Rio Simpson Take 2

Today is the official start of spring. Here in Coyhaique, the morning greeted me with blue sky and white fluffy clouds. When I stepped outside I could hear the buzzing of bumble bees and noticed the buds on a small tree in my yard had opened. But alas... back to work, sitting inside at my computer. Then, I started chatting with Astrid, a good friend and paddling partner. We were talking about Gauley Fest this past weekend and about how she is about to buy a new creek boat and I realized, I want to go paddling and today is the perfect day to do it! Literally right that instant, in the middle of talking with Astrid, I called Pato, a friend and the local paddling extraordinaire. Next thing I knew I was grabbing my gear and headed to the river!

We ran the same part of the Rio Simpson that I had done months ago, but the water level was much higher. As we put in I got super nervous... an unfamiliar boat, bigger water, and the first paddle of the season. Do I remember how to kayak? Can I still hit my combat roll? It didn't help that the first rapid is the hardest, a pushy class III+ with a technical move you have to hit half way through. Finishing that rapid, hitting my line perfectly, grinning ear to ear, I was reminded... I LOVE KAYAKING!

I have been hearing stories from friends in the States about their paddling trips this summer as I was huddled next to my wood stove to stay warm in the middle of Patagonian winter. I am so excited that the paddling season is starting down here. I can't wait until the next time I get on the water... which might just be tomorrow :)

Pups at the put in.

Happiness!

Pato headed for the horizon line.