Mckenzie

Ahh, what to do for a WKCC trip when it’s February, it hasn’t rained for weeks, and rivers are nearing their record low levels?

Kate Howell had a great idea! Let’s go surfing at Newport…. But then the weather continues to prove fickle to the needs of kayaking. The winds turn northward, the surf gets big & choppy, and few clean protected breaks can be found. Especially for an intermediate level WKCC trip. Now what?

Sandra Uesugi chimes in. What about the Upper Mac? Ah, now there’s an idea. Springfed from the mountain snows accumulated deep within the Three Sisters Volcanoes, so a consistent 900 cfs even in a rainy season drought! About nine miles of rollicking class II+ and III – perfect for a WKCC trip. But Kate has obligations in Newport and can’t facilitate a trip east of the Coast Range. That’s where I guess I come in. I, and a brand new 11 year old pointy Scorpion.

What’s a Scorpion? Well it’s a Savage design from about 1993; and it could easily have a sting similar to its poisonous namesake. I recently picked it up for three reasons: 1) I wanted one before I was capable of paddling one, 2) I’m shallow & love its looks, and 3) She’s fast, and lately I’ve found a rekindled desire to go fast.

Well enough back-story, and on to reporting some paddling! We ended up having WKCC members Sandra Uesugi and Laurie Pavey, from Corvallis. And from Eugene, Steve Stuckmeyer (me) and also non-members but generally Ok people, Nate Pfieffer, Jason Naranjo, and Arthur Turlak. Upon meeting at 9:30am at the Albertson’s in east Springfield we consolidated cars and headed upriver to Paradise. Then onward to the put-in at Ollallie, some signing of waivers and a safety talk about potential log hazards and group vigilance for wood and for each other!

The run was fun, carnage free, pretty, and just about everything we always expect the Upper Mckenzie to be. Snow on the banks, ice on branches dipping into the river, and warm paddling hearts. It was a grand ole time! Sandra enjoyed her first descent; as did Arthur. I enjoyed my speed demon of a boat. Jason enjoyed his 6’ spud playboat, and Nate his new creeking machine. And then at the take-out, Laurie and Sandra prove golden & provide all with hot tea and cocoa. Now THAT is what we go on club trips for!

Hope to see you on the next WKCC trip!

-Steve S
 

Note:  trip report written by Steve Stuckmeyer; sparcplug transfered content from old web site.