that classifies things here as moderate or hair raising. Their moderate being 3-4 and then 4-5. They have a have two more classes, 6 as in you swim and live it's doable and a make my day classification.. F**k that!!
Flora is amazing! The amount of blooms astound me! I have several decent pictures so far. Looking forward to taking more. :)
More as time goes on! I will have a pool day eventually to document more of my travels as it gets more interesting. Driving will prove quite entertaining for my next email. I can almost guarantee it. :)
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