Caution & Manta

As Friday rolled along and folks drove into the campground we could tell who we were by the kayaks on top of the assorted vehicles. The new folks had the same obvious telltale signs of kayaks strapped on top. By 3 or4 o’clock it was nice and warm and almost everybody was ready to hit the water. Most everyone made it to the water by 4:00 PM for a short paddle just to be able to say we paddled each day.

Boats & Beach

Nineteen CKF members showed up to begin the 2002 CKF paddle through Topock Gorge. We had several paddlers who had never been on a CKF trip. The experience level ranged from one beginner who was paddling for the first time who came all the way from Pittsburgh, PA. to people who have worked as professional kayak guides.

Our newest member and paddler was on his maiden voyage so I gave him some impromptu introductory lessons. He didn't even think twice when I asked him to stand up in his boat. Most newer paddlers would have said that's impossible, but sometimes ignorance can be helpful and he carefully stood up asking me “what now”?

Buddy waits for Dad	7am Lets Go!

Patty & Bob down river

Saturday morning by 7:30am everyone had their boats in the water and were anxious to go including Buddy. We found that the air temperatures were quickly warming up (mid 90's) but the water temperature was in the low 60's. Those in SOT's had a real advantage keeping cool. The closed deck boaters were removing skirts and using their bilge sponges to pour water on their legs. The ever-present “fire-fighting” equipment was a big “hit” for keeping cool too.

We paddled through some beautiful scenery along the river passing the Topock Gorge and after about two hours we took a break to cool off.

Bob brakes	Brake for all

The paddle was very easy. The river was moving at about 3-4 miles per hour. Ruben's dog Buddy, had no trouble handling it. This was the longest trip he had been on. Prior to this one he was in a boat for only 30 minutes. Buddy did get a little nervous whenever the jet skis or muscle boats got too close.

Kathy Paddles	Mary & Matt take a break	Melissa	Gordon

As the day wore on and we got closer to Lake Havasu the number of powerboats and their noise kept increasing, as did the blood alcohol level of the drivers. We paddled close to the shore and each other, but wherever there was a rocky shore, we would be hit by the dreaded clapotis as waves reflected off of the rocks and started hitting us from two sides. A few paddlers were a little nervous with all of the boat traffic. In the future, this trip should not be done on a holiday weekend and this late in the year. Sometime before Cinco-De-Mayo or after Labor Day sounds real good when everyone is back to school/work.

Petroglyphs Trail	Patty Kick'n Back

We kept paddling and drifting, stopping for lunch at the petroglyphs.

Winnie & George go to Castle Rock

The turn to Castle Rock was quite obvious with a sign that read “Castle Rock”.

We were ahead of our schedule to take-out so everyone wanted to paddle to the caves. The caves were a blast. Even those people in glass boats were able to get through the narrow caves escaping damage to their boats or themselves.

All to the caves!	Ruben & Buddy Cavin'	Cavin' Ruben Buddy Sergio	Regis Cavin'	Castle Rock Take Out

At the take out, it was rather crowded with quite a few canoes as well as our kayaks all trying to get out at the same time. The trick was to get the boats off the crowded beach quickly and carry them (several of us had “wheels” and this was a blessing at the end of a long day) the 100 yards to where Jerkwater would pick us up.. Finally we were all loaded in a couple of vans and kayaks on the trailers and headed back to Camp Moabi.

Finally we were all loaded in a couple of vans and kayaks on the trailers and headed back to Camp Moabi.

Len Loads Boats	George Helps Load	Pot Luck Begins

After some quick hot showers we all gathered at the shoreline in our comfy chairs for beer, wine, or soda. As one person started to joke about how we probably lost one or two paddlers on the river I asked if anyone had seen Bob our newest CKF member. About that time our shuttle driver drove up and mentioned that they had just heard from our lost paddler and he was going to pick him up at Lake Havasu!

Somehow, Bob (no last names - to protect the innocent) became separated from us and paddled over to another group of paddlers that were not with us. He then saw another group on the river, paddled over to them and again they weren't us. Finally he asked some of the enemy (jet skiers) and the men ignored him, but the women suggested a boat ramp at Lake Havasu several miles away. . Bob paddled there and couldn't find us. Then he was directed to the other side of the lake and paddled over there. Again no CKF’ers. At this point, he begged 50 cents from someone and tried directory assistance---they had not heard of our outfitter for the shuttle. Jerkwater has an 800 number. One more call to 911.

"Hello, you're not going to believe this, but I am a lost kayaker..........." The dispatcher laughed and said that Jerkwater (our shuttle company) was looking for a lost paddler. Bob was picked up and returned to us. Most thought he would be a little upset with us for leaving him on his first CKF event, but Patty said no--like most men, he would be embarrassed for having gotten lost. Well Bob was not angry and his face was redder than what the sun caused.

Bobs timing was perfect. He arrived just as George Kul. was serving up his famous clam chowder in baked bread bowls. Len's Italian & Cajun sausages and peppers and Robin's Chile were also big hits. Winnie provided us with her delicious baked-on-the-spot banana nut bread for desert. Yum!

Al Orch & Us Big Hello	Len & Al Orch	Al Orch & Steve	Winnie & Beaver House

Robin & Al Orch & Beaver House	George & Al Orch	Al Orch & Us

Sunday morning several of us went to an old flooded almond grove and paddled amongst the trees. Most of us left by noon, to grab lunch and start the long drive home, but Bob (of Lake Havasu Fame) said that he was going to stay and paddle longer since he was camping for one more night. He swore he wouldn't get lost.

Has anybody seen or heard from Bob since the trip?????????

Al Orch & Big Hello

Text and photos by Paula Chavez

I’d like to thank all of those individuals who helped make this trip another great CKF adventure…..George for leading us down the river & the best clam chowder this side of the Colorado (and the other side too), Winnie for great bread on-the-spot each night, Patty and Bob for a delicious salad (and cold beer), Regis our keeping our camp safe from beavers, Robin for HOT chili, Gordon and Melissa for dunking bread , Ruben for helping me wheel my “Beast” boat at the take out, Buddy for being such a social butterfly, Sergio, Kathy, Mary and Matt for your great conversation, Steve for helping me put this report together , Barbara and Jim for sharing your chili dogs with me and last and definitely not least our fearless leader Len who planted the idea for me to organize this trip through Topock. May there be many more with all of your help……oh and Bob, for creating a great story I’m sure we’ll all remember you by…..thanks to all!

   Paula

Additional pictures by Steve Holtzman:

  Click on picture to see the full size image

Cheers!	And Away We Go...	Len Looking...	Rest Stop	Rest Stop
Rest Stop	Rubin and Buddy	Trade Suntan Lotion for Yogurt?	Topoc Sign	Robin in the Almond Trees
Robin in the Almond Trees	On the Water	On The Water	Topoc Gorge	Paula Taking GroupPhoto
Water Fun!	Typical Campsite	Paula and Robin	Robin in Topoc Gorge