Gates of Lodore

[jim johnson]

Here are some shots of our recent trip on the Gates of Lodore on the Green River in Dinosoar National Monument. Noted ACC member Okieboater was one of the star oarsmen as well as Shred Ready owner Tom Sherburne along with a cast of characters from Oregon, Utah, Kansas, Missouri and Idaho.
This is a great western multi-day trip everyone should try to paddle.
http://picasaweb.google.com/jimmyj1951/AlteredLodore#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Video of the rafts running Hell's half Mile rapid may be accessed on Youtube by searching for "jimmy's hells half mile"
jim

[GN YAKN]

So, who was in the first raft that surfed the hole at the bottom of the rapid? Did the escape or swim?

Looks like a fun trip! Maybe next year!

Dave

[jim johnson]

the first raft thru was a wichita boater (to remain anonymous). after a few tense moments (seconds) in the hole he flushed out in good shape. the rock is known as lucifer or whalerock and is the crux of the upper part of the rapid.
jim

[Roger]

Ahhhhhhhhh, 1989 and I was paddling with the Strokers out of Northeast Texas. Got to do that trip after getting my PFD (personal first descent) of Brown's Canyon. Remember that stretch well. Gotta watch for that rock for sure. Just make sure you move right or left (depending on level and type of boat) after dropping thru the slot.

[jim johnson]

exactly. your memory is real good. the video is of the top of the rapid. Hells continues for nearly 1/2 mile, hence the name.
the flow was about 1200 cfs on the lodore section and everyone went right (or over).
the yampa dumped about 6500 cfs in at echo park so the final canyon (split mountain) was big water stuff.
jim