tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87117895154514362382024-03-06T19:47:11.303-08:00WHITEWATER-KOA-Koa means happiness, it also stands for Kayakers Of Aotearoa-
Enjoy our travels and the happiness that we get from kayakingJosh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-67018015682639521302016-06-09T16:49:00.000-07:002016-06-09T16:52:20.049-07:00The EndAnd this is the end... This blog has followed my travels for the past 10 year but its time to move on. I am writing this post as I plan to turn this blog into a book for my coffee table. So the adventure continues but the story for now finishes here. Thanks for following!
Cheers
Josh <br />
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Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-66688763176726418562016-06-08T16:50:00.000-07:002016-06-09T16:56:51.301-07:00Breaking my backAfter a big Spring in Canada and a good week at Voss Extreme Sports week I was feeling as good as it gets in my boat. We had left Voss after Veko and headed north to find some good rivers. It started with just the 5 of us in Sam's van but after a few days we met up with the Pyranha team van and the rivers continued to impress. A stand out area was in Hellesylt. We started with the upper section of the Hellesylt then in town headed up the Bugdelva to find some more classic whitewater. The next day we headed to run the drop in town before heading further North. My time on tour for Norway was running out fast and I would soon be back behind my camera and out of my kayak. We had made it to the Rauma but it was too high for my liking and opted out of that one. The decision was made to do a quick run on the upper Jori then head to Matze's Drop on the Ula. I had seen this drop a few times before on photos and video and it looked awesome. For the first time in weeks we were soaked from rain but we chucked on some jackets and scouted this impressive drop. The consensus from the crew was its good to go so we headed back to gear up. While getting ready the rain cleared and we made our way back to the top. With a big crew we all separated to different spots to get footage, photos and further scout the drop. Anton lead the way followed by Sam, Jamie, Jared and Barney. I was up next and I checked my line one last time and got in my boat. When I got the high sign I pulled into the flow and started toward the lip. Everything seemed to be going well as I rolled off the lip. When I reconnected out of the top drop it was soft and seemed good until I noticed my nose was lifting pretty high. I got forward as far as possible to get it down but it was not going to happen in time. I braced for impact but nothing was going to prepare for the pain I was about to feel. The realisation was instant that I had in fact broken my back but before my lungs released the first screams I wiggled my toes and that was quite a relief. A split second later I was floating out of the pool releasing the air from my lungs with quite loud noises of pain. Jamie and Anton were right there to grab me and start the process of piecing the puzzle together. I was in huge pain but needed to be out of my kayak. Once a few others were there using my drysuit as enough of a splint my kayak was pulled from under me and I was lifted to a nice small grass ledge. By now I am realising the severity of the situation but stoked to have the crew I had there. It pays to choose your crew well so situations like this can be dealt with well. After a few moments to make me comfortable with blankets, jackets and a kayak to block the waterfall spray there was word the helicopter was on its way and would be 25 minutes. This was quite a relief as I knew that would be the time till I got some morphine. During this time the guys made sure I was warm and Ben sat and confirmed some of the things I was going through as he to had broken his back in the past. The muscles in my lower back were now feeling like an electrical storm erupting but took comfort from Ben saying this was all to be expected. Finding it hard to breath we tried to hold my neck gasket open before realising the paramedics were just going to cut it off anyway so the guys started the process. In true Norwegian efficiency the helicopter came into view and circled the waterfall I was lying below. We were all thinking they would land above the canyon and carry me out but we were wrong. With absolute precision the pilot dropped down and landed less than 10m from where I lay. The first paramedic approached, said hi and then explained that when he did the first descent of this river they had walked around this one. I knew I was in good hands! The guys loaded me into a inflatable stretcher and into the back of the helicopter. There was a lot going on so for a few minutes I forgot that I was still in pain and it wasn't till the paramedic asked that I realised the first lot of morphine had not done anything. He fixed that and the rest is a little bit of a blur. I was taken to Lillihammer Hospital for scans and after an afternoon of different X-rays, CT scans and other things I found out the damage. The outcome to that moment on the Ula was a burst fracture to my L1 vertebrae and the need for surgery to stabilise it. By now the boys had arrived and were sharing their stories of injuries and letting me know id be back in the boat in no time. From here I was transferred to Elverum Hospital for surgery. I have been traveling for 8 years now and had a range of different insurance policies. Every year I make sure I choose one that covers me for Class 5 kayaking for the chance something like this happened. I called my insurance from my hospital bed and they were amazing! The asked a few questions, double checked things from their end and minutes later I was told I was all covered. They sent my dad over to help me get home and have done everything to make the journey as good as possible. Next time you travel give World Nomads a look and make sure you are covered! A month and a half on and I am up and about. I walk about 500-700m per day and a few other exercises. I know ill get back in my kayak as soon as I can but that date is still a while off. Thanks to everyone who is helping me along this journey! Massive thanks to the boys for sorting me out on the day and making sure I was looked after well. <br />
<br />Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-89361754373506071262014-02-09T13:21:00.003-08:002014-02-09T13:21:45.865-08:00Wairoa Extreme Race 2014Well 2014 has been great so far! I have been busy with photography work so far but decided to take a well needed day off to head to the Wairoa Extreme Race! This is the North Islands premier event with all the best racers heading to Tauranga for the Race. The sun was out and it was set to be an epic day! First up way the Time Trial with a 5-6 minute down river sprint. My idea was the same as usual, keep it clean and don't use all the energy up to make mistakes. All went well and I seeded in the middle of the pack with a 5.36 time. 1st place races last place for a tough/easy race for some but being in the middle meant my first head to head race would be against someone who was equal speed and could go either way. My first race was against a Canadian called Jeff. He posted a 1 split second faster time trial run so he got choice of side at the start. In previous years the left has been faster so he chose left. I had been watching a few races and noticed all the wins off the start were coming from the right so I was not worried at the start for a good time off the mark. I lead coming into the first hole but only by a nose. We both came off the waterfall at the same time but with that nose length lead it spat me out into the flat a bit further ahead. Entering the Roller Coaster I was a bit flustered because I hadn't seen the race line since the river changed so was going off beta from someone else. I managed to mess it up pretty good and do the bottom half upside down but rolled to catch the eddy and take the win. <br />
Next up I drew Mike Dawson and my day was statistically speaking well and truly over. I would give him a run for his money anyway and not give him any space if I could. We took off and he went right and I went left without any contact.<br />
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Coming into the waterfall I was still on his tail and even landed on him to let him know I was there. Again into the Roller Coaster I was a lot slower but nailed the eddy turn to come in just as he was touching the banner. That was one of the most fun races I have done to date! Well done to Joe Morley, the current World Champ who progressed with Mike to take the overall win of the 2014 Wairoa Extreme Race. Also congrats to Lulu Jull for taking her first win in the womens devision! The day did not end there as we headed to prize giving and the OFM gathered in the Mount for Burgers and Ice Cream on the beach as the sun went down on another epic day!<br />
Cheers to Tyler Fox, Brendan Bayly and Lu Urwin for organising the race!<br />
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Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-35371724575079024132013-06-06T12:55:00.001-07:002013-06-06T12:55:17.676-07:00South SilverWell its been a little busy since the South Stan mission... Some of it is a little blurry but I think where were headed next was the South Silver Creek. This one is a classic close to town and provides some nice slides and you definitely feel good at the end of the day. <br />
It has a pretty good window from high to low and everything in between is good to go. We ran this a couple of times but I think these pics are from the second round. Nick and I were the only ones keen to paddle this day and Jamie decided to come take photos. While we waited for Jamie to run shuttle and run up from the bottom to take photos we rallied a couple of laps on the put in slide then headed down the river. Jamie was waiting at Boof, Boof Slide for us. I haven't had much luck on this in years past but with a little line alteration I have it better now. Without much stopping we both dropped into the Tea Cups and then off Sky Scraper and Off Ramp. After a little portage and some more sweet drops we were off back to Coloma. This run is a great warm up to the bigger slides you will find on the High Sierra runs here in Cali! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Coming down above Boof, Boof, Slide</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Boof Boof Slide - Photo Jamie Garrod</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Dropping into Sky Scraper - Photo Jamie Garrod</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Sky Scrapper from a different angle - Photo Jamie Garrod</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTSISBNxIypWvMTO1AFwmxml6Nl8kTAX6W0XjtGlN88Bs5hcPvVjShaM1XnwkVD3ZRrk87ceTa67tvmDxJVHHk7vhEbOXFqXRZNJvajNXutLDGrGmdw-KWRQJrfK1bvEsgVjgPmaHy3BP/s1600/Nick+OR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTSISBNxIypWvMTO1AFwmxml6Nl8kTAX6W0XjtGlN88Bs5hcPvVjShaM1XnwkVD3ZRrk87ceTa67tvmDxJVHHk7vhEbOXFqXRZNJvajNXutLDGrGmdw-KWRQJrfK1bvEsgVjgPmaHy3BP/s640/Nick+OR.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Nick coming down Off Ramp - Photo Jamie Garrod</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkwbcw4rPBE2HzjTYhPOv6_ZukVDCJAAo5w-Fz8qKyvCJXmjbqKcf8AvyRm3PAqcRZqE85yqMP-4Rfgkzs_zzHsiF4HlG2WZh4ir_NfQD_iH7XYssonVz-Hprjb2q67gAC59fanm5Nmls/s1600/Nick+SS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkwbcw4rPBE2HzjTYhPOv6_ZukVDCJAAo5w-Fz8qKyvCJXmjbqKcf8AvyRm3PAqcRZqE85yqMP-4Rfgkzs_zzHsiF4HlG2WZh4ir_NfQD_iH7XYssonVz-Hprjb2q67gAC59fanm5Nmls/s640/Nick+SS.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Nick on Sky Scraper - Photo Jamie Garrod</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-ab6cSEfcodGSWK8FAuoFl78UgazknbxxyqTXwLeuS52ilBGBFA9lVehV9aQikitnhA8eUmjefWGa2dVFBZrfUAsUM4URP-30iJortVFmM9swedqD_qHriMptIyy91Sz6axrhn3Sh7qG/s1600/Camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-ab6cSEfcodGSWK8FAuoFl78UgazknbxxyqTXwLeuS52ilBGBFA9lVehV9aQikitnhA8eUmjefWGa2dVFBZrfUAsUM4URP-30iJortVFmM9swedqD_qHriMptIyy91Sz6axrhn3Sh7qG/s640/Camp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Chilling at Myles, Chris and Niges place in Coloma - Photo Jamie Garrod</td></tr>
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Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-31022662682310251942013-05-12T09:49:00.000-07:002013-05-12T09:49:43.038-07:00South Stanislaus I arrived in California on Sunday the 5th of May in San Francisco where Myles and Jesse picked me up and we made our way inland. After a couple of days to get sorted and catch up with Nick and Harmony it was time to get to business. Ryan Mac had a plan and although there was a pretty good recipe for disaster the crew soon grew from not many to a lot and then back down to a solid 6. The idea for the trip was, in Mac's terms the ultimate "Lifestyling" trip. Now this word gives off this feeling of ease and achievability not usually associated with an epic adventure so spirits were high and we all felt good. After a few hour drive we set camp at Pinecrest Reservoir and settled in for the night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRH8dmMqtbI1HMybTswhTLQlgu1F4Zge5WCGjWQcrw9p0NWpLS4RNXISrS1URfYZE7EBd9Cv8U5x09i65ErSQbQs1mxv5Cr020jhZ9FQRpUCWdpAsORX8L7HvM1edEjj1TR9mue-eXysN/s1600/Camp+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRH8dmMqtbI1HMybTswhTLQlgu1F4Zge5WCGjWQcrw9p0NWpLS4RNXISrS1URfYZE7EBd9Cv8U5x09i65ErSQbQs1mxv5Cr020jhZ9FQRpUCWdpAsORX8L7HvM1edEjj1TR9mue-eXysN/s640/Camp+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Camp one at Pinecrest Res - Photo Ryan Mac</td></tr>
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In true "Lifestyle" fashion we rose late and made coffee and oatmeal before packing up camp and heading to the boat ramp. From here we would see across the Lake and up into Cleo's Bath and our run for the next day. Now there is another far easier hike in from the ridge but word from the ranger was that it was closed hence this angle of attack. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU-gtME3qQMRbEZTL5CaTDX6DQsLLytmUl2Ryp9zQMRFNuyNQfMdNwpbmKfYxAmi1PndlloXozY3U-6330cpsB2HV_b-kKsDaBNkV0OoxSxTTZnT6_vyODqUoTTD6NA8CzSo1tvg4TX9e/s1600/Car+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU-gtME3qQMRbEZTL5CaTDX6DQsLLytmUl2Ryp9zQMRFNuyNQfMdNwpbmKfYxAmi1PndlloXozY3U-6330cpsB2HV_b-kKsDaBNkV0OoxSxTTZnT6_vyODqUoTTD6NA8CzSo1tvg4TX9e/s640/Car+park.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Packing boats at the ramp - Photo Josh Neilson<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HfGnW6H1ekviPxmT462nfo6A6m2qOHM_IAnrASI_HPU0ZhJJbFkVLgfYeGs2K3W73CxWTZPhNMW3ooOYl4Hpp4-N0ynD12zlA10Gzgtii-F7jDvN8EK78921lTRCyrW58crNzIaLysgQ/s1600/Lake+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HfGnW6H1ekviPxmT462nfo6A6m2qOHM_IAnrASI_HPU0ZhJJbFkVLgfYeGs2K3W73CxWTZPhNMW3ooOYl4Hpp4-N0ynD12zlA10Gzgtii-F7jDvN8EK78921lTRCyrW58crNzIaLysgQ/s640/Lake+1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Pushing off with the gorge in the background - Photo Ryan Mac<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh132CmGpTUFJ3zI5mTVzNGrqb46zBtknSsYYgOf2vyqcaSy6Ly43N2PHrLX5P6pn9XX9-0DEbjt4pxHqDPiPsmX-Vi4-Lf4E_iAS1GvuB1b1sRCiOd5HbJUjWmZtEOMGbi4Bn4iKYfe4FL/s1600/Lake+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh132CmGpTUFJ3zI5mTVzNGrqb46zBtknSsYYgOf2vyqcaSy6Ly43N2PHrLX5P6pn9XX9-0DEbjt4pxHqDPiPsmX-Vi4-Lf4E_iAS1GvuB1b1sRCiOd5HbJUjWmZtEOMGbi4Bn4iKYfe4FL/s640/Lake+2.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">- Granite in our sights - Photo Ryan Mac<br /></td></tr>
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On the lake we were barely 30m in and we hear someone shouting from the boat dock. "Are you guys fix'n on running those rapids in there? Are you guys<br />
