So Fork of the Yuba at 650cfs fun stuff

Got to paddle one of my favorite runs yesterday. Its been over 5 years since I have had the opportunity to get back on this California classic. Taylor and I paddled with 3 other guys Salazar, David, Derrin if I remember right? The run started out extremely exciting and not in a good way. I was not stoked to be riding in the back of Dave's pickup truck. Actually riding in the back wasn't too bad. It was his DRIVING that sucked. I had to put my helmet on I was so nervous! Tay even said he told him to slow down on the narrow winding road. He was in a big hurry I guess? Once we hit the river my nerves actually relaxed a bit and it was great to be back on this stretch of river. We didn't get any pics so i dont have anything to share besides this little paragraph. Overall just being on the river was a treat. I am fortunate to be able to see places like the South Fork of the Yuba from the 49 bridge down. Beautiful 6 mile long canyon with easy class clean class 5 kayaking. The surrounding hills were so green and terraced it looked like the vegetation was glowing green like it was plugged in-Electric.

3.15.09 Butte Creek Stand Up Paddling Session

Paddling Butte Creek today turned out being way more fun and warmer than I thought after waking up this morning to a cloudy and brisky day. There is nothing like being on the river and today was just nice way to get out and enjoy it with some friends. Standing and paddling the 5 miles we did gave me some great visuals and we got to see saw hawks, turkeys, and even a few little fish. Stand up paddling also let me see down the river much easier and I could scout the rapids earlier. I paddled the board backwards when the water got shallow so the fins wouldn't hit the bottom. I fell a lot and learned a lot. I'm stoked. Thanks to Taylor and Jen for letting me crash their pad and taking me down the rio.

All photos Taylor Robertson Photography www.trphoto1.com
Thanks for shooting Tay.

Mt St Helens Snowkite Sledneck P-Wowder Mission

Powder Mission on St Helens Proves Fruitful
Finally what seemed to be the day of the season materialized. Aaron Sales alerted me and said I will be by to get you at 7:30 am. I didn't have a choice. Ok I said. I was pumped even though I couldn't help but think about feeling guilty for skipping out on work.

Aaron picked me up and we tried to make the best decision we could at the moment which was to bag it or go for it and see what we get. We went for it. Driving the 2 hrs from Hood there was no snow until just as we started ascending into the Mt St Helens foothills. Soon we would find ourselves in some nice deep pow even on the rd. We were stoked to be joined by a few friends. Erik Ekman from www.outsidevans.com, and his buddy McKenzie. We were fired up to at least burn some gas but also to scope it out for a snowkite session. Aaron and I loaded our sleds up with kites, boards, cameras, and extra clothes and hit the trail. Approx 8 miles later and only about 30 minutes we arrived at Lone Fir Kite Meadows just below the East butress of Mt St Helens. The sky was clearing there was some wind in the air and we were in heaven. Stoked