Climb Every Mountain

Today is the second day of Spring and mother nature seems to be reluctant to let go of Winter. The array of gear on our front porch is indicative of this season of limbo. The items range from skis, snowshoes and a snowboard to a kayak paddle, river sandals and neoprene socks. If you open the front door you will be greeted by the odor of our soggy river and snow gear as they dry while hanging on the banisters of the stairs. Our current recreational pursuits are as conflicted as the weather we are experiencing.

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Imagine having a weekend where you are able to indulge yourself in all the chocolate cake you could desire without being accompanied by the subsequent guilt of your gluttony. Being able to burn more calories than you can consume sounds awfully enticing. What else could motivate 35 people to spend a weekend rafting in the snow? It turns out there are a multitude of good reasons, but when I say "good" I am not necessarily implying "sensible."

The precipitation was beginning to transform from rain to snow on Friday morning as about 35 of us huddled in the equipment room for our first day of raft guide school. Rain, snow or shine; FRC offers this 6 day course every Spring. It was in this class last year that I first learned the fundamentals of guiding a paddle raft and I returned this year with a desire to work on my rowing skills. Friday we only ran a short portion of Spanish Creek given the less than ideal weather.

By the end of the run if anyone had feeling in their hands and feet, they were the exception. Despite the physical discomforts, many were still jazzed at takeout.

Saturday morning came with a blanket of snow. I had a little over 30 minutes of "thinking time" while I commuted to school. At the moment it was still snowing and there I was, skiing to school while carrying all my boating gear in my backpack. Even I saw something a little odd with that concept. It was like we were defying God and nature with our hopes of boating when we should be skiing. Just like you need to have a variety of clothes in your closet for a variety of weather, I also think you should have a variety of activities to accompany whatever the weather is offering. It was blatantly obvious that Saturday was not a boating day.

Potentially more dangerous than boating would be the activity of driving to and from the river on the snow covered roads. With all the factors taken into consideration, Rick cut us all loose to have a day to be warm or to go skiing. Naturally, we went skiing.

Come Sunday, the road conditions were much better which allowed us to do a 6 mile section on the East Branch of the North Fork Feather River. Rick gave his full disclaimer and even encouraged people to not go. Many heeded his advise, others....not so much, as is evident by the following pictures:

The snow made for the easiest put-in I have ever had at the Y!