pro-fessionals? Are you sponsored? Because I know a guy who did it and all I know is if you don't have a Red Bull helmet and a helicopter you shouldn't be going there". And so it began... we chuckled to each other as we thanked the kind man for his input and headed across the lake to the river. The first part of the hike was easy but soon we were at Cleo's Bath and it was steep and up hill from here. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fbsqMtjFaS1ozmVubNMGvnOSKnpFPML-oSEkkqsmere5dW_sCMkmU0XnP1_PSPp7zkTUT_qt0EE9KU4ZFJ-3J99HRj3Gw4D0kSOqGiedQWHK1-k3ZSY6yGjZ8xrH0-9MziptVxVdFnIh/s1600/Hike+in+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fbsqMtjFaS1ozmVubNMGvnOSKnpFPML-oSEkkqsmere5dW_sCMkmU0XnP1_PSPp7zkTUT_qt0EE9KU4ZFJ-3J99HRj3Gw4D0kSOqGiedQWHK1-k3ZSY6yGjZ8xrH0-9MziptVxVdFnIh/s640/Hike+in+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Me and Nick stoked to have carry systems! - Photo Ryan Mac</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegkCCx1Qh9FOi9E9tf4RrFEjnaMt22nVRkJCSXQDEPRctEzO5CBg2Lnr19r7TByKQK1UiJGCIY4x0q-C3ZAKprV0EuYSsmLUXPyaCCR8OJ79qr0pQc-99v31Zv32VGDtgRHzgIY2SUbm4/s1600/Hike+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegkCCx1Qh9FOi9E9tf4RrFEjnaMt22nVRkJCSXQDEPRctEzO5CBg2Lnr19r7TByKQK1UiJGCIY4x0q-C3ZAKprV0EuYSsmLUXPyaCCR8OJ79qr0pQc-99v31Zv32VGDtgRHzgIY2SUbm4/s640/Hike+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Roping boats up the steep section - Photo Ryan Mac</td></tr>
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With a bit of rope work and some balancing acts we made it to the crest and chilled for a bit. Now quite sore and tried we decided to leave our camp stuff and hike the empty boat to the put in. As we made it up the river we found some sweet drops but it was stacked and moving fast. About a mile up we decided to call it quits for the day and head back to camp. With a bit of rain on the horizon we decided to camp in a cave and avoid the elements. Many theories were passed over the fire and soon we were all set on not hiking our boats any higher and enjoying the rapids we had from there out to fit with Mac's "Lifestyle" clause in the trip brief. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIau0h8Tg8uY92fzVbSioi4i81gcTdayNY87C_cVhTCjpPOyxz1urVZc9Med6zaxZ5HRaUfFGmAfauc8CugliZsxhQz0FqX9wXizRCAFMA1wbu8Eek-qxXj5HEDG3YZhvD_cR8ujECW3IY/s1600/Cave+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIau0h8Tg8uY92fzVbSioi4i81gcTdayNY87C_cVhTCjpPOyxz1urVZc9Med6zaxZ5HRaUfFGmAfauc8CugliZsxhQz0FqX9wXizRCAFMA1wbu8Eek-qxXj5HEDG3YZhvD_cR8ujECW3IY/s640/Cave+light.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Fire and food - Cave living - Photo Josh Neilson<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPmLc8ksB8pBFB0llJZPoADfOfsmNXAoxpMqD0v_MC3odzN0bykVBn0PK0xGMlRrO75t9ndOOSV3u1xw4Yf7qns3EndTU1TTD9V54qSglbFso-Pkv36K0CIzJHMpqmuYQdz5JXSWHdgFP/s1600/Cave+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPmLc8ksB8pBFB0llJZPoADfOfsmNXAoxpMqD0v_MC3odzN0bykVBn0PK0xGMlRrO75t9ndOOSV3u1xw4Yf7qns3EndTU1TTD9V54qSglbFso-Pkv36K0CIzJHMpqmuYQdz5JXSWHdgFP/s640/Cave+2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">-Stories round the fire better when in a cave! - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZF-OnHjWV6MPRBHfiwivDzNbSOztxbMWWj_w0g-B2j06UW0E9woMP1_WNAEgGdn7CroHIRFDvVyfuqgVPK2TZrIFy9si54rkcnRPTenN2CRqtMC6CmVBu9rHuL0qLYdbzKwppRhGcqO4/s1600/Jamie+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZF-OnHjWV6MPRBHfiwivDzNbSOztxbMWWj_w0g-B2j06UW0E9woMP1_WNAEgGdn7CroHIRFDvVyfuqgVPK2TZrIFy9si54rkcnRPTenN2CRqtMC6CmVBu9rHuL0qLYdbzKwppRhGcqO4/s640/Jamie+rock.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Jamie Garrod on pride rock - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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The morning started with a quick fire to make oats and coffee and then we were off up the hill once again. With some quick scouting we could see the river had come up a bit but that was ideal. Soon we were in our kayaks and with a quick warm up we were into it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbtYAPFmNdM_RtlTq9aKxIDwptUqz8JJdrvRCYYHGtCzqR3L88E5ZsiqcsmzCzT6RijD5h3YseTIMSCqvzhyltMaamDFfZt9ESAP31Qbeo9JPN_5kgNQAH8JZTUvuw_AGO5WpWrpGGHq6/s1600/Top+entry+hc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbtYAPFmNdM_RtlTq9aKxIDwptUqz8JJdrvRCYYHGtCzqR3L88E5ZsiqcsmzCzT6RijD5h3YseTIMSCqvzhyltMaamDFfZt9ESAP31Qbeo9JPN_5kgNQAH8JZTUvuw_AGO5WpWrpGGHq6/s640/Top+entry+hc.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Drop number 1 - Photo Josh Neilson<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_L29ix6ckJs-fRalSBWwRL8AGnjulume3EqdyiygrwD-LJ1XKi1Z31iFPpFJaMZhNknX-ce9TSrys3sUbwwpsmxdESa4pX8YwK_yyZN9-8FuvYV_JZweZlF3U2H6jIxW53m35_JbxJorn/s1600/Top+drop+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_L29ix6ckJs-fRalSBWwRL8AGnjulume3EqdyiygrwD-LJ1XKi1Z31iFPpFJaMZhNknX-ce9TSrys3sUbwwpsmxdESa4pX8YwK_yyZN9-8FuvYV_JZweZlF3U2H6jIxW53m35_JbxJorn/s640/Top+drop+2.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">- Drop 1 - Photo Ryan Mac<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_ZGSRMKIyn76chKDJzPzzwFacuGdyDp_T8KMLsPiv6IOKA-FHFk9I2qShN8TEDalLAGjof93CV2SJjYISubt2asKAT0xm_tEuoN9qaNnesPMUIRtObuDjLc7sTpQKQImtH5FlbVdnaSU/s1600/Jamie+drop+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_ZGSRMKIyn76chKDJzPzzwFacuGdyDp_T8KMLsPiv6IOKA-FHFk9I2qShN8TEDalLAGjof93CV2SJjYISubt2asKAT0xm_tEuoN9qaNnesPMUIRtObuDjLc7sTpQKQImtH5FlbVdnaSU/s640/Jamie+drop+1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">-Jamie on a nice boof - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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Feeling better now that we were kayaking and not walking we got through a few small drops before the crux. Standing on the granite scouting in kayaking gear made the drops look a little nicer and I was fired up. I really wanted to run the entry but was not to psyched about the ski jump in the middle before the off ramp. In the end my mind was made up and I dropped in. The entry drop was sweet and as I had expected I got slowed at the lip of the ski jump but made it through and out the bottom.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOfFHRQrhKXNDbe0ioWQw9bcamfyrGIh18Bfalm4LFwlc_0chEa3HpUASmKpGhPE4tII3KaxA0-6t9yN8RphuEUDT3SFRBgd84fTXVpIlot3ozr7bB3MC-dedBQweZJNk5XTYRaKXS2gz/s1600/Top+drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOfFHRQrhKXNDbe0ioWQw9bcamfyrGIh18Bfalm4LFwlc_0chEa3HpUASmKpGhPE4tII3KaxA0-6t9yN8RphuEUDT3SFRBgd84fTXVpIlot3ozr7bB3MC-dedBQweZJNk5XTYRaKXS2gz/s640/Top+drop.jpg" width="418" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Coming off the Ski Jump in the middle of the crux 3 - Photo Ryan Mac<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Vkg3FeDR-wMnaUIlLp4fn1TfK9XCAfigQWOG-IN3QXVp-TLFBUul1BrnnEE6nVJIFt9l7PLQC4qNnEApT-anw434VPLU_YIJR6AOYjy28U-eJzG35lGIdc0haIF4fkuqHEdcqsIeUQip/s1600/Top+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Vkg3FeDR-wMnaUIlLp4fn1TfK9XCAfigQWOG-IN3QXVp-TLFBUul1BrnnEE6nVJIFt9l7PLQC4qNnEApT-anw434VPLU_YIJR6AOYjy28U-eJzG35lGIdc0haIF4fkuqHEdcqsIeUQip/s640/Top+3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">- Bottom slide of the top 3 - Photo Ryan Mac<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGVCiwSrf4yYojzR-2UgebopYoqZoxgeYsCPlSjzQ2NLOaUbNUNK8sTkq8TcWyEFc1UHBqNtAz5FpSX0-V19eA0sWiUwFJNagIEijtExmgFfSPTrqm8Kbw1nq72C_sBT2ThnuXMXUHmO4/s1600/Jsmie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGVCiwSrf4yYojzR-2UgebopYoqZoxgeYsCPlSjzQ2NLOaUbNUNK8sTkq8TcWyEFc1UHBqNtAz5FpSX0-V19eA0sWiUwFJNagIEijtExmgFfSPTrqm8Kbw1nq72C_sBT2ThnuXMXUHmO4/s640/Jsmie.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">-Jamie on the slide - Photo Jamie Garrod<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VWgQqjdwNfdsYYsAjks8dENTJ1ocA9SGdKBogm1SXA5PUjLpnfej5GW6_WmSMcgg1_n2SkE-d6CkkozT8xnULXKJBA3PBGgylQxmYzDos1Vel-O7zqejTLeZZmfQouSz9PUBrKM6ZO0e/s1600/Jamie+slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VWgQqjdwNfdsYYsAjks8dENTJ1ocA9SGdKBogm1SXA5PUjLpnfej5GW6_WmSMcgg1_n2SkE-d6CkkozT8xnULXKJBA3PBGgylQxmYzDos1Vel-O7zqejTLeZZmfQouSz9PUBrKM6ZO0e/s640/Jamie+slide.jpg" width="426" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">- Jamie Garrod coming down the slot - Photo Ryan Mac</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ban_zVCNmXz-zVB6ezXLVJQKm_SzOh4AE8ulrWEebHsNCX9REe8OHrkEQb26Fsy8q3a7YeD0Lu1Ew48EfmMG09ZmFuAD9fApsUj0_RYeVwjFadlFoB6IV8SCyITYs8jqDUdSewbrirlz/s1600/Nick+slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ban_zVCNmXz-zVB6ezXLVJQKm_SzOh4AE8ulrWEebHsNCX9REe8OHrkEQb26Fsy8q3a7YeD0Lu1Ew48EfmMG09ZmFuAD9fApsUj0_RYeVwjFadlFoB6IV8SCyITYs8jqDUdSewbrirlz/s640/Nick+slide.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- Nick Wimsett coming into the slot in his brand new Tuna - Photo Ryan Mac<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen3U66S9AvGimS38Pcwr8-ID5IGIMkavrL32AGDbYdNKZ5dWy7C6zazgVFMlKtDVZ1CgZu80xDEg6xO3YK5dXmFFxxGaDJjfMhWxHC3AASbyOBhyz3Le-ikOzOeGqAaCxmVEswQofpiE-/s1600/Big+slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen3U66S9AvGimS38Pcwr8-ID5IGIMkavrL32AGDbYdNKZ5dWy7C6zazgVFMlKtDVZ1CgZu80xDEg6xO3YK5dXmFFxxGaDJjfMhWxHC3AASbyOBhyz3Le-ikOzOeGqAaCxmVEswQofpiE-/s640/Big+slide.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />- Me coming down out of the slot into the fast section - Photo Ryan Mac<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeCajUZ0sbEZ8mWo5UYDkpskJtiFOdjqmSaJhyphenhyphenXVYGnJww5tKQqs5XZ-zf4vyn8XePi0eiII2UDTDqg98kgtYAbFvvLOmxmm78pmeFMtjUlIUQizU2S4XxDVQIIExDBgDNUCHT4t96XXh/s1600/Tea+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeCajUZ0sbEZ8mWo5UYDkpskJtiFOdjqmSaJhyphenhyphenXVYGnJww5tKQqs5XZ-zf4vyn8XePi0eiII2UDTDqg98kgtYAbFvvLOmxmm78pmeFMtjUlIUQizU2S4XxDVQIIExDBgDNUCHT4t96XXh/s640/Tea+cups.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />-It just keeps going - Tea Cups - Photo Ryan Mac<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGfalAVYAEbs90rDZAApt2tKTZ0xTQSAtcXR7l8kC9_WU7jVCXeIG5Wsnj9AfTxCzq61Ny0u7Jeel3Aew-1Sh7uO3A3OivSCqk1nbtidf8wimu4Bvy1taf04ifGVy25lrcx0fkfW0KXBG/s1600/Chris+entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGfalAVYAEbs90rDZAApt2tKTZ0xTQSAtcXR7l8kC9_WU7jVCXeIG5Wsnj9AfTxCzq61Ny0u7Jeel3Aew-1Sh7uO3A3OivSCqk1nbtidf8wimu4Bvy1taf04ifGVy25lrcx0fkfW0KXBG/s640/Chris+entry.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />- Chris coming into the double hot! - Photo Ryan Mac<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGVNYFq7cQDG99GiEL0-29AAxwzzo89OHgOz0C-0AyhRalNtDxVsnSxAz5L5y2v5uECGzDkMORuH0sHQaga_9AidwnRs170aTaDszqUYCeFKkFoLuzDEtg6DapsxXqyqJXdz8QBgeM7We/s1600/Double+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGVNYFq7cQDG99GiEL0-29AAxwzzo89OHgOz0C-0AyhRalNtDxVsnSxAz5L5y2v5uECGzDkMORuH0sHQaga_9AidwnRs170aTaDszqUYCeFKkFoLuzDEtg6DapsxXqyqJXdz8QBgeM7We/s640/Double+top.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />- Another angle of double - Photo Ryan Mac<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEkhxCmKe0w3CGQqYBjZq-kKMiVhOmO4X3jkMpgJz6T8ShgxyrPOPBbbzzbQZRYDNYDkfrXi69qJB8rbc7NnXqtRbZkpWkVdVDh6wHSexm2bIo1Ldb9W0ELwQmajSDInc3wD1DLZqJ1Zj/s1600/D+Boof.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEkhxCmKe0w3CGQqYBjZq-kKMiVhOmO4X3jkMpgJz6T8ShgxyrPOPBbbzzbQZRYDNYDkfrXi69qJB8rbc7NnXqtRbZkpWkVdVDh6wHSexm2bIo1Ldb9W0ELwQmajSDInc3wD1DLZqJ1Zj/s640/D+Boof.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />- Tight entry! - Photo Josh Neilson<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHDMur6zbKqSoEP-752yKhSchOmCO0IC6zIT7EtEDbRoEdmZz5hyBKXu_PE7a3gPfVgv2cYL5Ory7r_5ABM29fj6B2PBwFBcNJsQtwrou1P5rLANM7G6fzTzFszpVWRqTorLRCdzCNxQt/s1600/Double+rasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHDMur6zbKqSoEP-752yKhSchOmCO0IC6zIT7EtEDbRoEdmZz5hyBKXu_PE7a3gPfVgv2cYL5Ory7r_5ABM29fj6B2PBwFBcNJsQtwrou1P5rLANM7G6fzTzFszpVWRqTorLRCdzCNxQt/s640/Double+rasta.jpg" width="416" /></a><br />- This is not photoshop - Jamie, Nick and I on Double all at once - Photo Ryan Mac<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMHjsLrN3vi-OSQ-f-k-PVzQl-aSt-NyvdUCFWrhGzrBO3xRT8P6ztSu2L65SJFmB4wcjxL9Rj7KiB5Aei6tQexecZMMeV2GBnRa22Gi51r2i95duoZylBnE1I-lO5vhC2hRm_lwabp7b/s1600/ryley+double.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMHjsLrN3vi-OSQ-f-k-PVzQl-aSt-NyvdUCFWrhGzrBO3xRT8P6ztSu2L65SJFmB4wcjxL9Rj7KiB5Aei6tQexecZMMeV2GBnRa22Gi51r2i95duoZylBnE1I-lO5vhC2hRm_lwabp7b/s640/ryley+double.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />- Riley on the top drop - Photo Ryan Mac<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWi68QcRab_5cQ0uFXZh18YmSmGPL8Osrjcx5pURvq0mcP5ErThjqYa7TmirZVvZuT6TTcNpVvhvyiPIMIVmMAu_cMu3U4yoGS99yN1gkRbDuXG1vH786zsgQJCdPQdfggAyt85IjE0FR/s1600/Jamie+double.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWi68QcRab_5cQ0uFXZh18YmSmGPL8Osrjcx5pURvq0mcP5ErThjqYa7TmirZVvZuT6TTcNpVvhvyiPIMIVmMAu_cMu3U4yoGS99yN1gkRbDuXG1vH786zsgQJCdPQdfggAyt85IjE0FR/s640/Jamie+double.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />-Jamie on Double Drop - Photo Ryan Mac<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUsSyZJ2qCgGpkIw2DnJkEIm5HOntIRmERGu2f5NGk9GMF3hIGQeNcmQeCVqO7lN4LCMI7PpCkIQBQwDPOyq_O8m6B_qXA7RwMTKsf3WhoOVlRd23iHOH7-Alzp3Qy6i97FjxuuGfLL97/s1600/double.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUsSyZJ2qCgGpkIw2DnJkEIm5HOntIRmERGu2f5NGk9GMF3hIGQeNcmQeCVqO7lN4LCMI7PpCkIQBQwDPOyq_O8m6B_qXA7RwMTKsf3WhoOVlRd23iHOH7-Alzp3Qy6i97FjxuuGfLL97/s640/double.jpg" width="442" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">- Montage of me on Double Drop - Photo Ryan Mac</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGyJYj_q9gzSmrjmSJMizlJtdHxEfcRU36xOhh2gNm1wbv-I5ilEYa4rRmco3eDZbjOsTtFO_9B_z1NJ05Js7eONfAYt0pCJN50DXfXcGQfSopBIDW1bulSA91dVW5Jot02DF5LFwYoqj/s1600/mac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGyJYj_q9gzSmrjmSJMizlJtdHxEfcRU36xOhh2gNm1wbv-I5ilEYa4rRmco3eDZbjOsTtFO_9B_z1NJ05Js7eONfAYt0pCJN50DXfXcGQfSopBIDW1bulSA91dVW5Jot02DF5LFwYoqj/s640/mac.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-Mac on the bottom drop - Photo Josh Neilson<br /></span></td></tr>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It didn't stop there we had a tricky slot drop that everyone styled and then down through the tea cup section. The best part was the double drop and a few of us ran laps on that part! From here we portaged round Cleo's Bath once again and paddled out to the lake. Everyone was stoked and although the way in was not ideal we all loved the way out! We were hoping that our mate from the dock was there so we could let him know we made it out without with just your average helmet and no helicopter so he could rest easy. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stoked to be here in Cali running challenging whitewater again! </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Back at the car we checked out photos, had a few beers and then headed back to Coloma! For another version of this river which shows the top part we didnt make it to you can check out Ben's Blog for the <a href="http://jacksonoutdoors.blogspot.com/2011/08/0-false-18-pt-18-pt-0-0-false-false.html">South Stan mission</a> they did. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next mission is coming to Ill leave it at that! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cheers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Josh</div>
Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-36192485118047810492013-04-22T01:54:00.001-07:002016-06-09T20:13:03.469-07:00Wainui River<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0h9eAAZhdhIYgJF7RVvmu9brKeTToDm4_I6QgVyrrURGG_yHZCtQzjBvA_asB7mIcYjVAekVvE6dN37eOJwHOYEH1Pto1g0hA02w0oQ6nFImZLgZG8jbFtbOf9AMERdkBhGIEZdn7Qxa/s1600/Jn+La.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0h9eAAZhdhIYgJF7RVvmu9brKeTToDm4_I6QgVyrrURGG_yHZCtQzjBvA_asB7mIcYjVAekVvE6dN37eOJwHOYEH1Pto1g0hA02w0oQ6nFImZLgZG8jbFtbOf9AMERdkBhGIEZdn7Qxa/s640/Jn+La.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Powerhouse Open Gates warm up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As I came home from the Tuakopai on Tuesday I figured with 2 weeks left in the country that I wouldn't be needing my elbow pads for any more kayaking trips this summer in NZ so packed them away and headed back out on the Kaituna! Thankfully the lake was still full and we got a couple of laps in at open gates which is always a fun time!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR8Xz7qz-VTtUr3jqCmeplGj_B6iJo6uns_tQlLldBGYFVZktWXM9fTQRKJSCLNt7lmHAUh8-yS-lHZYPwlHEPHAneoF1lJ-waRjfAIL6W2Lo-bfHFSZQ-SkW8bCfe7VVGBe2EeNoEKBb/s1600/Wf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR8Xz7qz-VTtUr3jqCmeplGj_B6iJo6uns_tQlLldBGYFVZktWXM9fTQRKJSCLNt7lmHAUh8-yS-lHZYPwlHEPHAneoF1lJ-waRjfAIL6W2Lo-bfHFSZQ-SkW8bCfe7VVGBe2EeNoEKBb/s640/Wf.jpeg" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Waterfall at Open Gates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The weekend was in full swing with a few drinks here and there and before I knew it I was waking up to the sound of the Neighbors running round our house talking of rain in the Kaimais again. A few seconds later Tyler came busting into my room with a smile on his face and all he said was "CREEKING?". While I am often able to use the excuse of work to pass on less exciting activities there was no place for excuses today. It was a run I had always wanted to do but never been in the right place with the right flows. <br />
