Sunday, July 15, 2012

4th of July float







Lori and I spent seven days testing out our new Sotar inflatable kayaks on the San Juan river in southern Utah.  The boats treated us well and the River Gods smiled on us once again.  We put in at Sand Island near Bluff, UT and took out 83 miles downstream at Clay Hills.  The flow was around 550 cfs and I would call that the bare minimum.  We bumped butts once in awhile and had to drag the boats off of sand bars a few times below Slickhorn Canyon where the reservoir effect of "Lake" Powell causes extreme siltation.  If you didn't already hate Glen Canyon dam, you will after floating the San Juan.  Great wildlife viewing, mellow water, petroglyphs and ruins, and amazing geology all conspire to make the San Juan a must-do for all boaters, beginners in particular.  More pics here.