We decided just to explore around the lodge on day two, after the long drive plus a long paddle to get there on day one. The lodge is surrounded by several very narrow bedrock channels, providing great things to see.
At this narrow gap in the bedrock you could literally hit the rock on both sides with your paddle. The whiter rocks are evidence of a higher water flow; we were there in September.
Some gorgeously coloured maple leaves on small saplings.
And look at the fold in this bedrock!
I wandered a trail behind the lodge and found plenty of mushrooms, including these Death Angels, deadly poisonous.
You could see where vegetation was protected by the winter snowpack. These White Pine branches spread out over the ground, suggesting protective snow cover about a foot deep.
On the next day we figured we'd better have a longer paddle, so we headed southward to find Dalles Rapid. The White Pine were tall, with their branches all blown one direction.
At one stop we found a collection of shells on the rock, evidence of otters feeding.
Then we got to the rapids. We stopped to explore, roaming over the bedrock. This is probably a Class III rapid, certainly not anything any of us would be comfortable running!
Great pictures of this place.
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful memories captured to share with the world of bloggers. Our oldest grandson spent his youthful summers in the area to the east of the French River. He is now a river guide in Colorado on the Arkansas River. He loves kayaking on his off time. Last October he and some friends were allowed a two week run through the Grand Canyon! In the winter months he is a snow outfitter in Breckenridge CO. Living the life.
ReplyDeleteLovely memories and great photographs.
ReplyDeleteThose maple leaves are such a wonderful colour.
All the best Jan
I enjoyed the pictures!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wild and beautiful place. Great photos, and you captured the essence of its wildness and winter harshness. Those trees all blown one way says it all.
ReplyDeleteClass III rapids aren't for the faint of heart. My granddaughter Sarah does them often, wild child that she is. She just returned from two weeks hiking alone in Patagonia.
I really appreciate the geography and geology in these photos.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can almost hear the sound of the water rushing, and the smell of the pines. Such a lovely spot! You have some incredible memories.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful country, including the flagged white pine. I remember our pathology prof reading us an account of a family of seven that ate a mushroom stew that included some death angels -- five of them didn't survive.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos, FG. A bit of heaven on this planet!
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