~Cue inspirational dubstep soundtrack~ <br />
Everyone scattered and re grouped all piecing things together for the day ahead. Out came the packed away elbow pads and once again we were in the car heading for the hills. <br />
A little drive up the coast and we were there looking back down the valley to the sea and the thought crossed my mind that we had to paddle out to an estuary so all that gradient was going to be made up of waterfalls!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWYIKZ-5e9VZpLSgocBhZUmrDV-SQs_bYijDrQOhjg7p5OEsxqKzcduSGn78ArCdhZr82RgtMvCXwKRk77hyb6pLFyYgKvwzAiKCaBcBD7HefAs_v7aQgoCV3mQmUbN850_DXYyMNFu0Y/s1600/HIke+in.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWYIKZ-5e9VZpLSgocBhZUmrDV-SQs_bYijDrQOhjg7p5OEsxqKzcduSGn78ArCdhZr82RgtMvCXwKRk77hyb6pLFyYgKvwzAiKCaBcBD7HefAs_v7aQgoCV3mQmUbN850_DXYyMNFu0Y/s640/HIke+in.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Hike in to Wainui through some wild country</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
At the end of the short hike in I pulled up and heard Jamie explaining the optimal flows we had ahead and downstream Lorenzo was playing his Quena (Flute). A golden liquid flowed swiftly through the dense native forest setting the scene for the day ahead. Although the big waterfall was hot on my mind all morning it was time to seriously focus as the rapids pretty much all drop 10 or more meters and they are unending. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTngCPMu_Jwh7ToEWKl5e_UAN1A7wmM4gFeVjw1YLe3ZDQ1p8db66m3acjgke2WQjZvgWV1KyE7bIwh5OE6HJ1YGCNyB3So00o5d75YxBA-XMRhaJsEDx1wb7NL01jauUSv807qSHhK4Ed/s1600/Jamie+B's.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTngCPMu_Jwh7ToEWKl5e_UAN1A7wmM4gFeVjw1YLe3ZDQ1p8db66m3acjgke2WQjZvgWV1KyE7bIwh5OE6HJ1YGCNyB3So00o5d75YxBA-XMRhaJsEDx1wb7NL01jauUSv807qSHhK4Ed/s640/Jamie+B's.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Jamie (aka Htzhamez) Entering B's Rapid</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLM2MKfQFlDZHea0XD9-Cy-RA-qSCr9_yQwBTYdXfAFspdTMmq4j_uQY5iQ955Ik4f7NIE_ryRG9tOsMWlDx8cLkUjz1rOB-b9nea_TTl5wYnkEq43yjxTTXE9s6WRM05GwBst_UEw9Tx/s1600/Josh+B's.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLM2MKfQFlDZHea0XD9-Cy-RA-qSCr9_yQwBTYdXfAFspdTMmq4j_uQY5iQ955Ik4f7NIE_ryRG9tOsMWlDx8cLkUjz1rOB-b9nea_TTl5wYnkEq43yjxTTXE9s6WRM05GwBst_UEw9Tx/s640/Josh+B's.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Dropping into B's Rapid</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpBm3JWQAFU6JWeb-Q7X4geRh6CT15h3Pj9NVqsNzW93wPWwAipRqpaCnXpw1jiGuZjzEmCl2V-5I2hUfVOdFukNEs14xiygW1YiWYtB3EobYDqSLSlOXt_RdIV2rwFjq5TitRUKBIHcn/s1600/josh+b's+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpBm3JWQAFU6JWeb-Q7X4geRh6CT15h3Pj9NVqsNzW93wPWwAipRqpaCnXpw1jiGuZjzEmCl2V-5I2hUfVOdFukNEs14xiygW1YiWYtB3EobYDqSLSlOXt_RdIV2rwFjq5TitRUKBIHcn/s640/josh+b's+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-The exit to B's Rapid</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtgaO-GRgRQN7AKUL3defdcprZPYK3uVjxVES3NiiBA2Y8_oQLTr2eum2Kps4_K6JBoLtKIbMq_QThPeikCGMy4z839I9Vj_RiMyydxQkGEu9D4C9Qf4kCL-Mpd39LL6awLx1_OKzVr9v/s1600/Freight+train.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtgaO-GRgRQN7AKUL3defdcprZPYK3uVjxVES3NiiBA2Y8_oQLTr2eum2Kps4_K6JBoLtKIbMq_QThPeikCGMy4z839I9Vj_RiMyydxQkGEu9D4C9Qf4kCL-Mpd39LL6awLx1_OKzVr9v/s640/Freight+train.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Making my way through 'Freight Train'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3QNjQR6LXRCGfIqKXPTwtkqJWXO4jOYxauOpxY4ERorcNBc4BfxNAHzha5Zg_te6kjZd7u9sqURTISC8iO1y14aEOsFLNIQheHS_4X3JS25XuItXUnoJQAnKF0zivaNu9g1jnWEEt9qv/s1600/Freight+train-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3QNjQR6LXRCGfIqKXPTwtkqJWXO4jOYxauOpxY4ERorcNBc4BfxNAHzha5Zg_te6kjZd7u9sqURTISC8iO1y14aEOsFLNIQheHS_4X3JS25XuItXUnoJQAnKF0zivaNu9g1jnWEEt9qv/s640/Freight+train-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Brad coming down 'Freight Train'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVWw2B_g1w_8QOZtuobjfSzazGyW8h9tRBpR-70wHr_pKLTRPFtuaBjWIm41xttCtl4UTD_UeBuyi-m_xjI6ouP2JV_ik5Mqp26aHIdzQCKRXAMfqp4tJU5IwGTCqiYhao79-rfSZ7I9h/s1600/Jamie+double.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVWw2B_g1w_8QOZtuobjfSzazGyW8h9tRBpR-70wHr_pKLTRPFtuaBjWIm41xttCtl4UTD_UeBuyi-m_xjI6ouP2JV_ik5Mqp26aHIdzQCKRXAMfqp4tJU5IwGTCqiYhao79-rfSZ7I9h/s640/Jamie+double.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Jamie and Tyler coming down 'Double Drop'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUysUaUMmBoxcx-WW0M-O8OXJSDwBgJXuTEb7tq-qK4LjCkQJ3Y7Gm8yE0nhshZAW_WUU0ulKlnzFz4vaUgX3cpqU6vJ0n1XbSWqcacBjBfNK1EcRE1RBLeMvQ6O0pKn8EEgZpYVBFpdk/s1600/josh+double.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUysUaUMmBoxcx-WW0M-O8OXJSDwBgJXuTEb7tq-qK4LjCkQJ3Y7Gm8yE0nhshZAW_WUU0ulKlnzFz4vaUgX3cpqU6vJ0n1XbSWqcacBjBfNK1EcRE1RBLeMvQ6O0pKn8EEgZpYVBFpdk/s640/josh+double.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Entering double drop next to the illegal water system</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB28Ylc6w6rQXcwFD9oDQK2glLt4Yynhnp27gEe9DvkHX6rVy6asH9oi-uuPqLD1EAMrvzHjbjdemkl2FnCevjl56LqENfPhIpPjGE3LiwxNm4nEdL49bjU7Krftrh-3vXLbjHtDb6kt6U/s1600/Brad+double.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB28Ylc6w6rQXcwFD9oDQK2glLt4Yynhnp27gEe9DvkHX6rVy6asH9oi-uuPqLD1EAMrvzHjbjdemkl2FnCevjl56LqENfPhIpPjGE3LiwxNm4nEdL49bjU7Krftrh-3vXLbjHtDb6kt6U/s640/Brad+double.jpeg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Brad on the bottom half of double drop</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLqxNqjZ3GpsJgkzAs90xsEoBuIIeMor9JzhY-y7fAZat_Q8tz3nHbVrbTRY5Egw0Z_vPmG623WUG4hqTp1meWp7s2znwyxRZIOV2sla5zBLPZ63WQ1YtKChSsuGphDsPDXHJnzU5ZeFD/s1600/tyler+double.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLqxNqjZ3GpsJgkzAs90xsEoBuIIeMor9JzhY-y7fAZat_Q8tz3nHbVrbTRY5Egw0Z_vPmG623WUG4hqTp1meWp7s2znwyxRZIOV2sla5zBLPZ63WQ1YtKChSsuGphDsPDXHJnzU5ZeFD/s640/tyler+double.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Tyler on the bottom of 'Double Drop'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gUs36ztCujP6JEPETNQGxoGLwZovnzXpDSeiNF_ZSsE7uz5EgXsM0iit2WzPLRXY_UqFS9QFnuCcBC4FW22dliVNhdmm_ta8HDgX0DzyMPX95mlFtoc2I855HgeettR8rJcFWC9Ce3Pz/s1600/Sanga+double.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gUs36ztCujP6JEPETNQGxoGLwZovnzXpDSeiNF_ZSsE7uz5EgXsM0iit2WzPLRXY_UqFS9QFnuCcBC4FW22dliVNhdmm_ta8HDgX0DzyMPX95mlFtoc2I855HgeettR8rJcFWC9Ce3Pz/s640/Sanga+double.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Sanga on 'Double'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The first scout was at B's rapid which is a nice entry, boof off a nose, land skip out, turn, head left then off another big slide in the middle. All good lines and we were doing well. After an uncountable amount of sweet drops we got to the next real crux called 'Little Brother'. It is a tricky lead in followed by a 30foot drop that is shallow so you need to boof but stomp your bow down to avoid breaking your back. Again we set safety and made our way off the drop. 1,2,3,4,5,6 clean lines and big smiles at the bottom. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtBKJ8ADjjSvviGsSKSmYFs_bsWok5rJkgWg705BI48acjDuBqsCTDpkXYYGZFmM428nSlH7vvM0KLP-PvbQb7dT_QNEXDtCXsVLaiQ0h1nQt3o9uPHOKc8pJaRzoIe4h7oQRXDLMxdx8/s1600/Lorenzo+enrty+30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtBKJ8ADjjSvviGsSKSmYFs_bsWok5rJkgWg705BI48acjDuBqsCTDpkXYYGZFmM428nSlH7vvM0KLP-PvbQb7dT_QNEXDtCXsVLaiQ0h1nQt3o9uPHOKc8pJaRzoIe4h7oQRXDLMxdx8/s640/Lorenzo+enrty+30.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Lorenzo navigating the entry to Little Brother</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUnnkADzUjd7XvC2oH2B1QQzlvAGsF_owUPjzVONTIAUEXdmT88Agrjl5Ajq0DwDDwHIRkkfXZld2NTwlHBLE02GY5eSb9xo91MOZ1-PL1yLU1wdnEyONNiEoLNVKrk2xqYZwEnj0dd_Q/s1600/Jamie+30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUnnkADzUjd7XvC2oH2B1QQzlvAGsF_owUPjzVONTIAUEXdmT88Agrjl5Ajq0DwDDwHIRkkfXZld2NTwlHBLE02GY5eSb9xo91MOZ1-PL1yLU1wdnEyONNiEoLNVKrk2xqYZwEnj0dd_Q/s640/Jamie+30.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Jamie on the lip of the 30</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKHRwcDPQolE-LtWkA23vRVoJJ_G27Ey46kbO4cZOqRcePjzwHpcPeRSarNv4ToD3x6ej_PzuhmE6egwxwaTg4nO4gOdISmsNrqvsHP8kpzqE9djV3AL4IdrMbYEjiyakiDvt-gom9HBj/s1600/Josh+30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKHRwcDPQolE-LtWkA23vRVoJJ_G27Ey46kbO4cZOqRcePjzwHpcPeRSarNv4ToD3x6ej_PzuhmE6egwxwaTg4nO4gOdISmsNrqvsHP8kpzqE9djV3AL4IdrMbYEjiyakiDvt-gom9HBj/s640/Josh+30.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Getting the stomp on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUNCu-7pv25k4Xl2ff9yd4VvBJ6XjgFWCaGsRYhF1sTJsCcDdo7PsfTcicCHIv7cppsjs0luNlg0Z3v7wSGSREz6zquJDQeRtzZZrryZ1zbyFz-Xm2xNjwjAHYME54hM4r6plSy6wMnOx/s1600/Tyler+30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUNCu-7pv25k4Xl2ff9yd4VvBJ6XjgFWCaGsRYhF1sTJsCcDdo7PsfTcicCHIv7cppsjs0luNlg0Z3v7wSGSREz6zquJDQeRtzZZrryZ1zbyFz-Xm2xNjwjAHYME54hM4r6plSy6wMnOx/s640/Tyler+30.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Tyler getting his lean on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGD7V_1tiyRFNlQ4QmS_TFJL5vkA9H9kXMiOLtLB-bRZx5HAGG3qlxJrnSGdYNAi10rH1jJuy3WToYbvflJscNvh1pUW8nFeH2A44a_ygP76wDKWtptR-MPDqGggEgLou6Uy4gzL5BZ6gR/s1600/sanga+30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGD7V_1tiyRFNlQ4QmS_TFJL5vkA9H9kXMiOLtLB-bRZx5HAGG3qlxJrnSGdYNAi10rH1jJuy3WToYbvflJscNvh1pUW8nFeH2A44a_ygP76wDKWtptR-MPDqGggEgLou6Uy4gzL5BZ6gR/s640/sanga+30.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Sanga on Little Brother</td></tr>
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Now the mind has been on full focus for over an hour of solid class 5 and you are only thinking about the rapid you are running but the Big one is close and its trying to occupy your thoughts!!<br />
Not a single bad line by anyone all day so far meant optimism was high and everyone quietly knew they were going to run the big one. At the lip it all seemed pretty clear cut. The idea here is to 1- not land flat and 2- not go over the handle bars. The line is off the middle with as little speed as possible. You sit facing upstream about 2m from the lip and as you float out the back of the eddy you pull yourself out into the flow, turning downstream. You hold the stroke over the lip to stabilise your boat so it does not over rotate. Once you have your angle set you spot the landing and your weight co<br />
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mes forward then you toss the paddle away and tuck forward some more. Impact.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGnnp-Iv17SyxaopVtXUWoe12BkntOIG8qbt47kSj8x2MOec-DUFKmmv8yaWpICo0Mc6BLZTxlx0XJqEfl5Wu039iDBb9y1CJRtBQAjN3Rk79lRBqgLFIs8PHh6ThPlJRDYscYZ1hmUEH/s1600/sanga+60.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGnnp-Iv17SyxaopVtXUWoe12BkntOIG8qbt47kSj8x2MOec-DUFKmmv8yaWpICo0Mc6BLZTxlx0XJqEfl5Wu039iDBb9y1CJRtBQAjN3Rk79lRBqgLFIs8PHh6ThPlJRDYscYZ1hmUEH/s640/sanga+60.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Attempt 2 - Sanga</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc_0OUyLSH2S259kvFPh-YnsblERVmHN8SUJrZkb2hkWraxcoFXVr9Rs3BjfOjtsqvfgj-AOvs4FxeIUs6AJL1stMFz7MAfryMNhN8d4cvARpBxxCOLIdGreZkpVdpsLCGKakzc-2Jgd5/s1600/Brad+wainui.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc_0OUyLSH2S259kvFPh-YnsblERVmHN8SUJrZkb2hkWraxcoFXVr9Rs3BjfOjtsqvfgj-AOvs4FxeIUs6AJL1stMFz7MAfryMNhN8d4cvARpBxxCOLIdGreZkpVdpsLCGKakzc-2Jgd5/s640/Brad+wainui.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Attempt 3 - Bradley Lauder</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Attempt 4 - Me</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Attempt 4 - Me again</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Tyler sticking the line clean</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Attempt 6 - Jamie Garrod</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Stoked to be at the bottom</td></tr>
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So while this explanation is the ideal scenario there were some varying degrees of impact but all good. Lorenzo went a little over the bars and was ejected but all good. I took some skin off my nose from the elbow pad but had a soft landing. <br />
From here we were all buzzing but it still doesn't end here. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Big slide!!!</td></tr>
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A few more big drops and slides and finally made it into the flat water. A few days before we were talking about our best run ever and I think I would now have to say this one. I could even be so bold as to say this was my best day kayaking I have ever had. A quick pack up and we were on our way to Te Puke Mc Donald's for some much deserved burgers! <br />
Cheers to Lorenzo, Sam, Jamie, Tyler and Brad for such a sweet day!<br />
Next update will likely be from Cali! Looking forward to it!<br />
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For reference we had 6.5 on the Waipapa guage. <br />
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<br />Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-21731949818397348142013-04-04T13:10:00.000-07:002016-06-09T17:35:30.163-07:00Gopro Summer 2012/13 AdAlthough there have not been many kayaking updates this summer that will soon change! We have had a nation wide drought this summer so only the Kaituna has been running. Soon the Cali season is fast approaching and I am more than a little excited! For now check out this shot Tyler took last year of me on South Silvers 'Skyscraper' rapid used as the Gopro Ad this summer. They have just finalised the new ad which is on the Kaituna River so check that out in the new magazines! You can also buy these sweet cameras at Canoe and Kayak stores around the country!<br />
Cheers<br />
Josh<br />
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Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-51884179967983396352013-03-06T22:07:00.001-08:002016-06-09T20:12:18.842-07:00Buller Fest<div style="text-align: center;">
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Over the weekend a whole bunch of the Okere Falls crew headed south for the Buller River Festival. Its a long drive but it was sunny and we stopped for many swims along the way. Our car was not really interested in shopping in Blenheim for food and clothes so we headed off and found some cool swimming spots and a heard of Eels. I may be wrong, it could be a flock...<br />
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Anyway back to the story. Now on the road for the second day we slowly made our way into Murchison in time to put up the tent and I think we went for another swim! By this time you probably understand that it is quite hot!<br />
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Unfortunately the sun did not burn off the sand flies and we were not coping well. Like big cities have traffic jams, ghettos have gangs and parliament has John Key, Murchison has sand flies and they are a pain in the... well everywhere! While I will not mention them again in this story just keep in mind that everything explained was done while battling them tirelessly!<br />
