Paddling the Gorges

I'm finally posting some pictures from our fantastic canoe/kayak camping trip (May 7-8). These pics were taken by W and P who managed--amazingly--to keep their camera dry under exceptionally wet circumstances! (There are actually quite a lot more photos than this, but I didn't want to overwhelm/bore/frustrate you.)

I consider this trip a particular accomplishment for me since I have a complex of fears relating to strong currents/rapids, slippery rocks, losing my balance (so easy for me to do even on stable ground), and having my face plunged into water unexpectedly.

There were many rocky rapid portages and my instinct was to get out of the water and scramble along the dry rocks. Sometimes I was able to do this, but a lot of the time I didn't have that option. I'd try to stay with the canoe, holding onto the back, while Justin pulled it from the front, until I couldn't hold on anymore. Then I'd be stuck out in the middle of the rapids on some slippery rocks, struggling not to panic. Going down turned out to be just as difficult, with the added (unfavorite) elements of speed and the increased chance of being flipped and dunked.

Although relative to the rest of the party, I was definitely the lame one, I felt actually quite pleased with myself for not giving in to my anxiety. It's good to know that I did it (though I couldn't have done it without the others), and I would even do it again!