Enlighten

Boat to boat at the top of Class IV+ Caldera

Bart and Paul from Noahs battling ORT

Amazing head to head racing!

Teams fall into line at the bottom of Caldera.

Enlighten

Transcending the long drive; gas costs, hours of event coordination, asking of favors, tweeking of blogs, monitoring of websites, levels, weather, filing for permits, insurance, experiencing humility by constantly asking for help…we had a wonderful weekend.

Enlightening were the hugs and casual affirmations of old friends.  The sunshine nurtured our spirit and warmed our souls.  New relationships were formed as a river ran through it.

It seemed rather subordinate that a race occurred during this experience, a competition.  Yet the challenges provided by the racers and the big water of the incomparable Upper Klamath may have indeed facilitated this diatribe of reflection, or maybe I’m just growing up.

The earthly recollection exists as amazing sunny weather, bright yellow rafts crashing at once through the chaos of Caldera, and some darn good head to head racing for 6 miles!  Conveniently a forgiving surf wave is located at the finish line with complimentary eddy service.  Drifting and laughing allowed for closure following the tremendous challenge each of the participants had just successfully negotiated.  Or, in the words of my R2 partner Matt Lindland, “This is a great way to get a good workout while your sitting down having a chew” (which was all over his face after Hells Corner).  The Western Whitewater Championship Series rolls on.