Day 3 started with Boater-cross and as the fog drew back the sun pounded down on the course of rocks rocks and more rocks. As the rest of NZ knows, the rain has been non existent this summer so the course was low. Round 1 was a seeding race and I was up against Tyler Fox Matt Burton and 1 other. Tyler had a fast start but I caught him and snuck through to take the win. My second race I had the right side again and got out to an early lead and finished 1st again. Race 3 was much the same but winning that put me up against Barny, John Snook and Jamie Sutton. With a bad start I struggled against the wake. I thought I found a gap mid way down but Snook spun me and I was out of the race. Tyler and Jamie went on to the finals with Kenny Mutton and Murchison local 'Foxy'. The Okere Falls crew couldn't hold him back and 'Foxy' took the win. After that it was back to camp for dinner and a few drinks before going to the prize giving.<br />
Day 4 was the slalom and raft race but I decided to have the day off and watch the racing from the bank. After the racing was over it was time for the dress up party. Okere Falls decided to boycott the party theme as we thought it sucked so we decided to all dress up as Ben Jackson. It worked well and was a pretty fun party! Sadly the security took their jobs WAAAAY to seriously and it really put a downer on the whole thing. Sunday was the Cardboard Cup race which the girls all entered by wrapping themselves up in boxes and swimming with a floating box. They came in a close 2nd but were disqualified because they did not use enough cardboard?? Anyway they did not loose out on anything special so all was well. That afternoon was spent eating, drinking and a couple of laps on Maruia Falls. <br />
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After a long, long weekend we were all shattered and on day 6 we started our long journey home. Not much to be said about the drive other than long and plenty of fast food. Back in Okere Falls now for some more work and a wind down till the 5th of May when its Cali season!<br />
Cheers for a great Buller Fest to all the Okere Falls Crew!<br />
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JoshJosh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-59302649033300226212013-01-05T13:45:00.001-08:002013-01-05T13:45:11.751-08:00Summer in OkereThis summer has been great so far. I found a sweet house on Okere Rd for Tyler and I and the best part is that its right over the fence from Sam, Flick and Jamie. Communal cups of tea and gingernuts are frequent and the odd paddle and surf thrown in for good balance. Not to mention every Thursday we have Wine and Cheese Appreciation Society meetings at either house! <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- A casual Thursday evening meal at the Society - Photo and preparation Felicity Thomas</td></tr>
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I started the season off without a creek boat so I was doing a lot of freestyle in the hole which was a great change. Once my shiny new green Tuna was ready I was back on the creeking schedule. Due to bad knees I opted out of the 6hour Enduro Race where competitors had to paddle the river then run back up to tag their team mates over a 6 hours period. It was one of the best run kayak events I have seen and hopefully next year ill have the knees to compete. Next up was Xmas @ the Kaituna event which was a little last minute but great on the day. We decided on a structure change this year and Brendan came up with this awesome idea to run a progressive boater-x. After a time trial ranked everyone for speed they were separated into groups of 4 who would race each other from the top to the bottom of the weir. From here the 2 fastest and the 2 slowest were separated and it went on till the last race of 4 was down to the bottom hole. The freestyle event was 2 groups who had 25minutes to display 4 award winning maneuvers. Best trick, biggest air, retro move and most enthusiastic paddler. I couldn't manage to pull off any big loops that day but came away with the retro move in an old olympia! Awesome day!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Winning the retro move competition - Photo Brendan Bayly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Trying to get some air in the big air competition - Photo Brendan Bayly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Getting tricky - Photo Brendan Bayly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Taking home the big dollars! - Photo Sophie Hoskins</td></tr>
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Christmas and New Year were mostly spent surfing which was awesome! Now its back to the falls and earning money to make the next year better than the last! Where will I go this year... we will have to wait and see.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Christmas at Castlepoint - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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Cheers and sorry for the lack of updates lately! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-A new creek I found this summer - Mangaone Megaslide - Photo www.wams.org.nz</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Simon Davidson's Birthday paddle - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Jamie G on Trout Pool drop - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Me, Soph and G-rod - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Tyler on the put in slide - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- A shot from last summer but still out there fighting fires, saving lives - Photo Lake Okareka Fire Force</td></tr>
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Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-11459687201377921492012-10-23T16:12:00.003-07:002016-06-09T19:57:53.716-07:00Nicaragua surf <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Maderas beach</td></tr>
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Where did 2012 go... Actually the last two years have been such a blur its hard to remember what happened in which country and when it happened! With transcendence film shows all wrapped up and Malaria all over I boarded a plane to get away for a while. I left the kayak gear in the shed at Nick and Harmonys and swapped it out for a some surf gear. Nicaragua was the destination of choice following a successful trip there in 2007. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-The deck at Tres Hermanos</td></tr>
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San Juan Del Sur but more specifically Playa Maderas was my first stop and within 24hrs of leaving Cali I was paddling out to catch my first waves. I had rented a room at a hostel run by 3 brothers aptly named Hostel Los Tres Hermanos which was as close to the beach as you can get! The sand literally flows inside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ9WKA4RiBpPiQEV49mGX52p5r7gun66KgRuIl65rLWTHvwuYajQwx0jOjCC5XN5T4DXRQPRHwASWIkhjYDBoFTyiu_Kg1cqpGySIPedGerDxX3_HkNmJQXS6VnwwfW5A9h6Lo-s1w_Km/s1600/maderas+hostel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ9WKA4RiBpPiQEV49mGX52p5r7gun66KgRuIl65rLWTHvwuYajQwx0jOjCC5XN5T4DXRQPRHwASWIkhjYDBoFTyiu_Kg1cqpGySIPedGerDxX3_HkNmJQXS6VnwwfW5A9h6Lo-s1w_Km/s640/maderas+hostel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Madera Massif</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYGLOvlLEb4Gm0IP2b4IissoKhDte0lYcx2sDwvSBlOPX-4j4SK4Jl43RsQnP8jcPUuaPSxK_jxqxaQE_qq08g7-ljNq3Eb9DLh3qz47Tk6fS051x2rGhqrZCZKLG-2LAfuJbaKwrtCyS/s1600/room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYGLOvlLEb4Gm0IP2b4IissoKhDte0lYcx2sDwvSBlOPX-4j4SK4Jl43RsQnP8jcPUuaPSxK_jxqxaQE_qq08g7-ljNq3Eb9DLh3qz47Tk6fS051x2rGhqrZCZKLG-2LAfuJbaKwrtCyS/s640/room.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-My room - Bed for me, bed for gear, bed for surfboard! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWMb6mjzQU8nmWAqteAzDHa-Uf1DMBMOP03RwCreSUOTNqrkMR7Gp0nopQiRFW1b4vLAwxVvttslSOaZAa20zv-QOvX5PQEG2MFtq9pQ82aPV9fV7Vglu8WfiqA1WF95huWv6P32-7Dnf/s1600/Whales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWMb6mjzQU8nmWAqteAzDHa-Uf1DMBMOP03RwCreSUOTNqrkMR7Gp0nopQiRFW1b4vLAwxVvttslSOaZAa20zv-QOvX5PQEG2MFtq9pQ82aPV9fV7Vglu8WfiqA1WF95huWv6P32-7Dnf/s640/Whales.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Whales passing by Maderas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFoMeBWPzM_lEKJLpjS3Ld22Xl4fQ2GT9O9mR6Bm1E6MfJrv_7srZp8N2V4yq29ozyug9fwvfvrtOQ8Ah-one8zSszHSjdabdSMLcOAQt2m3Q6ebi05djy6OV_IPZtdaWbF7msYRFBXRv/s1600/wave+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFoMeBWPzM_lEKJLpjS3Ld22Xl4fQ2GT9O9mR6Bm1E6MfJrv_7srZp8N2V4yq29ozyug9fwvfvrtOQ8Ah-one8zSszHSjdabdSMLcOAQt2m3Q6ebi05djy6OV_IPZtdaWbF7msYRFBXRv/s640/wave+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Didnt make it under this one...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For the first week or so I woke up, paddled out, surfed for a few hours, came back in, ate, drunk fruit smoothies, took photos, slept and repeated the process day in and day out. At the start the waves were a little on the small side but every day it seemed to get better and better. Over the week I met a dude called Eliya and his girl Anile and made a trip North to Popoyo which was mad!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItBddP7fAo7zYyQLRJwZHtM7k0ujde8LIDd0XwtpkV5ac-4I7zeIH0QxJlm-Rdxf1PwPWB-jv7HhJ05dYTRQhR9ww4Ri0TiZFJynfuP09nQ_YS3_QTypYxdrk53WvAxNbuGoHosWiuN5V/s1600/ani+eliya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItBddP7fAo7zYyQLRJwZHtM7k0ujde8LIDd0XwtpkV5ac-4I7zeIH0QxJlm-Rdxf1PwPWB-jv7HhJ05dYTRQhR9ww4Ri0TiZFJynfuP09nQ_YS3_QTypYxdrk53WvAxNbuGoHosWiuN5V/s640/ani+eliya.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Eliya and Anile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1K4RsH4afh5nD7LVMwKHG_VN0vlCHPRUfe-Uiu58ILB_8oYlxf0R5k-OnSuWMlJ37EaS2naXJxfyQbSn02A63zjLm9jjj43xnmVgtBP0JKxyfQovhZFlUrvqolnNRKRXQC6TOveaOZwnL/s1600/popoyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1K4RsH4afh5nD7LVMwKHG_VN0vlCHPRUfe-Uiu58ILB_8oYlxf0R5k-OnSuWMlJ37EaS2naXJxfyQbSn02A63zjLm9jjj43xnmVgtBP0JKxyfQovhZFlUrvqolnNRKRXQC6TOveaOZwnL/s640/popoyo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Nice right at Popoyo</td></tr>
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<br />
The waves break on a shallow reef which on the first day were a little much for me but the next day I had a great time out there.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIgKVMHaehFEYVvw6Cp2POcJZDENOsnV6J5I4YLGTMXWrsbLrnWCfa1UPrOZTCuwEC7gbXRf5VctZahzDh2Z7vsuwFMU9ZGFHPi6bCaIzX9GYy5LnfmgkkUk7Zfc9qZ294UPe3dBbssXq/s1600/swamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIgKVMHaehFEYVvw6Cp2POcJZDENOsnV6J5I4YLGTMXWrsbLrnWCfa1UPrOZTCuwEC7gbXRf5VctZahzDh2Z7vsuwFMU9ZGFHPi6bCaIzX9GYy5LnfmgkkUk7Zfc9qZ294UPe3dBbssXq/s640/swamp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Swamp kayaking and bird watching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhofVuoC_MtoUIB0QY8tpBhRmq3O1AZWYukDPtPOQd4H522f3kzufkMJ8a7QPq0gLMR7HjaLQRmoOuI1NLFmpy7WDCEcSRPKFZbU8DPQAksiInsI1NwSyH20Kp7BxBYh6pchRl7QTmrjV/s1600/Herin+nica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhofVuoC_MtoUIB0QY8tpBhRmq3O1AZWYukDPtPOQd4H522f3kzufkMJ8a7QPq0gLMR7HjaLQRmoOuI1NLFmpy7WDCEcSRPKFZbU8DPQAksiInsI1NwSyH20Kp7BxBYh6pchRl7QTmrjV/s640/Herin+nica.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-White bird in flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsxAzx3lUeMWG-9lcRoC_aP15f9Yji7O_yKhy9zMoPNrRqNqqyQkMsu9ZSyCyZJtg4zXlskxnTsGc4lG6DWpy1y-JT4W83DjUGDXXZ5z2w5wYFm-LTioOykEMDGhOJzeqAaKB48Rk_qlh/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsxAzx3lUeMWG-9lcRoC_aP15f9Yji7O_yKhy9zMoPNrRqNqqyQkMsu9ZSyCyZJtg4zXlskxnTsGc4lG6DWpy1y-JT4W83DjUGDXXZ5z2w5wYFm-LTioOykEMDGhOJzeqAaKB48Rk_qlh/s640/kids.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Paddling back to Hacienda Merida</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Super nice island lots of cool things to see. After Ometepe I headed to Costa Rica to meet up with Cova, Aline and Albert for some rafting and drinking in the Caribbean. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNOtsyCI_FnHtMsrdNur51Ic-dp0xju1WKeL61gq2uCd0ilSkFTULKhPo34lpg9HL3JgF4N9JGDS63jI6mNFmT0Lx_m7jO_Zm9UZOknNX9i_pg060w_DMkQKoUPQNRjOxBuuWpw5ghYKK/s1600/Josh+wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNOtsyCI_FnHtMsrdNur51Ic-dp0xju1WKeL61gq2uCd0ilSkFTULKhPo34lpg9HL3JgF4N9JGDS63jI6mNFmT0Lx_m7jO_Zm9UZOknNX9i_pg060w_DMkQKoUPQNRjOxBuuWpw5ghYKK/s640/Josh+wave.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Me on a nice left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43mZfyIhv8kOOYrHqszHKDiFfaSS4NzQxablFqwW_9TCPLjVUXUKmef1OqOC6MuvmNPKSiqC7uANmdAmC8fEONkHrvaQaCfl9jodw40t0v7HpadSP51MxH_78U_ZWDdcqE-mV09OOnSUA/s1600/surf+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43mZfyIhv8kOOYrHqszHKDiFfaSS4NzQxablFqwW_9TCPLjVUXUKmef1OqOC6MuvmNPKSiqC7uANmdAmC8fEONkHrvaQaCfl9jodw40t0v7HpadSP51MxH_78U_ZWDdcqE-mV09OOnSUA/s640/surf+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-One of the locals </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back in Nicaragua for the last week I spent time surfing every day. It was very hard to leave with good new friends there and the thought of leaving the warm weather and hot water surfing! Rather than write too much here are a bunch of photos from the trip!<br />
Cant wait to go back to Central America!!<br />
Cheers everyone I met along the way!<br />
Josh<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv_rPIqpFiRgv5QoVYVNtjVjp3d0RFhgrirYfarCdvPK98NX93XpA-uieDz4EJf7qk-oh0vWZfb-d7FSO1gXktFnjHQxSZMtR3weRNJa1tv1p3WnLQmG75fJg_zKWTKnGd9s6Mi6g4Ant/s1600/Ometepe+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv_rPIqpFiRgv5QoVYVNtjVjp3d0RFhgrirYfarCdvPK98NX93XpA-uieDz4EJf7qk-oh0vWZfb-d7FSO1gXktFnjHQxSZMtR3weRNJa1tv1p3WnLQmG75fJg_zKWTKnGd9s6Mi6g4Ant/s640/Ometepe+boat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Fishermen on Lake Nicaragua</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTxO3HMvJpj5J03E6WroAaG_ZEfjEjjvBxsqqOoidY-10Bksf_SmiaxH61vuzgNhSCZoueYlSHoChTx-YSmIt429S37O4cLMBIgW8968uXsZZl9vgCHxAKd5Jdv35T9MpINpZFL53CcTP/s1600/bird+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTxO3HMvJpj5J03E6WroAaG_ZEfjEjjvBxsqqOoidY-10Bksf_SmiaxH61vuzgNhSCZoueYlSHoChTx-YSmIt429S37O4cLMBIgW8968uXsZZl9vgCHxAKd5Jdv35T9MpINpZFL53CcTP/s640/bird+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Big Bird flying above Maderas</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSbZaAsdCPUlq_n-3mFtpkHiF-I61jrr-EO3oOD7s0zmIkvGW-N_DZ1aRt1iOJQ0GfeW4rvseFxS4hLS0ZMafSrxJX-a6qSzJu9_K91K2heb3CGslExFfdMyNcI6EisHU8xaTX71xj4xp/s1600/bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSbZaAsdCPUlq_n-3mFtpkHiF-I61jrr-EO3oOD7s0zmIkvGW-N_DZ1aRt1iOJQ0GfeW4rvseFxS4hLS0ZMafSrxJX-a6qSzJu9_K91K2heb3CGslExFfdMyNcI6EisHU8xaTX71xj4xp/s640/bird.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Little Bird flying above Lake Nicaragua</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybSzAtAF4BYXA7hAdj9I3xzgCOkVhj3LVqkhE_9aSrNB27zavwR6mXGgk2NPSWFCwk8QiInM6FUeLtlxTCIsjmvIvdIdf918DpTieFq-zyEedyzXmrjpE63nMWeudfCZztxGMA9gtODK2/s1600/bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybSzAtAF4BYXA7hAdj9I3xzgCOkVhj3LVqkhE_9aSrNB27zavwR6mXGgk2NPSWFCwk8QiInM6FUeLtlxTCIsjmvIvdIdf918DpTieFq-zyEedyzXmrjpE63nMWeudfCZztxGMA9gtODK2/s640/bus.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Chicken Bus makes its way round Volcan Maderas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jtTiNqd9FuayTqUwtX0wbAcLk26o96XPYVW4lOoO00u14T3UnrvbU69ihyphenhyphenNpHyGprH-WiUHyeIZvhL0nd4OixTAUbUtipdlqSCQbg-jp2xO8svUka831ZaUiJO2IL3fQ5yJKyzhv1uVn/s1600/nev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jtTiNqd9FuayTqUwtX0wbAcLk26o96XPYVW4lOoO00u14T3UnrvbU69ihyphenhyphenNpHyGprH-WiUHyeIZvhL0nd4OixTAUbUtipdlqSCQbg-jp2xO8svUka831ZaUiJO2IL3fQ5yJKyzhv1uVn/s640/nev.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Nev at Maderas</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWQCjY79zWB05vGMS-3WWAN_qQrDWclcPyPSDBHO58kc0Jx3YIXqQL2P3i5irX-fuXPxb3Pue4Fw8bSg-QwgVBUkkiFbJvgY-rL7EksZyMfSma7mRJZ0HwekXPyjOhiEQ5es19KjtXvFQ/s1600/rev+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWQCjY79zWB05vGMS-3WWAN_qQrDWclcPyPSDBHO58kc0Jx3YIXqQL2P3i5irX-fuXPxb3Pue4Fw8bSg-QwgVBUkkiFbJvgY-rL7EksZyMfSma7mRJZ0HwekXPyjOhiEQ5es19KjtXvFQ/s640/rev+boys.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Cafe Revolucion boys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyzHTnWwsyrPm2Unry5014LCV-LD5mh_OC-8SJmg48UItyYCHRpXnHkNTH-XysLtCNq8-SW6_UCpICwTHxfXhzglddjFuDVOtTkQ6PdMwBtO8s3tea76jIl-gbFOFWcOkjf-JF9BnKq2G/s1600/sunset+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyzHTnWwsyrPm2Unry5014LCV-LD5mh_OC-8SJmg48UItyYCHRpXnHkNTH-XysLtCNq8-SW6_UCpICwTHxfXhzglddjFuDVOtTkQ6PdMwBtO8s3tea76jIl-gbFOFWcOkjf-JF9BnKq2G/s640/sunset+1.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Standard Maderas sunset</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJyChDrRlLoX8Wu0gbnTTOvXnCyI0gXKitZ1DEJwLW264zyFlXd91E1pb6uP7JyVcEdOH2m-mzuC4uWST4hS8ZEZA6jzgRB704llcEoNA6z8AM02ctu3oWN6kHT8VEsfnC_1bFXn2233j/s1600/sunset+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJyChDrRlLoX8Wu0gbnTTOvXnCyI0gXKitZ1DEJwLW264zyFlXd91E1pb6uP7JyVcEdOH2m-mzuC4uWST4hS8ZEZA6jzgRB704llcEoNA6z8AM02ctu3oWN6kHT8VEsfnC_1bFXn2233j/s640/sunset+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-What a way to end the day<br />
