Been boating a long time. I have run a ton of stuff including all of the Oregon classics, some of the Washington classics, a ton of the Colorado classics, and Idaho's goods from low to flood. Nothing prepared me for this years runoff. In average years, I have wound up in either Oregon, Cali, or CO for early season. This year, I couldn't take the days for any of these in anticipation of a MF trip at prime flows. Yep. Working stiff at the mercy of the man.

I watched the local flows go big, I watched folks go big. I watched, uncomfortable in a new unknown boat that scared me a bit and didn't boat. I watched both friends and foes go big in glory, and also in loss.

I ran the "easier" runs trying to get comfortable in the new boat. Running was no thing. I was still more comfortable in the little boat. My play boating this year was point blank the best I have ever done(looking forward to some J hole seshes) ans all I really wanted to do. The new cricker was still foreign.

I started leaving Riverdale for river running. Bridal veil was going good, and I was digging it a lot. Good play plus the put in and take out were different places. Bonus.

Running with the smurf warrior, while trying to take a picture, I received a class 5 concussion. Sucked. Kinda messed me up. Back in the boat just over a week later. Shaken but not stirred.

I continued to paddle. Hit a pile of runs outside of the wasatch I had never gotten, but lusted for others. Didn't boat them. Head was a bit off. Still boatin though.

Fast forward. Missed some trips for family events etc.

The ASK finally rolls down to Joe's for my birthday a week after peak. I have a bad line early and take the left side of my nose off leading to a swim. Couple rapids later I fully roll out of my boat and call it a day. We are at the take out and hear of a paddle pinned and decide to do a rescue mission, In this process, I with my friend keef are riding the bumper. One sharp turn, compounded by a stupid move on my part and I get thrown. Result is I am not dead or a vegetable.

Ruff season for the dub. Two major head wounds, a hit to my pride, and I am sooooo looking forward to boating the weeb on Saturday, as it will be the first day on the water in 21.

Shit happens, but, FUCK. Stoked to be on moving water again. Will be at the put in around !. Anyone interested in restoring my confidence in this sport is more than welcome.

Craig