The Paddler ezine WW kayak collection 2013 | Page 171

standard formation, youngest to oldest. Matthew’s
prediction was spot on, as we navigated class II
ripples through the depth of the second gorge and
further into the unknown. I looked over to Evan
and watched him gaze up into the hour glass
shaped canyon. “This is our Shangri-La”. While
relishing our good fortune, I heard a thunderous
crash-boom-whiz curplunk. Not inches from where
I had been, three watermelon-sized rocks came
crashing into the river from above. Even though the
gorges had thus far been relatively benign, just the
sheer nature of the canyon was formidable. “This
canyon ain’t no gimme,” Nate said nonchalantly.

Camp 1

Matt Klema and Ryan Casey
probing into the unknown
Photos: Evan Ross

If only we could
take these feelings of
complete presence in the moment and
translate them to every day life.
Perhaps in another lifetime I would be
evolved enough to accomplish such feats.
ThePaddler 171