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All photos ©Josh Neilson 2012Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-35584095836257089802012-07-18T05:45:00.000-07:002012-07-18T05:45:07.156-07:00Uganda 2012Ok so I left Voss a few weeks ago and have been working making raft videos on the Nile here in Uganda since. It has not been super busy but getting there now. I haven't had a chance to get out much and paddle other than for work but that will come soon and Ill have some more kayaking shots but for now here are some shots I have taken during a trip to a small wave down stream. Nothing much to report and not too impressive to get the camera out for but a great day had by all! All these shots were screen grabs or photos from the Gopro HD2 which is great by the way! Small and unobtrusive and produces some great results. More pics to follow!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PDgkSPtb3hGvXiB2TjapgZe130JqMbe-5VSjBYEZx12yGXjKFQFTS7g-jtyGnTjWH_RrijA-8A24icKCVVVk7_o9hdmM_6-rp7lId7fsvOlz7KAsj3q_yMF0IDjRx51CNUy_gnJbzLbQ/s1600/At+paddle+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PDgkSPtb3hGvXiB2TjapgZe130JqMbe-5VSjBYEZx12yGXjKFQFTS7g-jtyGnTjWH_RrijA-8A24icKCVVVk7_o9hdmM_6-rp7lId7fsvOlz7KAsj3q_yMF0IDjRx51CNUy_gnJbzLbQ/s640/At+paddle+boy.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Kids wait and carry your kayak to make a few $$ to buy school books so they can go to school</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXw1wsratxST7H9mfYmi4EdMdxoDgoSH0Rng-e4pLUhQD8Z3KJCTxd-g0vMZpPoXC3QUAZQTMxWx5iO3DBnMxei5nxmryQXDWMmPG0XlpAnVwosn8r0uEWX3mLhPoRGyQbjvOGPjSywIa/s1600/Bottle+kid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXw1wsratxST7H9mfYmi4EdMdxoDgoSH0Rng-e4pLUhQD8Z3KJCTxd-g0vMZpPoXC3QUAZQTMxWx5iO3DBnMxei5nxmryQXDWMmPG0XlpAnVwosn8r0uEWX3mLhPoRGyQbjvOGPjSywIa/s640/Bottle+kid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-One mans trash is another mans treasure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKnmbZFi3CZnSiXp4i105ohI4hKJddr178mtavb1NExT-dtGY0oy2s0qFdtrBYqbVQ_iJ7LLKVzSZLcDrn1ID87z5Hw2C_8YCeF6IXm_qlF7PZQNBgbLK1qExctpzr04zMa3w1c8z4MRm/s1600/Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKnmbZFi3CZnSiXp4i105ohI4hKJddr178mtavb1NExT-dtGY0oy2s0qFdtrBYqbVQ_iJ7LLKVzSZLcDrn1ID87z5Hw2C_8YCeF6IXm_qlF7PZQNBgbLK1qExctpzr04zMa3w1c8z4MRm/s640/Kids.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Kids at the put in for Superhole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCeWBk6xC_mDMK_6HDKKm2uSB1SJxmgccs-0GuN0Dbv8b6UXbR8Ik7rl8MZSDe3nfeVGmT3x1X0f0ntZvA71uoxaiMP7HXhUE_P7VaKtMY8T0HfauFHuhs2zm8IWTBjjYPDW3RFUfY7qT/s1600/Paddle+1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCeWBk6xC_mDMK_6HDKKm2uSB1SJxmgccs-0GuN0Dbv8b6UXbR8Ik7rl8MZSDe3nfeVGmT3x1X0f0ntZvA71uoxaiMP7HXhUE_P7VaKtMY8T0HfauFHuhs2zm8IWTBjjYPDW3RFUfY7qT/s640/Paddle+1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Doing a touch of freestyle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxN5y17OH7hPD1dTYp9Vo6FiMp0-iKEt9ZrT_cohkpe6WzEvZQ1dD807ApwfIMjF9rZ8RWbqTrVLZ4_8-_BRW22RhfGxsP7BN4tYl7MYMa8-sUtBoJ-KUyMOy55ee_yY4UrpL5AXssqLR/s1600/bike+kid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxN5y17OH7hPD1dTYp9Vo6FiMp0-iKEt9ZrT_cohkpe6WzEvZQ1dD807ApwfIMjF9rZ8RWbqTrVLZ4_8-_BRW22RhfGxsP7BN4tYl7MYMa8-sUtBoJ-KUyMOy55ee_yY4UrpL5AXssqLR/s640/bike+kid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- On the drive home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cO_DSFWc90E8y8R0VVDMXmnjUX0rkVSez35FoVCX-Uoe9kZc71RuvNUbaXaTWMoFndj5pYkBr0DmrReIK0q7FaTECFW1nQKRZWEZtDDekCsIaatvMtESogtXXT3SpqaLwMvK33Yb1j9t/s1600/car+1+-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cO_DSFWc90E8y8R0VVDMXmnjUX0rkVSez35FoVCX-Uoe9kZc71RuvNUbaXaTWMoFndj5pYkBr0DmrReIK0q7FaTECFW1nQKRZWEZtDDekCsIaatvMtESogtXXT3SpqaLwMvK33Yb1j9t/s640/car+1+-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Beautiful long orange roads</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HwsnNp5revC6ipo_qJcBuH5mmT5ANEiIh_5eJfUlslqzigyG7r7L7qoCXKf3_cQlWDnlG4G8KgCfeLrLAhwKlAoEn9Ev912zOHZfW-mqiZN1ek3l-UzLSPG0XLD_qz6AYePz6q3yGjIQ/s1600/lasy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HwsnNp5revC6ipo_qJcBuH5mmT5ANEiIh_5eJfUlslqzigyG7r7L7qoCXKf3_cQlWDnlG4G8KgCfeLrLAhwKlAoEn9Ev912zOHZfW-mqiZN1ek3l-UzLSPG0XLD_qz6AYePz6q3yGjIQ/s640/lasy+1.jpg" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- A contrast of colors</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklqYHgIe2BPFQgKNFsT9WHRtq68dQxYgbXUlzNiDJAopZuNtSAXKhWH0Y1sewGpZSB1pWart8dbJJDIK1gpCluJS4g03MSgZSOp9WiP5F1SG3vsf_SsBX2bJ2CYkSwl4XVblIYQtyfOJ1/s1600/paddle+3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklqYHgIe2BPFQgKNFsT9WHRtq68dQxYgbXUlzNiDJAopZuNtSAXKhWH0Y1sewGpZSB1pWart8dbJJDIK1gpCluJS4g03MSgZSOp9WiP5F1SG3vsf_SsBX2bJ2CYkSwl4XVblIYQtyfOJ1/s640/paddle+3-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-My kayak carrier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQKUtodpthTtLs8tDUmyMOnxP7njkpa6JpfyUA3BB8toQCMLd3UelIdAXYMvF4UfEseeHIeSHeld7n_I-vneWI11MrILPa83tTpxg4vtoJuAQVw5081IImf4WcggVAEt8DgoW4vn2P9aD/s1600/paddle+4+-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQKUtodpthTtLs8tDUmyMOnxP7njkpa6JpfyUA3BB8toQCMLd3UelIdAXYMvF4UfEseeHIeSHeld7n_I-vneWI11MrILPa83tTpxg4vtoJuAQVw5081IImf4WcggVAEt8DgoW4vn2P9aD/s640/paddle+4+-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- "I need a job Mr"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq269zvC2A4uFsfkYWluZBjsftXrzaJ2sA14Cn_nt95jKzqAHY3IDlKya9Vmxb0ENxokAAiR189nALZaYJFa38fMZcmphV8ApjNrx-KlnxLXtQIF7KN8cG7Sp-0WQbITNQVwBeabZuHuI1/s1600/paddle+5-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq269zvC2A4uFsfkYWluZBjsftXrzaJ2sA14Cn_nt95jKzqAHY3IDlKya9Vmxb0ENxokAAiR189nALZaYJFa38fMZcmphV8ApjNrx-KlnxLXtQIF7KN8cG7Sp-0WQbITNQVwBeabZuHuI1/s640/paddle+5-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- So many smiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRiJ5megQrBFCHCED_FLD9hqToLOc_nMLujiOTpZ6cdsvxSymz11XEFNDSW0WkWlNe3DgRpfgYNjdNnfEURYyj5IuSFXMPHIm9I-bscwj57y5A9oWX4cwlZEIuozwBY1gkbgLYeGtTs1T/s1600/paddle+6-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRiJ5megQrBFCHCED_FLD9hqToLOc_nMLujiOTpZ6cdsvxSymz11XEFNDSW0WkWlNe3DgRpfgYNjdNnfEURYyj5IuSFXMPHIm9I-bscwj57y5A9oWX4cwlZEIuozwBY1gkbgLYeGtTs1T/s640/paddle+6-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Excited much</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Cheers<br />
JoshJosh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-68617382144323231032012-06-23T15:18:00.000-07:002012-06-23T23:28:59.024-07:00I Ride With Si Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxMLLLn3hntx1ITLNeVMGLn0w_LUUD1iz6QMiJIwT8Gh7apP21_IhHgEhwJWOS5lO0a8zbbZjv1gYYCBglG3Eyq0jGkqAKEUgOkfdsU3XQhT7x05z1xhPtdMMVUR_ccsxhLiIbc6vn4kA/s1600/double+boof.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxMLLLn3hntx1ITLNeVMGLn0w_LUUD1iz6QMiJIwT8Gh7apP21_IhHgEhwJWOS5lO0a8zbbZjv1gYYCBglG3Eyq0jGkqAKEUgOkfdsU3XQhT7x05z1xhPtdMMVUR_ccsxhLiIbc6vn4kA/s640/double+boof.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-What a great place to see the world from!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Yesterday a year ago I woke in Norway, just another day and went to bed that night changed in a huge way for ever! A really good man, Simon Davidson, died kayaking on Red Earth Creek in Canada on the 22.06.11! Following his death 'I Ride with Si' was born and offered friends and family a platform to remember, share and talk of our lost but not forgotten friend! A few weeks ago I started to hear about I Ride with Si Day and thought it was great! A day to do cool things and share them with Si so he knows we are out there living it up with him by our side!<br />
Again this year I find myself back here in Norway for Voss Ekstremsportveko this time not injured and ready to kayak! The morning of the 22nd started with a nice cup of tea and then Andy came and picked me up for a trip to the Brandseth but with a few hot days it was pretty juicy and not for us that day. I then jumped over into another car and we headed for the Teigdale on the other side of Voss. We got there with a solid flow and the boys hurried round to get dressed!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8paSYtjJ6OpkXKVEvIf8XSPuxrRDHMkidas2r5GxQ4qMkMHW1j18GHCtc6flAaM_8_94ltyZSEcltKTWcCNti3FV2qX-HfDPnjexYeyueT_FvxIozyMO3nuWths800ioT_xNgBdEnrVMi/s1600/double+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8paSYtjJ6OpkXKVEvIf8XSPuxrRDHMkidas2r5GxQ4qMkMHW1j18GHCtc6flAaM_8_94ltyZSEcltKTWcCNti3FV2qX-HfDPnjexYeyueT_FvxIozyMO3nuWths800ioT_xNgBdEnrVMi/s640/double+top.jpg" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-A long way down!</td></tr>
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One by one they went off forward and backwards and it looked like a lot of fun! I hadn't run a vertical waterfall since surgery and was not thinking of paddling till this thought went through my mind and quickly turned into a fuzzy good feeling all over! I had remembered that it was the 22nd and it was in fact I Ride with Si Day. I immediately knew it was time to go kayaking. I asked Evan and Anton if they were going again and we were soon standing on top of the double drop. I went and jumped in my boat and caught the eddy. my boat felt light after a cali season and there was no warm up apart from 20m of entry. I gave the signal and peeled out - Lined up the lip and boofed hard looking all the way down to the pool below. The first landing was soft and although there was a lot of mist I could see the second lip immediately. A few strokes kept me straight then it was time to roll off, pause and tuck. Cue the second impact... again smooth! Back - check. Shoulders - check. Cue excitement... Woooooo! Stoked to be down and had a sweet line!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27IuXZYC-lM-RrZ6g6x1jXIrtjke4rNuUWawujJ8YqIt7hzXstzt-fGzmj2jm3imLjE8OdVneBg2mqmfuBMppXA17paeAfuYpiRiVCFTNnKvVk-q7janRUqGalGwTJtI4Ly5So-SW3xAp/s1600/simon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27IuXZYC-lM-RrZ6g6x1jXIrtjke4rNuUWawujJ8YqIt7hzXstzt-fGzmj2jm3imLjE8OdVneBg2mqmfuBMppXA17paeAfuYpiRiVCFTNnKvVk-q7janRUqGalGwTJtI4Ly5So-SW3xAp/s640/simon.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Rolling off the second part! </td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
Yesterday I woke up in Norway, but this time it wasn't just another day. This day was a special day for a special friend! We miss you bro!<br />
Cheers for an awesome day yesterday, wish you could have been there with me!!<br />
Chur<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdNJ22ZaTqICS5wGD7K5AYRqzCZ8wWBF8gzg4UtBLKC9p3dH_buj64x5FijxtjUtf14sIRymwlbXAJvCOk3wfpgvOFVTo6AeL8V57v0CkNLK3PelvTvUtCm_FF3ruUJa5-6dwX98b7wRS/s1600/aniol.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdNJ22ZaTqICS5wGD7K5AYRqzCZ8wWBF8gzg4UtBLKC9p3dH_buj64x5FijxtjUtf14sIRymwlbXAJvCOk3wfpgvOFVTo6AeL8V57v0CkNLK3PelvTvUtCm_FF3ruUJa5-6dwX98b7wRS/s640/aniol.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Aniol back freewheeling the top drop!! Amazing to watch - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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JoshJosh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-91903351738964263182012-06-20T23:05:00.002-07:002012-06-20T23:05:41.078-07:00Upper Cherry 2012 - A trip to remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I often hear the saying</span> "there is always 2 sides to a story" and I agree that is often the case but in this story there are 6! I however only know 1 side with a bit of from the rest info from the other sides. My experience of the situation started back before I went to Australia and Colorado for film shows where the others were all heading into Upper Cherry and I was going to miss out. A mission I must say I was glad to not be on but little did I know my own adventure would take place in there a week later...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Packing gear at the trail head - Photo CasperVan Kalmthout</td></tr>
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I got off the plane from Colorado and started gathering any beta on the flows and a crew that I could as the run had spiked and come back in. Lulu was in Vegas and fired to to come and I heard word that a good friend from the Netherlands was on his way with a crew of 4 so we had that sorted. On Thursday morning Lulu and I left Coloma and by mid afternoon we met Casper, Emiel, Sven and Tim at the trail head ready for a quick trip down a rapidly diminishing watershed. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Casper makes his way up the first hill - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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After some quick packing we all headed up the first hill with varying degrees of pain and suffering. I seemed to have it the worst being relatively unfit but quickly the others followed suit and got their puff on! By late afternoon we saw our first glimpse of the river but it is only a reminder of how much further it is to walk!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Casper, Lulu and I feeling the pain - Photo Sven, Tim or Emiel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO4_eWZ-iKBJ8wo0VIBFVJ8fO0zbdn_56hLWB9DgyjTKLFO0xrlcjgN6EJuY08rnQPaW7E5H1vZUqjHfgRbsiSUJ-CHlHi3W5ugan9JpxA1yxXPIpShBzFQqJusHDXpZ7y9fsmQeTwuRv/s1600/Josh+sun+walk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO4_eWZ-iKBJ8wo0VIBFVJ8fO0zbdn_56hLWB9DgyjTKLFO0xrlcjgN6EJuY08rnQPaW7E5H1vZUqjHfgRbsiSUJ-CHlHi3W5ugan9JpxA1yxXPIpShBzFQqJusHDXpZ7y9fsmQeTwuRv/s640/Josh+sun+walk.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Hiking as the sun goes down - Photo Josh Neilson<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOpXiCsTuWe2EhyphenhyphenVeCkywUOvXnAiJdqiO-WhJ68mkKWqGP8N7pTFp3dCIVNxYEMDTl_5t1TXxUbE1y6uV51nz98-YOCl9IMUsoqHGeAtX2TeBse2M0rxnZdUBCL80BfoGe8Cj9uI7lylc/s1600/Josh+dalk+walk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOpXiCsTuWe2EhyphenhyphenVeCkywUOvXnAiJdqiO-WhJ68mkKWqGP8N7pTFp3dCIVNxYEMDTl_5t1TXxUbE1y6uV51nz98-YOCl9IMUsoqHGeAtX2TeBse2M0rxnZdUBCL80BfoGe8Cj9uI7lylc/s640/Josh+dalk+walk.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">-Hiking in the Dark - Photo Josh Neilson<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Lulu charging on the hike in - Photo Josh Neilson<br /></td></tr>
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As the team dropped the pace and carry systems failed we decided on dark to call it a night and rest our sore bodies on top of a ridge directly above Cherry Bomb falls(the crew would later discover). After a quick meal we all went to sleep, some for longer than others. I woke first and set the fire for breakfast, ate breakfast, packed and then while the others slowly emerged I was ready to start hiking again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Morning of day 2 - Josh packing, others sleeping/rising - Photo Casper Van Kalmthout<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">- Packed ready to go - see Lesson 3! - Photo Josh Neilson<br /></td></tr>
