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I was in a much better frame of mind for this Narrows run. Still glowing from our awesome Middle Fork run of the previous week, I was rearing to go. We met Dave & Zeth at the take-out, set shuttle and were off to the put-in. Because this would be the highest I had ever run the Narrows, I thought I would be extremely nervous and tentative. Everyone kept telling me how much better it would be and that I would love it at this level because I wouldn't have to maneuver around as many rock. I think this helped calm me down because normally just ferrying across the stream to the big eddy is usually enough to get my nerves started. Not today. Even looking downstream and anticipating "Cave Rapid" didn't faze me. I was real relaxed. It was going to be a good day on the water. The forecast was calling for thunderstorms but it was absolutely beautiful. The sun was shining and the water was warm. I love paddling the Narrows. After everyone put on, Bruce yelled "follow me" and we were off. I was really expecting it to be alot pushier at this level but it really wasn't. At least not in the beginning. We paddled our way through the first few rapids easily. Boy were they right, I did like this level much better. All those rocks that had previously given me fits were now covered and I was actually able to run my own lines through a couple of rapids without getting hung up anywhere. This helped build my confidence. I still felt most comfortable following Bruce or Dave through most of the rapids but I was relaxed enough to pay attention and figure out why they were going where they did. My confidence grew with every rapid we successfully negotiated. I still made a few mistakes but that is how you learn.
As "Calamity" approached, I kept telling myself that there would be no swimming there today. The butterflies did begin to kick in here but I think that was perfectly normal. They don't call it "Calamity" for nothing and I have seen far better paddlers than myself swim here. I followed Dave doing my best to stay far enough back. Although, at this level, this rapid was much pushier that I was used to, I managed to run a good clean line and stay right side up without even having to brace! Wish I had a picture. Oh well, maybe next time. After this success, I was feeling gutsy enough to practice a roll in the pool below while the others were taking a break. Didn't happen. Had to wet exit. Didn't care. I was having a blast. By now the weatherman's predictions came true. Thunder, lightning and rain were upon us but it was short lived. We continued on to the next two difficult rapids, "Wind" and "Rocking Horse." I absolutely LOVE big waves so "Wind" is my favorite rapid on the Narrows. I still won't run it down the left but I also don't try to sneak it far right anymore. I followed Dave down right of center through the BIG, awesome waves. Oh, Yeah! What a ride! I could do that all day. Next came Rocking Horse. I am still afraid of that rapid and the big holes on the left so I don't follow anyone. I run my own line down the right side into the big eddy. It's a chicken line but it works for me and it also has some nice waves.
Next up was a rapid that has boulders that can be negotiated on the left or a small drop and rock garden on the right. Zeth went right and Dave went left. Decisions, decisions. I knew that I should follow Zeth but because of my overconfidence and my desire to get better and try more technical moves, I decided to follow Dave. The boulders were tight and I almost flipped picking my way through them. By then, Dave had made a sharp right turn through more boulders to get back to center. As I tried to follow, I realized my folly. Coming out of the boulders I had to cross multiple, boily eddy lines back into the main current and was not successful: SWIM # 1. At least I was trying to make moves I told myself as I regained my composure, got to my rescued boat and prepared myself for the remainder of the run. While Bruce and Zeth surfed some waves, Dave and I proceeded downstream. Shortly before the take-out there is another similar rapid with boulders on the left and a rock garden on the right. As we approached, Dave asked me where I usually run it. I told him that I normally take the right but that I wanted to try the more technical left side. I made it through a couple of turns, got washed up on a rock, didn't react fast enough and that was all she wrote: SWIM # 2. With this swim there was one positive. I really tried and, according to Dave, almost pulled off a roll. Almost but not quite but better than not trying at all I guess. With some help from Dave, I got my boat to shore, got back in and paddled the remaining distance to the take-out.
Even though I had two swims, I felt this was a very successful run. I had a good line through "Calamity," I successfully ran some rapids without following anyone, I tried some harder moves and I didn't give up or get down on myself after my swims. What an awesome day of paddling it was!
Paralyzed by fear. Face and arms went numb. Made a must make ferry above "Calamity." Swam "Calamity." Calmed down enough to practice eddy hopping and even attempted to surf a wave. All the details of this run can be found in Chapter 9 - Just Like Starting Over...
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