Nesika Beach

We started the day with some class IV rapids that were pretty scary! Several of the people joined Franklin and Samantha in the raft rather than go in their kayaks. I will admit I was pretty nervous - the water is quite powerful and the swirling currents under the surface are always shifting and puling. We went through a canyon with sheer walls for a couple of miles and the guides were quite serious about having us pay attention and stay in the right lanes.

However, once through that, the rest of the day was fairly relaxed and easy. Highlights included:

- Franklin joining me in my kayak to act as a human shield for waves splashing over the bow.

- The jet boat captain who roared up the river at us, then turned sideways, crating a huge series of waves just like a wave pool at a water park. It was so fun we paddled back up and did it again. The guide told me they try and time the trip so the boat will meet us at just the right spot at just the right time - impressive!

- A black bear that was right along the shore on the beach not 30 feet from us. He seemed to pay us no mind as he shuffled along the edge of the water. The guides were amazed abs said they'd never seen a bear so close to the water. If was awesome!

The bald eagle and golden eagle - along with lots of herons and hawks.

The trip ended around 2:00 and our van was waiting for us so we could head straight out to the coast.

We left to go to an ATM to get cash for the tip but ended up at the wrong store. We were supposed to meet up with the van of paddlers and guides big they'd left by the time we got to the right store. We actually took off after them up the dirt road into the hills. We met folks coming the other way saying that yes, they were a few miles ahead (this being a one lane logging road) but we just couldn't close the gap so we gave up. This meant we never got to give proper goodbyes - but I called ahead to the office so that when the van got back the house would be told we had tried.

It would have been epic to catch them but if just wasn't to be....Read more