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Lesson 1: learn to sleep in too!<br />
Lesson 2: if the person you are following leaves, you should leave too!<br />
Lesson 3: if you are the only one who knows the way, DONT leave without the rest of your group!<br />
Lesson 4: if you have radios make sure the one who knows where to go has one!<br />
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Ok so this so far will sound the same from all other 5 sides but from here on out my story differs by a lot. I started walking early as both my knees were failing and I didn't want to be hiking in the heat of the day so off I went. Following the track up the hill I got to the spring for water feeling better than earlier. I left the water tablets on a log on the track and carried on a little further. When my knees really needed a break I stopped and waited for the rest of them. A while passed and I started to think that they either slept in a lot or they were lost. So I left my boat and walked back to find them... Nothing...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMrC_g2UB2FvwrlZJWq-qaAPZvVOdZq5z0xUHQw8aN467aKxf33PAH-V0fK_u7sXgBKr9Z8klNGQtapE3yofrrEI80pH4NwrdRBksp4sJofx9rXS-Z2ft9IQ4OQVlP6oNFpyGpxSjVBRC/s1600/where+is+josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMrC_g2UB2FvwrlZJWq-qaAPZvVOdZq5z0xUHQw8aN467aKxf33PAH-V0fK_u7sXgBKr9Z8klNGQtapE3yofrrEI80pH4NwrdRBksp4sJofx9rXS-Z2ft9IQ4OQVlP6oNFpyGpxSjVBRC/s640/where+is+josh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-I imagine it went something like "Where the F#$% is Josh" - Photo Sven<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmCqP6M_Jy19FH-QRaZ3HdcNoES5EC-NRPCx4aQS8R3caGjv9nQuL8J6MHF8A0jhqJYvsjg1Ha41MwtAc20u2yBFZAgrLzBkwQMVav-RqLZp3uv1eNDALvhUEy2WjsJ7MuzeHo7CPFFOf/s1600/put+in+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmCqP6M_Jy19FH-QRaZ3HdcNoES5EC-NRPCx4aQS8R3caGjv9nQuL8J6MHF8A0jhqJYvsjg1Ha41MwtAc20u2yBFZAgrLzBkwQMVav-RqLZp3uv1eNDALvhUEy2WjsJ7MuzeHo7CPFFOf/s640/put+in+2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">-Meanwhile I am at the put in thinking "Where the F#$% are they?? - Photo Josh Neilson<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8tjJayIh3c5LzEcJJHqIVtuO1eECcnSk8Sx5gucpv7BvTZ93ZxfXUideSwycALjsopxU4dHyoU-psStC7qzuVijSWA7Ia61bu3cFukxqz1hR3jRSRNkMcruBAz9nrQQem5suU-i_aqGc/s1600/put+in+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8tjJayIh3c5LzEcJJHqIVtuO1eECcnSk8Sx5gucpv7BvTZ93ZxfXUideSwycALjsopxU4dHyoU-psStC7qzuVijSWA7Ia61bu3cFukxqz1hR3jRSRNkMcruBAz9nrQQem5suU-i_aqGc/s640/put+in+.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">-And trying to cook my dinner in the sun with cold water - Photo Josh Neilson<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBo7JHUsbgeZBnVfobK1B3XOS3yGRfnd2SgK0AgZ_Nu1q6JTQOwyuNRwhm7oqGw27X98P-v7Ugt91s5TVWdBr73gLYRN18X-apHExN1knK9j53WkjspbTL3ARmBsZss8zRFQeVDg_MHwb/s1600/wrong+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBo7JHUsbgeZBnVfobK1B3XOS3yGRfnd2SgK0AgZ_Nu1q6JTQOwyuNRwhm7oqGw27X98P-v7Ugt91s5TVWdBr73gLYRN18X-apHExN1knK9j53WkjspbTL3ARmBsZss8zRFQeVDg_MHwb/s640/wrong+way.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">-This is not the way to the river by the way - Photo Casper Van Kalmthout<br /></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Then I saw some tracks heading off down the hill where the track was at its least visible. I followed for a bit but lost them in the bushes and turned back. My thought was now that they had dropped in too early and I could go to the put in and paddle down and meet them solo. So I kept walking. At the put in I rested and mentally prepared myself for my first solo kayak trip (apart from the Kaituna.. Slightly different)</span></td></tr>
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Then I started to think about all the things I have been taught over the years about situations like this. How do you make a bad situation worse? How do you make a bad situation better? How was I sure I would meet them down stream? Being that the first day of Upper Cherry is relatively easy, how far would I paddle solo to find them before I would hike out?<br />
And so the decision was made to leave my boat and hike out. With 2 sore knees and a time of 4pm I knew I had a challenge ahead of me. Off I went!<br />
By 6pm both my knees were shot and I was moving pretty slowly but was getting there. I stopped half way back to eat some of the cold freeze dried meal I had prepared earlier due to the fact I had to lighter on me which was not surprisingly disgusting!<br />
By 9pm it was just on dark and I had made it but no sign of the rest of the crew. By now I was sure they had made the river and were probably wondering where I was.<br />
I camped at the take out to wait for them to paddle out and by late afternoon I was about to go check the trail head when I heard Casper yelling "JOSH, JOSH" then I turned to see him hanging out of a cop truck and very excited "This is the first time in a cop car without hand cuffs" and "I am so happy to see you". I too was happy to see him and the rest of the crew. We shared horror stories and decided to head to Sonora for a steak and a hotel sleep. They had indeed made the river and had got to cherry bomb thinking they had put in too high and would paddle down to find me but then realised they were down stream of me and hiked out. We were now back together and the situation could only get better from here. And it did. We made a plan for 3 of us to hike to the put in to get my boat and take it to Flinstone Camp and the other 3 would hike in to cherry bomb and get their camping gear and take that to camp.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Finally by the river enjoying a camp fire and sore bodies! - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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By 9pm that night we were all there sitting by the camp fire stoked to be there and not be hiking anywhere. Now this story has spanned over 4 days now and the rapidly diminishing flows had dropped to about half the lowest flow I had seen it so the next day we were in for some interesting paddling. At dawn we all rose fast and were ready to go at 8.30. With a quick scout of some unsure drops we made it to the pool above Cherry Bomb just as the light hit it! Now this place is amazing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Boofing at the top - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H-_0L1xY8sX_x_C7IxIfr5e94iZsKL8o4_KRwbJeB409t5hrHMacDEhyphenhyphenyqATLA9hhJmkkjYv9M-SYaqOn4Ji5JI_q0xPacWyPPhZWHPJxM1o1gqtj1BeVZxTdGlEf3q9uKWvZhgzgoe9/s1600/CB+mid.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H-_0L1xY8sX_x_C7IxIfr5e94iZsKL8o4_KRwbJeB409t5hrHMacDEhyphenhyphenyqATLA9hhJmkkjYv9M-SYaqOn4Ji5JI_q0xPacWyPPhZWHPJxM1o1gqtj1BeVZxTdGlEf3q9uKWvZhgzgoe9/s640/CB+mid.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sliding in the middle - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Kr5u4lnLNcdnuhdS_ejR_nbQLGlvXr-QP1Y6e-czl8r9sUEu51nH5q9iyODlElDhmeykBZYQPuJuMhcrA_p3So7cukS1kgO243ngCHaS6OrzpZlMraUZsqSLDwLLtT3xcta357YwwZ9d/s1600/CB+air.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Kr5u4lnLNcdnuhdS_ejR_nbQLGlvXr-QP1Y6e-czl8r9sUEu51nH5q9iyODlElDhmeykBZYQPuJuMhcrA_p3So7cukS1kgO243ngCHaS6OrzpZlMraUZsqSLDwLLtT3xcta357YwwZ9d/s640/CB+air.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Flying at the bottom - Photo Josh Neilson<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhet4DVv5iHmGhMaKGSEXdxSh792bJqxhFNhHzN9hIkYMeJMA1a-55VH2vRxmMFWcidzvQNhifE5KVKAMAj0fBop703utOzKFq3QbvZReWdwdb0g_mEXrX96wpYq_AFaR5K4SbtpGPGX8hN/s1600/casper+cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhet4DVv5iHmGhMaKGSEXdxSh792bJqxhFNhHzN9hIkYMeJMA1a-55VH2vRxmMFWcidzvQNhifE5KVKAMAj0fBop703utOzKFq3QbvZReWdwdb0g_mEXrX96wpYq_AFaR5K4SbtpGPGX8hN/s640/casper+cb.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">-Casper followed with a ripper line! - Photo Josh Neilson<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uLRIs3BwLNKVQ4ZmOF1Vjol8CkwH6qARaB7SGA4R_6lsGQKYLxupS47L0dmiIerzs7oIdUdIqj7uBMKy-GJGj2JEe9ZSrEi7n7cunQ_9O7cgoYJrg-PsKDpubn2ctl9CP4J1gG3WJaQl/s1600/lulu+cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uLRIs3BwLNKVQ4ZmOF1Vjol8CkwH6qARaB7SGA4R_6lsGQKYLxupS47L0dmiIerzs7oIdUdIqj7uBMKy-GJGj2JEe9ZSrEi7n7cunQ_9O7cgoYJrg-PsKDpubn2ctl9CP4J1gG3WJaQl/s640/lulu+cb.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">-Then Lulu showed us whats up - Photo Josh Neilson<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VZVx03zmwg1t1-u4pUD9nzgDE32nFd59aDf53mX7j6XU8AQF6m40JuQ1CVSmgj5VTypyA99yYvEYHjKK5K329QQLzDcYKK0Sx6pvy6R7LoxOy5TRGVhOw3NHd8q_m1IuTXhPkHZCd2Tn/s1600/casper+tea.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VZVx03zmwg1t1-u4pUD9nzgDE32nFd59aDf53mX7j6XU8AQF6m40JuQ1CVSmgj5VTypyA99yYvEYHjKK5K329QQLzDcYKK0Sx6pvy6R7LoxOy5TRGVhOw3NHd8q_m1IuTXhPkHZCd2Tn/s640/casper+tea.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span><br />- Next up were some Tea Cups - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QZGDyAoWT_m6J36kmQBClJTgtwUD0uC-_Y9cvhQNwJbNmwrYL_WnmL9kZnCuyqLci7CSDycSRKLu1R0jRoSCayFxVaRmP1ktBJmbKOb49JIXPZ0J_XUNtL6gLh0e2dIw8Wpad92EAwpI/s1600/sven+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QZGDyAoWT_m6J36kmQBClJTgtwUD0uC-_Y9cvhQNwJbNmwrYL_WnmL9kZnCuyqLci7CSDycSRKLu1R0jRoSCayFxVaRmP1ktBJmbKOb49JIXPZ0J_XUNtL6gLh0e2dIw8Wpad92EAwpI/s640/sven+20.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Sven on Perfect 20 - Photo Josh Neilson<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZxbxVgXKu5e3TIpXp-afVyXkFX_g2hAQyxe_QSS_4DKKiXzkItr68mdhRg6CBmPMfIE440lrwnKFoJiPER6tMCzGBk3OsgS_W82L8ydpW6O5XQVGLredO8R9leNLOXRioXd0Cf03D_jg/s1600/double+pothole+top.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZxbxVgXKu5e3TIpXp-afVyXkFX_g2hAQyxe_QSS_4DKKiXzkItr68mdhRg6CBmPMfIE440lrwnKFoJiPER6tMCzGBk3OsgS_W82L8ydpW6O5XQVGLredO8R9leNLOXRioXd0Cf03D_jg/s640/double+pothole+top.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">- Me on Double Pothole - Photo Josh Neilson<br /></td></tr>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkJlmISTAEUBGao5BD0zbSOcKEL5ZEZH3VOoh_qSBsLSRY6rKOenpglhQny9wszTJmRkbNx0ZBbhIVCsU-JhLulGtpw77gLAtxELDyrhnuaU9M4gXrMbugnG9SbozR0SJ5AhipkchcO79/s1600/portage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkJlmISTAEUBGao5BD0zbSOcKEL5ZEZH3VOoh_qSBsLSRY6rKOenpglhQny9wszTJmRkbNx0ZBbhIVCsU-JhLulGtpw77gLAtxELDyrhnuaU9M4gXrMbugnG9SbozR0SJ5AhipkchcO79/s640/portage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">--Scouting and getting ready for Double Pothole - Photo Josh Neilson</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBKPsNn26xuLMtbmRsBtleoH6taqj8EJ1QJjvfvtdi7KZ9VvW4aQzvp2wh60kT4WI6qxhbD7-alrWeF1yu6EOAPUaOhpoZd6ZfsvNIBu7uXg3VI03B97GTKzBQRhm__W07vY-jPfQ_xra/s1600/emel+dp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBKPsNn26xuLMtbmRsBtleoH6taqj8EJ1QJjvfvtdi7KZ9VvW4aQzvp2wh60kT4WI6qxhbD7-alrWeF1yu6EOAPUaOhpoZd6ZfsvNIBu7uXg3VI03B97GTKzBQRhm__W07vY-jPfQ_xra/s640/emel+dp.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">-Emiel on Double Pothole - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9zHnNZzQLqxlvol8e5gm7QkcuxPbp9yz7MN42BK9XY25yZVvyBS4iLzycF7fFUSYCuiPXi4wfWZhjDs9YddGyy31XZ4lkgW3_iy6FDNBM9QfZODJQXtG3DcDFb3HXdPPnVr1Y1s0WDEF/s1600/river+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9zHnNZzQLqxlvol8e5gm7QkcuxPbp9yz7MN42BK9XY25yZVvyBS4iLzycF7fFUSYCuiPXi4wfWZhjDs9YddGyy31XZ4lkgW3_iy6FDNBM9QfZODJQXtG3DcDFb3HXdPPnVr1Y1s0WDEF/s640/river+end.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">- Trees blocking the exit to the lake = one last portage - Photo Casper Van Kalmthout<br /></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One by one we headed down stream and I must say this was LOW but all the good stuff you normally paddle was still amazing and all the manking stuff was, well, rocky to say the least.</span></td></tr>
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Everyone had good lines all day and we finally made it to the take out in good time and with huge smiles! Your first time down a classic run like this is usually your most memorable and it was for me until this trip.. One I will never forget!<br />
Cheers to Casper, Lulu, Emiel, Sven and Tim for an great trip down the river! Sorry I left you on day 2 and that you ended up getting lost! Lesson learned!<br />
Hope to paddle with you again some day!<br />
Cheers<br />
Josh<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNrAdOPEmBX6488wHzUPrChyphenhyphen5o68peFPs4m7SJyyQdC3-W8FSOLtcJvGlxbFSvJJ8_tzz2sAzbPlTD4O9U5ySVKB-Rv2VWu0CC7znEr7SpbwF32rc3eVn1Icr3HrqxaPAMVxRaNlib4Ke/s1600/group+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNrAdOPEmBX6488wHzUPrChyphenhyphen5o68peFPs4m7SJyyQdC3-W8FSOLtcJvGlxbFSvJJ8_tzz2sAzbPlTD4O9U5ySVKB-Rv2VWu0CC7znEr7SpbwF32rc3eVn1Icr3HrqxaPAMVxRaNlib4Ke/s640/group+end.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- A very happy team make it to Cherry Lake! -Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<br />Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-70772659980675192242012-06-05T16:10:00.000-07:002012-06-05T16:10:35.079-07:00New AT Super Duty testing!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfL6YtohG2Z_ED4ZxW1KtXy__WFWg268lJPNuU3fZ5NtxWDvWLxvYl22FhIKAq7nS194R9zLr1mP1CSxhWXsiZaSsUGVVmgXv1ipkJwHJ64_-f534CgFPpkbnAKb_MUBSIbKeRPGeAFzB/s1600/20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfL6YtohG2Z_ED4ZxW1KtXy__WFWg268lJPNuU3fZ5NtxWDvWLxvYl22FhIKAq7nS194R9zLr1mP1CSxhWXsiZaSsUGVVmgXv1ipkJwHJ64_-f534CgFPpkbnAKb_MUBSIbKeRPGeAFzB/s640/20.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-A perfect 20ft drop on Dinky - Photo Gopro2 - Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I got a call from the crew</span> at Fergs Kayaks in Wellington a week before I flew out to Cali this year asking if I would be interested in trying the new AT Super Duty paddle on my trip this year. Now I have to admit I have used and loved the Werner foam filled paddles for years now and had to think hard if this was a good move for my kayaking. I had been trying a few paddles over summer in the falls with the thought of changing paddles anyway so figured it would be worth a try.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARrBY2nqBmGT1FvCdPAvVfjj0T2bt9RD8_aYPg3Qs-pfXIeRXqqqEmCBdMyyejEcabESsF2MtJ2G0KQMYcrYNw_w_fFxjH-XRcFZ6BwVb4tIB9inRZ0EE28By9IAL-sld0w1KkIwVD_4X/s1600/wood.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARrBY2nqBmGT1FvCdPAvVfjj0T2bt9RD8_aYPg3Qs-pfXIeRXqqqEmCBdMyyejEcabESsF2MtJ2G0KQMYcrYNw_w_fFxjH-XRcFZ6BwVb4tIB9inRZ0EE28By9IAL-sld0w1KkIwVD_4X/s640/wood.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Top left the boys are herding a huge log from the base of the falls so I can have a clean landing - Photo Gopro2 -Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<br />
So we managed to fast post them up and I packed them ready for some Cali testing. The initial feel was different to what I had been using but that is the case with every paddle. Now I know I told everyone I was going to ease into the season but that was not to be. The first test would be Dinky Creek ranking in my top runs in the world to paddle and a solid test for the new paddle. We had good flow so the paddle would not only be tested on some low volume slides but some heavy boofs and aerated moves too. Paddling round in the pool at the top with no warm up apart from a few rolls and a small flat water pool I was apprehensive but feeling fired up! First move was a entry right boof into the middle and ride the slide out. SOLD! I really enjoyed the paddle on this one and it did not let up! Slide after boof after eddy turn!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-uZr-VwpAjlieE9P3nLj02chRlBhczUCHmqa6V-uJWGuX_ma2MSJtXGrd_g2lm_wYlGgIm_Qcl8yP6UibwDqpOpb62mGLxNWrrRfXXPEndtIW2I6zAWvTgtS2LbkbFiIInppA45ZuEZI/s1600/SS+TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-uZr-VwpAjlieE9P3nLj02chRlBhczUCHmqa6V-uJWGuX_ma2MSJtXGrd_g2lm_wYlGgIm_Qcl8yP6UibwDqpOpb62mGLxNWrrRfXXPEndtIW2I6zAWvTgtS2LbkbFiIInppA45ZuEZI/s640/SS+TC.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Tea Cups on South Silver - Photo Tyler Fox</td></tr>
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<br />
