Turn of the Rafting Season

Melancholy mood is setting in... phone calls are dwindling, weather is changing and the guides are scattering back into the real world. A lot of us will be going back to school as students or teachers; back to ski patrol at major resorts; travel to other rivers for another season of rafting; or get jobs until the season starts again for California rafting. Camp Lotus is quieter and the Coloma Club is deserted. The river is back to it's original state of quiet reflection populated by otters, beavers, birds, kayakers and an occasional rafter.

Weather this weekend is going to be very warm in the upper 80's to low 90's. Will the flow be there? How is the power company managing the upper storage at the dam? Last weekend there was no water on the South Fork American due to some type of maintenance issue. And then yesterday, we had 3,000 cfs! Geesh! I wonder if they will be dumping water out during October to make sure we don't have too much in the reservoirs when Fall/Winter rainstorms start occurring. Otherwise, where will all that water go?

Fall Rafting Trips

Yo, daddy-o... people are still coming out to raft this month. Beautiful weather and pretty good flows for September! Looks like the Middle Fork American will be ending the last weekend of September, but the South Fork American should be dependable through October on weekends... at least bank on the Saturdays! If you have a small group for October, give us a call. Most of the trips in October will be one day rafting trips only, but if you have a significant group... well, we can turn it into a overnight package.

We're not quite wetsuit weather yet, but it is cool in the mornings and night. So grab the polypro fleece and/or splash jackets for the Fall rafting trips.

Family Trips

After last week's horrific news from the Gulf states, we really needed to refocus our priorities. Such sad news and so many people were affected. We pray that the horror will be over soon... rafting becomes such a frivalous endeavor compared to the disaster! But when I am on the water, a calming happens. I can prioritize my life and know that the most important things have nothing to do with the house, the car or the money. It is always about the family and the people you love. Coming together as a family on rafting trips, during the holidays or even Sunday dinners; families and friends are the nurturing elements for our soul...

Weather is now cooling and expect to see temperatures ranging from the mid 70's to the mid 80's. South Fork American should have dependable weekend flows through September. Time to put on the splash jackets with polar fleece or polypro fabrics. Enjoy this time while the crowds are gone. Flows and weather are just wonderful. Bring your friends, family and colleagues... enjoy life!