Part of my reason for thinking about switching paddles was the blade size and partly length. I was using a 194 and my new AT Super Duty is 197cm long with an extra few cms all round the blade in size. Great power and control in the water. One of the other reasons I wanted to switch was the blade fluttering in the water. When I would paddle my blade would not pull smoothly through the water and I dont notice this in the AT now so another bonus. So I have now given it a good run for its money on Dinky, South Silver, Middle Kaweah a few times, more South Silver and South Yuba and its going strong and the next stop is upper Cherry. I am stoked with it and will keep you posted on how it preforms over the coming months in Norway and Africa in the big water. <br />
<br />
Cheers<br />
Josh<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Autobahn on South Silver - Photo Tyler Fox</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOetiyAWckpL99TG0R-Jyv2_EQEa7euCwonGHmA_W5HZUbrt0drFwKv_BIJomYFA1r-SuI14d4kFiqd97_uhPuJjBS32pVlLexZJeJZU9NB-6r0kWVDAJwb52na-3EggVdCdUQHfiUpIC/s1600/Ss+Sc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOetiyAWckpL99TG0R-Jyv2_EQEa7euCwonGHmA_W5HZUbrt0drFwKv_BIJomYFA1r-SuI14d4kFiqd97_uhPuJjBS32pVlLexZJeJZU9NB-6r0kWVDAJwb52na-3EggVdCdUQHfiUpIC/s640/Ss+Sc.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Skyscraper on South Silver, Nick and Toni Running Safety for me - Photo Tyler Fox</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Off Ramp on South Silver - Photo Tyler Fox</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0II827Z6opLvdzhIzLQFp70f2crqo1y407KhLMfqWoc653QxsWkIvahM8Lp4cU8ZBukvw1sMrOUIW7nf0LtO063Bpc-NGGMDWiXpvwmzi98baAcAyaUxFHQyaxRNCysXdkZJgmeXxPre/s1600/boof.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0II827Z6opLvdzhIzLQFp70f2crqo1y407KhLMfqWoc653QxsWkIvahM8Lp4cU8ZBukvw1sMrOUIW7nf0LtO063Bpc-NGGMDWiXpvwmzi98baAcAyaUxFHQyaxRNCysXdkZJgmeXxPre/s640/boof.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-An early Boof on Dinky loving the paddle already - Photo Gopro2 - Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_s7DSSIwMKhnvYnee4nJOcsmwwdiGxA3kYXDD2Ebl0LXT3bVWb747qzA7SJ5F4kd9Z3mkZxCnPpm5A0s0kMDmFhreXo2fGysELxuXCwNeYA-U1dUBAApj6kp1BreFfqlFT3YHTa1vKJZ/s1600/slide.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_s7DSSIwMKhnvYnee4nJOcsmwwdiGxA3kYXDD2Ebl0LXT3bVWb747qzA7SJ5F4kd9Z3mkZxCnPpm5A0s0kMDmFhreXo2fGysELxuXCwNeYA-U1dUBAApj6kp1BreFfqlFT3YHTa1vKJZ/s640/slide.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-As you can see I am mid air flying down a shallow slide - Photo Gopro2 - Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Everything is GREAT - Photo Gopro2 - Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Water takes some amazing shapes - Photo Gopro2 - Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<br />Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-60436949306576458952012-06-05T13:31:00.003-07:002012-06-05T13:31:27.203-07:00Cali-Brisbane-Denver-Cali in a week<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I just</span> spent a week on tour with my film and unfortunately just missed the Kayak race at Teva Mountain Games. I left California on Monday night and flew via San Fran and Sydney to Brisbane to meet up with Dr Eric Brymer from the film for a show organised by Queensland University of Technology. I was only in the country for 23.5hrs but got to present to a great audience. Once the show was over I went out for a few beers then back to the Hotel for a quick sleep and back at the Airport at 7am to fly via Sydney and San Fran to Denver. I rented a car and headed to Vail to be greeted by a very excited group of Kiwis and one very excited Canadian! It was great to unwind with a few drinks before the next days premiere. The show was poorly advertised but still attracted a good crowd. Now I am back in Cali looking at a potential Upper Cherry mission and then a few weeks before Norway!<br />
Cheers to everyone I met along the way on the week long airplane tour!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-A common view for me all week! </td></tr>
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<br />Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-49070593301322267462012-05-26T18:48:00.000-07:002012-05-26T18:48:35.171-07:00Three Rivers<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkB-_xAIMaeddsDsZhQs80DxAkQzI3MLgicdThAhiCqUWw5oNEleyp7qkeLYivU0ft4XHrhWKUxERvtKMYSOe1CTzzy4aoit-GZWX8N_mvD5xTza7TMtebtLmoxzQ1nWUN8WJvSqeY5xw/s1600/IMG_3903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkB-_xAIMaeddsDsZhQs80DxAkQzI3MLgicdThAhiCqUWw5oNEleyp7qkeLYivU0ft4XHrhWKUxERvtKMYSOe1CTzzy4aoit-GZWX8N_mvD5xTza7TMtebtLmoxzQ1nWUN8WJvSqeY5xw/s640/IMG_3903.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">- Kaweah down below - Photo Josh Neilson<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Three Rivers</span> is a small town that just one river flows through. The Kaweah flows out of Sequoia National Park which is home to the worlds largest trees. The park is littered with huge monoliths, bears, mountain lions, foxes and much more! We stay in a little camp ground for $5 a night which had a few showers and a bunch of flat spots under oak trees to sleep the night! One of the forks is in the park so after paying the $20 to get in its just a short drive up the hill to the put in. The first drop on the seldom run section is Chucks slide. Sam and Chris fired it up before heading down stream. The next section is V-slide and Little Niagara. The tempo keeps up for a little longer with some tight slides before 'Cocaine Alley'. Once you are through the alley you get to 420 gorge. This holds a few tricky lines and a very tight gorge. Unlike a lot of cali runs where you are sliding down granite this one holds some water and is cool to link some good boofs. The crux section at the bottom is 'Zero to Sixty'. I ran this a few years ago but it hasnt looked tempting since then. The entry is fast and the exit is faster. Everyone always asks about the cave and this year I heard that you can actually climb out of the cave but you have to remove your life jacket to do so! Stick left and avoid the cave is the best option though.<br />
The takeout is passed a little swing bridge which is a great place to hang out and swim while others head up for another run. <br />
I rallied a few days on this while the others went into East Kaweah. I am getting a little tendonitis in my shoulder so back on the stretches etc to keep on the river. Tomorrow Tyler and Lou leave for colorado and I head to Australia on Monday. The others are looking at upper cherry this week but I am hoping it will hold out for another week till I'm back!<br />
Time to write a speech for the Brisbane show and prepare for a whirlwind Transcendence tour around the world in a week!<br />
Cheers<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpdTbjbDctj9Wffu3Efe4qf6_DD69A_YmUZJl0Lhn3-GUQ5mtUbaITxWPsmFtMYFdq6Io630DkAVeoxRi5yAaYDP3-Fvti12yBubtnWUmmDzwVIMFgyaNsRcSPBPk_nPDB35EvTKUK9yd/s1600/IMG_3916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpdTbjbDctj9Wffu3Efe4qf6_DD69A_YmUZJl0Lhn3-GUQ5mtUbaITxWPsmFtMYFdq6Io630DkAVeoxRi5yAaYDP3-Fvti12yBubtnWUmmDzwVIMFgyaNsRcSPBPk_nPDB35EvTKUK9yd/s640/IMG_3916.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Sam Sutton on Chucks Slide - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XVlB6huNwisDyPUsX-39-GrukKo1-iAKrNZpHYAl7GoVeIssOSNkT_t4aTEaYJ4ovsgPVoDw_w_8i9VkotN4KVNWxFlLH7EhUDrC-xR_s7iasfL0NOYywiAf8UVYHJnrXbdHLkTvZdcD/s1600/IMG_3942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XVlB6huNwisDyPUsX-39-GrukKo1-iAKrNZpHYAl7GoVeIssOSNkT_t4aTEaYJ4ovsgPVoDw_w_8i9VkotN4KVNWxFlLH7EhUDrC-xR_s7iasfL0NOYywiAf8UVYHJnrXbdHLkTvZdcD/s640/IMG_3942.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Chris on Chucks Slide - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZRS3iASAkjnrNBIjO-vPbgJ4OoIRtWVWjdipEKiywTFvbXhhtG_qTu_cW5lz7G-M5HjRSCejcZk2exECxJxyTSO3qvyR2otM1HarNTCqlH0DiMhqg8sL-IX7V17Caq2rCu-8tvQhs4mq/s1600/IMG_3962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZRS3iASAkjnrNBIjO-vPbgJ4OoIRtWVWjdipEKiywTFvbXhhtG_qTu_cW5lz7G-M5HjRSCejcZk2exECxJxyTSO3qvyR2otM1HarNTCqlH0DiMhqg8sL-IX7V17Caq2rCu-8tvQhs4mq/s640/IMG_3962.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Daan on V-Slide - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsLtMBpJ3ekFyGYqD0FamuDjDF0mmzSW3fKTdCcjzyqtoeROvzY7iVlKrb5Vb0lVgXVj25THox8hR6zRJmJYD1tfJ07lekIdyfyDju4qUWP1Aff2IQngPMSTzSkbDLfKFCkC_keEpDAPc/s1600/IMG_3978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsLtMBpJ3ekFyGYqD0FamuDjDF0mmzSW3fKTdCcjzyqtoeROvzY7iVlKrb5Vb0lVgXVj25THox8hR6zRJmJYD1tfJ07lekIdyfyDju4qUWP1Aff2IQngPMSTzSkbDLfKFCkC_keEpDAPc/s640/IMG_3978.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Sam Roil Little Niagara - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HGSTMwcE3nF9UCrz0iJHPETB93jnQU1todbvLhlUS70bvRh34NqUM-Nuqop087znkbTSAgDqBn_VU1HX0FDyJCbW4dD0bTQtgMqCv-YbUzWFlLptWoGS-oxVeQZJsz0cAp6o3JzN-92n/s1600/IMG_3985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HGSTMwcE3nF9UCrz0iJHPETB93jnQU1todbvLhlUS70bvRh34NqUM-Nuqop087znkbTSAgDqBn_VU1HX0FDyJCbW4dD0bTQtgMqCv-YbUzWFlLptWoGS-oxVeQZJsz0cAp6o3JzN-92n/s640/IMG_3985.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Daan Little Niagara - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrqUXjdjSC3_WSihbsO4Yua_gsQ9AGRA3lbhCFcxCzN2BPIfZXMdDCRqEyz-WN_AyRcTB1tpcRJnhyphenhyphenr_B0KELeiEKW0T95Ty6qaAExfZBEX_i4Iq_4em1x6Cr9R_avuNVO8Lbp3SaiHdJ/s1600/IMG_3995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrqUXjdjSC3_WSihbsO4Yua_gsQ9AGRA3lbhCFcxCzN2BPIfZXMdDCRqEyz-WN_AyRcTB1tpcRJnhyphenhyphenr_B0KELeiEKW0T95Ty6qaAExfZBEX_i4Iq_4em1x6Cr9R_avuNVO8Lbp3SaiHdJ/s640/IMG_3995.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Daan heading downstream - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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JoshJosh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-46007741749061869402012-05-26T17:39:00.000-07:002012-05-26T17:39:08.305-07:00Moro Rock<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUIRn2D6lwmVpTGDQTWZ1sUyFO81wjYndcqjhs5iL8x7PUo4NrwBcZsCG790HJvYSbg7HhCrmH7-hR7jdcmA-5vek3ma9vxy-MVFhetBstW43fa4j6FJQWtipzUnMSDBNC3BU0XXAlcjt/s1600/fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUIRn2D6lwmVpTGDQTWZ1sUyFO81wjYndcqjhs5iL8x7PUo4NrwBcZsCG790HJvYSbg7HhCrmH7-hR7jdcmA-5vek3ma9vxy-MVFhetBstW43fa4j6FJQWtipzUnMSDBNC3BU0XXAlcjt/s640/fence.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">-First things first - Build a fence - Photo Harmony Wimsett</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It may seem at times</span> that it is all about running hard whitewater but I can tell you its not! Sometimes a bit of lifestyling goes a long way! In fact I would say 80% of our time on missions consists of driving, exploring and hanging out and the other 20% is kayaking. Due to this high percentage of downtime we have become rather good at lifestyling. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI31SrmJwUPY1cpDUkSFdHZ7_fJ5Odyu1hz02taDDBWgtAEuAywMzsrW_SdvQ1f4QXni_Y74dNok9lf0GJQAKZ9sobZYZ86NTeNsgwoOmFh6tPsriAK8w0ZgX28okx1Fp8NsieFyXXN1GF/s1600/camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI31SrmJwUPY1cpDUkSFdHZ7_fJ5Odyu1hz02taDDBWgtAEuAywMzsrW_SdvQ1f4QXni_Y74dNok9lf0GJQAKZ9sobZYZ86NTeNsgwoOmFh6tPsriAK8w0ZgX28okx1Fp8NsieFyXXN1GF/s640/camp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Camping in Three Rivers - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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We have a number of sweet locations in many different countries locked down for times when the kayaking is not happening! One of the golden spots is Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park. While we were there to kayak the Kaweah we knew that the combination of clear skies and a bit of pollution on the horizon was going to make for a good sunset after a good day on the water. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjPU-0pLcCddfdRYaWqBkCaTA91bLLMjMXaJBkKTkbZX_MF893xFM98tG0Ta6Iv_I28ggfASFIMDyyy2zxDYyA350ndZViHvxbF5kjR8CplgAUNcHRRHK3dz_FgR0XsXbIViRg29LQ30I/s1600/take+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjPU-0pLcCddfdRYaWqBkCaTA91bLLMjMXaJBkKTkbZX_MF893xFM98tG0Ta6Iv_I28ggfASFIMDyyy2zxDYyA350ndZViHvxbF5kjR8CplgAUNcHRRHK3dz_FgR0XsXbIViRg29LQ30I/s640/take+out.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Post paddling - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP0HfrmEzL4Hh2wusFkVKpK7fJZEhRTt6NMAb_sgiR4BqXFGNBdQc-rQD8xKz9GLlareDY-caG4iHbCPcbv2y-hsYnOK_cybMGTJQEJZ4icRSvQf-dIZztP5vHHs3UCG1-J5ZCZSui1Zb/s1600/sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP0HfrmEzL4Hh2wusFkVKpK7fJZEhRTt6NMAb_sgiR4BqXFGNBdQc-rQD8xKz9GLlareDY-caG4iHbCPcbv2y-hsYnOK_cybMGTJQEJZ4icRSvQf-dIZztP5vHHs3UCG1-J5ZCZSui1Zb/s640/sun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Sun soaking on the Kaweah - Photo Josh Neilson<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
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With some of the founding members of the Okere Falls Wine and Cheese Appreciation Society present we voiced the idea of picking up some supplies, namely fine cheese and crackers and some alcohol, in Three Rivers and to reconvene at the top of a huge monolith named Moro Rock. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhMx5VzmUhU3C1fIikA36hodKy3BLonTloVcUFl93rLsuObTS4CRMchJFwO_v3QAnY4HMUxy2xQI1iObi33vmJiZj3Fh6yX7Qjt0Au0ZJVAX-O1n_x3YPOzFsatD-wCqpGTn9i9CBsmW-/s1600/moro+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhMx5VzmUhU3C1fIikA36hodKy3BLonTloVcUFl93rLsuObTS4CRMchJFwO_v3QAnY4HMUxy2xQI1iObi33vmJiZj3Fh6yX7Qjt0Au0ZJVAX-O1n_x3YPOzFsatD-wCqpGTn9i9CBsmW-/s640/moro+rock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Moro Rock from below at the Hospital Rock put in - photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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It was a great sunset and the evening was slowly calming down when I saw flood lights on the roadworks below. I remembered seeing a sign on the entry to the park mentioning a road closure at 9pm all night! I asked for the time and it was 8.30 and we had a bit of a climb and drive to get down. Panic ensued and we rushed everything to the car and slipped through the roadworks just in the nick of time!<br />
While kayaking is the main reason for our travels it is not the only reason. Next stop is the Australia show but ill do a little kayak update before then!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmKKEfbEhHDc44AupJdyhPW6rXHQlrUnlZpGQBzAxQ5ZNlltUraoEquA2zp6Jzn5kUOsF_ZyNNGRYtrdm4lcUH7DUQN44v-r3Wc03oQLNFfn8swAx6d9X2lwIWXElz6NP-FxT-j2rADje/s1600/baby+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmKKEfbEhHDc44AupJdyhPW6rXHQlrUnlZpGQBzAxQ5ZNlltUraoEquA2zp6Jzn5kUOsF_ZyNNGRYtrdm4lcUH7DUQN44v-r3Wc03oQLNFfn8swAx6d9X2lwIWXElz6NP-FxT-j2rADje/s640/baby+bird.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Baby Bird holding the last of the sun - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiPHFgw3Ealpj9YzPrnVlR08pUzRJtsRg3Xv8H8irHvtvMbD0W6uCFUPm-LoFp87LY-a6qUJWKyZWqFR_UH82z6lZRj0HDxHsMWENq8Xc2pTs8u5ryx4cAPIo0fqEhG35lO3-l_CT0GB4/s1600/ben+sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiPHFgw3Ealpj9YzPrnVlR08pUzRJtsRg3Xv8H8irHvtvMbD0W6uCFUPm-LoFp87LY-a6qUJWKyZWqFR_UH82z6lZRj0HDxHsMWENq8Xc2pTs8u5ryx4cAPIo0fqEhG35lO3-l_CT0GB4/s640/ben+sam.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben and Sam - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Getting stuck in to some fine cheese, oysters and dips! - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Dave preparing some desert at Moro Rock - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-B94AVXF55HVcbe3mgYwGIprjEvQNKEZA1piBze4Pp_qgDwKaIyoRCKJY5r40OHWL9ecXyurApQhwdmyzUvaPzAy5aPt7AsR3Snwlhc1ETo4JnP_mTNt-BoMoOnx_bhQrSClYDLUk8UX/s1600/moro+rock+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-B94AVXF55HVcbe3mgYwGIprjEvQNKEZA1piBze4Pp_qgDwKaIyoRCKJY5r40OHWL9ecXyurApQhwdmyzUvaPzAy5aPt7AsR3Snwlhc1ETo4JnP_mTNt-BoMoOnx_bhQrSClYDLUk8UX/s640/moro+rock+team.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-We all travel on different plans but its great when we all come together - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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EnjoyJosh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-90729696967781646422012-05-16T10:33:00.002-07:002012-05-16T10:33:31.529-07:00South Silver - old faithful<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3F15n8kp5km3bniXayQfVpZaabZmQETCChJX_AqsnhKWkiESVZM6sIMbyGk_kvxeUF4J_K_cPgSs1ASvcC36ZwYP4dTd5hAOUOsiUabFrOW-K2H_8taZX_cReiSl4nv4EJeEMjjnHbN-/s1600/left+left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3F15n8kp5km3bniXayQfVpZaabZmQETCChJX_AqsnhKWkiESVZM6sIMbyGk_kvxeUF4J_K_cPgSs1ASvcC36ZwYP4dTd5hAOUOsiUabFrOW-K2H_8taZX_cReiSl4nv4EJeEMjjnHbN-/s640/left+left.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">- Martina on 'Left Left' - Photo Shilo Gibson<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">While we are on the topic </span>of best runs in Cali I think its fair to say that South Silver makes the grade. From top to bottom the action is there for the taking. One of the longer slides in the state start you off followed by one of the many 'Tea cups' sections with a big burley skyscraper and off ramp in the middle followed by some more committing stuff down below. You can run a little of you can run a lot, its up to you. Friends who don't kayak can join your 1 mile run and take photos and hike the trail right by the river. And the best part is that its only 1hr from the house! Well thats not the best part but its a good bonus! We had 9 of us on the river yesterday with a juicy flow. Martina joined us from the Netherlands, and the rest were from NZ including our adopted Canadian Tyler! Shilo and Harmony came out to take photos and with a little snow round they filled a bag with beers and snow for the take out! GOLD!<br />
We lapped the 'Autobahn' and the 'Teacups' and then I after a few good days in the boat I felt 'Skyscraper' was in order. Cheers for all the safety on that one guys!<br />
Another sweet day on the river with good people. I think we will be back up there in a few days when it drops a little for a more relaxed user friendly bomb down. What will the next post be.. will it be Royal? Will it be Fantasy? Just wait and see...<br />
Cheers<br />
Josh<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Me on the first Tea Cup - Photo Shilo Gibson<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZc3TQjo8cvbk2tYAlC29dqrco5qpn_rshUPWqwOs2GDgWxijTeCr9qx2HlvGUWR-TJ_dKjxZYaSYVu3ZWtqbenNgQl7LE4uNDyJfCAXYYq-1GfOpygSLCOT3Vdx6TY2YLIxZWtn9nIDn/s1600/gorge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZc3TQjo8cvbk2tYAlC29dqrco5qpn_rshUPWqwOs2GDgWxijTeCr9qx2HlvGUWR-TJ_dKjxZYaSYVu3ZWtqbenNgQl7LE4uNDyJfCAXYYq-1GfOpygSLCOT3Vdx6TY2YLIxZWtn9nIDn/s640/gorge.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">- Tea Cups into Skyscraper, sick section of water - Photo Harmony Wimsett<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Me on Second Tea Cup - Photo Shilo Gibson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHmAFu_jZlG2efOAw9HISpz-PPVsaWe-fiKU81KI4DSOzBOSIvVooBrVbQp4kCm-xENapMLjTqz3pkEdTIMmUi6xr6ZXK2yId72aUqQa3LhdS1mEll56ZXj0fk_gXI08uUuiv7NS2i5gc/s1600/harmony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHmAFu_jZlG2efOAw9HISpz-PPVsaWe-fiKU81KI4DSOzBOSIvVooBrVbQp4kCm-xENapMLjTqz3pkEdTIMmUi6xr6ZXK2yId72aUqQa3LhdS1mEll56ZXj0fk_gXI08uUuiv7NS2i5gc/s640/harmony.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Team photographer Harmony at peace with her position - Photo Shilo Gibson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvxhZ7uSEcEyqkjdivqIpeq6sP0v5g8t_apVoBEnIRFBtlRE-wABdE8Up4IkgN_N_zxSepjrhnW1UDSwihRdpGuU2i70GFU_H0hL3iEIwxf8yS_vXaKZZNPXMtYEq8Ee1wRHE3_4VBWrd/s1600/nic+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvxhZ7uSEcEyqkjdivqIpeq6sP0v5g8t_apVoBEnIRFBtlRE-wABdE8Up4IkgN_N_zxSepjrhnW1UDSwihRdpGuU2i70GFU_H0hL3iEIwxf8yS_vXaKZZNPXMtYEq8Ee1wRHE3_4VBWrd/s640/nic+tea.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Nick Wimsett on the first Tea Cup - Photo Shilo Gibson<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhugrxP1WNOGU5BgeuWIeA6GoeZ5m9KyoVbKIr1Pl-M58I5miF2gBd1ED6qjaOr0-UavQuLPvZhAABlSCbE5As1JRdcdMB5oSR1-tKqIfP0gZK_9hrljY126r2rUfPmR6BJpRWOOiI_nG/s1600/sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhugrxP1WNOGU5BgeuWIeA6GoeZ5m9KyoVbKIr1Pl-M58I5miF2gBd1ED6qjaOr0-UavQuLPvZhAABlSCbE5As1JRdcdMB5oSR1-tKqIfP0gZK_9hrljY126r2rUfPmR6BJpRWOOiI_nG/s640/sky.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">-Looking very little scouting and setting safety - Photo Shilo Gibson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk94zV29ITVU5TARd2X2bdcA6_Fs5jXwbd6OOZaicj8MsNvInUI9QOx89-Nxn188rigQ0RVQ83vlXUXWPy9aYWdQfecUjjY3Zm0h5B73Ewv4n-Bf3-39IjcuA-AZDSkR-ftLem03PtIPyS/s1600/Hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk94zV29ITVU5TARd2X2bdcA6_Fs5jXwbd6OOZaicj8MsNvInUI9QOx89-Nxn188rigQ0RVQ83vlXUXWPy9aYWdQfecUjjY3Zm0h5B73Ewv4n-Bf3-39IjcuA-AZDSkR-ftLem03PtIPyS/s640/Hike.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Avoiding Rattlesnakes on the portage - Photo Harmony Wimsett<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStuSyGCWMiSbG1nUOItQerafpmRC3eW26aW9WIP6BS-dmkFH1VvKmIvBZV9of3GUHtiZwO5ZBBf5aTVQU6NJ1CxIKTmDbNowLxXhPzqxkYlIJ9cUjFM6HXVP43bZ4kONMYuX_0AfJ2kjt/s1600/Sky+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStuSyGCWMiSbG1nUOItQerafpmRC3eW26aW9WIP6BS-dmkFH1VvKmIvBZV9of3GUHtiZwO5ZBBf5aTVQU6NJ1CxIKTmDbNowLxXhPzqxkYlIJ9cUjFM6HXVP43bZ4kONMYuX_0AfJ2kjt/s640/Sky+top.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">- Me entering Skyscraper - Photo Shilo Gibson<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29rUDX5NNEQ-52i02C84ulTM0-Ir7pSIWpQBI97KdMiboYvb7WrfzCkC4Ix74_6LvlUiuqrDDfNtItlpq9Oq5R-I-8g0bCmg-lRU41rASajGFJuZVfMzBhyphenhyphenhTtTW0EI40Fk8lVCFb0C9B/s1600/sky+bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29rUDX5NNEQ-52i02C84ulTM0-Ir7pSIWpQBI97KdMiboYvb7WrfzCkC4Ix74_6LvlUiuqrDDfNtItlpq9Oq5R-I-8g0bCmg-lRU41rASajGFJuZVfMzBhyphenhyphenhTtTW0EI40Fk8lVCFb0C9B/s640/sky+bottom.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Complete whiteout but the memory boof came through and got air! - Photo Shilo Gibson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi5N0DrmAP2YTnfuBFv4jFf7uXwHwcughuK7HpBVcSSlYkPKkhUCtqGmyRvz_oo8rC5_ffhZiBDMXNTA3UZY6XXhlYehA-dvkZN7ZX-twqJ5Gu-kXM4o0f7Pj0AnLlAkbWfiBrUOuAU0l/s1600/sky+sc+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi5N0DrmAP2YTnfuBFv4jFf7uXwHwcughuK7HpBVcSSlYkPKkhUCtqGmyRvz_oo8rC5_ffhZiBDMXNTA3UZY6XXhlYehA-dvkZN7ZX-twqJ5Gu-kXM4o0f7Pj0AnLlAkbWfiBrUOuAU0l/s640/sky+sc+.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid way through the mayhem - Photo Harmony Wimsett</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdkTYLxP4RM0qtOTAKdwcrZ6jto3bNmfDvr_Th1vAIkz_YBoy52HFuPE_6rFyWpRMGqJyfyR131eFFT5ExhceUGbKu_dZeMqQU2oPvEbLcPV2VEm3mD_we25BW7CvkjpsON5VQJPT8bYK/s1600/josh+offramp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdkTYLxP4RM0qtOTAKdwcrZ6jto3bNmfDvr_Th1vAIkz_YBoy52HFuPE_6rFyWpRMGqJyfyR131eFFT5ExhceUGbKu_dZeMqQU2oPvEbLcPV2VEm3mD_we25BW7CvkjpsON5VQJPT8bYK/s640/josh+offramp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Lining it up for the off ramp - Photo Harmony Wimsett</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF7xkSA0okqJmdKmFoaH-LVzAe8iAikIB6oNlcTYbRIePDlOkQksKMxNOLJMs3iml4P4Hi89XOzOyiBZNRCEUPDddHkL2PRwqIXtO3faJyHQf7jw7DHst1gJa5LILSg0poFc2bkBuc9Mg/s1600/off+ramp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF7xkSA0okqJmdKmFoaH-LVzAe8iAikIB6oNlcTYbRIePDlOkQksKMxNOLJMs3iml4P4Hi89XOzOyiBZNRCEUPDddHkL2PRwqIXtO3faJyHQf7jw7DHst1gJa5LILSg0poFc2bkBuc9Mg/s640/off+ramp.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Offramp - Photo Shilo Gibson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHB2HodgVF7HwpPsvBZQ50-1t0Xkm_6ocqUAzVoJxQZ6ohxesW_ENegR8Lv_Rfs7U3x5D-zxhYk9PCajdsM_AhyphenhyphenpbHBaYyIiCIEXb1AAcEILdLlEDwTV0L3t_Q5iEFVrjcftFok9EvnVb/s1600/Josh+Plastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHB2HodgVF7HwpPsvBZQ50-1t0Xkm_6ocqUAzVoJxQZ6ohxesW_ENegR8Lv_Rfs7U3x5D-zxhYk9PCajdsM_AhyphenhyphenpbHBaYyIiCIEXb1AAcEILdLlEDwTV0L3t_Q5iEFVrjcftFok9EvnVb/s640/Josh+Plastic.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Getting left behind the rock on 'Plastic Surgery' - Photo Shilo Gibson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO1xX9SqXbUNuU9waA9rdF3kupWetqgU09k0i96eAn2qjfi-_99e0-jvWVffYrGmI3hL9J6U6z_zlpP3kBq_QOAKpoiIDBgRxobTqFSAQXZhcMvuzhEuWF1iIWSRl61Vzp5aY7JeQ3TiH/s1600/Lou+plastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO1xX9SqXbUNuU9waA9rdF3kupWetqgU09k0i96eAn2qjfi-_99e0-jvWVffYrGmI3hL9J6U6z_zlpP3kBq_QOAKpoiIDBgRxobTqFSAQXZhcMvuzhEuWF1iIWSRl61Vzp5aY7JeQ3TiH/s640/Lou+plastic.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Lou in Blue - Photo Shilo Gibson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sHjqlfIpv68dC-Hlhqj3kIl05b91edxtU3DA5e16PJCjxjNyqgqIpUwmA7uJNfoWbipF_Ams5qpZKP6mbXGvqV1VHth54tjex82zZttWByeZvFq0jCpQ3lyK1w46ojy-E75KPRZPXFbN/s1600/lou+bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sHjqlfIpv68dC-Hlhqj3kIl05b91edxtU3DA5e16PJCjxjNyqgqIpUwmA7uJNfoWbipF_Ams5qpZKP6mbXGvqV1VHth54tjex82zZttWByeZvFq0jCpQ3lyK1w46ojy-E75KPRZPXFbN/s640/lou+bottom.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou making the final moves before take out - Photo Harmony Wimsett</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpxs9xH4i-CyXxqU8j0B2w4oH98wDl-5Ww4NwcxWpVK4-xz-Nd2B-eO06ldpV9_NU4lI9NRb3x8cJhrIlDkJFEOFZDGo-2Sd0Fcl5zmA1mT3cZayiB_LDTzqu_xawfB6mZvtFfNtZmNVD/s1600/nick+josh+hole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpxs9xH4i-CyXxqU8j0B2w4oH98wDl-5Ww4NwcxWpVK4-xz-Nd2B-eO06ldpV9_NU4lI9NRb3x8cJhrIlDkJFEOFZDGo-2Sd0Fcl5zmA1mT3cZayiB_LDTzqu_xawfB6mZvtFfNtZmNVD/s640/nick+josh+hole.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Me and Nick in a hole - Photo Harmony Wimsett</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXIy2IZY-4nWKVgT2sidpQ-xP8CIy3J69yGu9pzd7EX26WgmQKxZWZLjHF__GHv3-hXxDJGgUR4jlh33IZB0ELkfyjfFghqFAqc63ngJ5-pNNs0o1NQeeuUkV5CKKwv3t3TZ8S4SqG3tt/s1600/the+crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXIy2IZY-4nWKVgT2sidpQ-xP8CIy3J69yGu9pzd7EX26WgmQKxZWZLjHF__GHv3-hXxDJGgUR4jlh33IZB0ELkfyjfFghqFAqc63ngJ5-pNNs0o1NQeeuUkV5CKKwv3t3TZ8S4SqG3tt/s640/the+crew.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- A great day with good friends - Photo Tripod (Shilo Gibson)</td></tr>
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<br />Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-35825832102381996432012-05-15T09:16:00.000-07:002012-05-15T09:35:13.057-07:00Hospital Rock - one of the classics<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vj59RHmyqqwJsSS5lz-Fd5-3r7dqPRYy7NH7Q0b8lWs8aOORdE-HuW9x2Db7wXKVRaSYaYgtMaS6iNm77ieXLS6cXnhuD-1uMN-yeaydTlyJ2_rlsoKFHh04ugtUHK0lAUS8RWUoMVo1/s1600/Tyler+boof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vj59RHmyqqwJsSS5lz-Fd5-3r7dqPRYy7NH7Q0b8lWs8aOORdE-HuW9x2Db7wXKVRaSYaYgtMaS6iNm77ieXLS6cXnhuD-1uMN-yeaydTlyJ2_rlsoKFHh04ugtUHK0lAUS8RWUoMVo1/s640/Tyler+boof.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Tyler Fox looking styley on Little Niagara - Photo Josh Neilson<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I have kayaked</span> and hiked in many places in my time but the come down from Dinkey Creek was a killer! Never before has every muscle in my body hurt so much at the same time! Even stepping off the gutter or getting out of the car became a hard task! After some great fast food we decided to head further south for a relaxed day on the Hospital Rock section of the Middle Kaweah. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKVpmbDE4EHaQ7lptIM3uG5on3_fN16UNX9jGQj2m9g9E21x6eVDL9c21QJLwYIM50h-A5qA2Ayqal3anYYJ7mMMw5aNaENX8Gg0Wrz2Bm8wT0a2Oyw-cwylJyH5qj6Se0m_mXNKdht0b/s1600/Put+in+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKVpmbDE4EHaQ7lptIM3uG5on3_fN16UNX9jGQj2m9g9E21x6eVDL9c21QJLwYIM50h-A5qA2Ayqal3anYYJ7mMMw5aNaENX8Gg0Wrz2Bm8wT0a2Oyw-cwylJyH5qj6Se0m_mXNKdht0b/s640/Put+in+.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-The put in with Hospital Rock in the background</td></tr>
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The thought of just taking the day off crossed my mind many times but I figured it might take some of the pain away being on the river. It did! We soon found ourselves in the flow again and it was good to paddle something that wasn't super massive at ever horizon. With light boats and no extra gear onboard we got the arms moving and bombed down some of Cali's nicest mini gorges. We didnt stop to take many photos due to how hard it was to simply get in and out of our kayaks but it was a good day! At the take out we looked at our GPS navigation and it told us our ETA was 8pm after a 4hr drive so we got on the phone and booked all you can eat Sushi in Placerville for 8pm. At 7.59 we rolled into the carpark to meet the coloma gang for some highly anticipated best sushi in the area! Another good day!<br />
Cheers<br />
Josh<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpIog1CWYyM0LeeOWb5NGR9wqMAFE5vFjBplETsekW1HDjJ0EUKzPvS3xqDSrS8ctVQCwONg6nEMr9noKqBYbcoHolpq8k1T_tt2B7LZuz72GRygNukq1MpenqdOwsIgaa02LrVL-W4xk/s1600/daan+boof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpIog1CWYyM0LeeOWb5NGR9wqMAFE5vFjBplETsekW1HDjJ0EUKzPvS3xqDSrS8ctVQCwONg6nEMr9noKqBYbcoHolpq8k1T_tt2B7LZuz72GRygNukq1MpenqdOwsIgaa02LrVL-W4xk/s640/daan+boof.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Daan boofing off Little Niagara - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Daan dropping under pride rock - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Daan in V-Slide early on in the day - Photo Tyler Fox</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Tyler about to melt in V-Slide - Photo Daan Jimmink</td></tr>
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All Images are © to the respective photographers. Please contact me if you would like to use any of these photos.</div>
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<br /></div>Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-52451835711214020152012-05-15T00:18:00.002-07:002012-05-15T00:18:34.622-07:00Dinkey Creek - one of the greats!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We</span> often talk about what the best runs in California are with a mixed bag of single day and multi day runs making the list but never really coming up with the actual best run. Partially because we havent done them all yet and partially because there are so many great runs to choose from. On Monday Lou and I landed in San Francisco and headed back inland to Coloma with Tyler and Chaundra to catch up with some friends before Tyler announced that we needed to leave for Dinky Creek the next day. I had always wanted to do this one but had missed it on many occasion. With Lou needing to do school work Tyler and I met up with Daan and Jess for a little mission south. By 10pm we had driven all the way to the Kings river and decided to park up in a dusty side road for the night and plan to set shuttle early in the morning. At 8am we rose and drove up the river to see if any raft guides had no work and wanted to drive the 2hrs in and then 2 hrs back out for us and it didn't take much convincing before we had John onboard and on the road into Dinkey Creek. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Jess checking that we are in the right place - Photo Daan Jimmink</td></tr>
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With a range of maps and directions we made good time to the trail head. What was in front of us was 2hrs hiking down hill and then 2 days of spectacular kayaking.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jess, Tyler and I looking into the first day from the hike - Photo Daan Jimmink<br /></td></tr>
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The hike near wiped us all out with heavy boats and a severe lack of fitness but we had to hold it together because it was non stop action from here on out! Slide 1 woke us up and set the pace for the day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW55bntisPYoIhtiw9HV3laAWeiA2XDi2Mstf1wZpSa6f952hyphenhyphenfLcMoo1gxlOuDuaGfEHO9S40yRhHmYxmC9cTdeadcgsRzBtMlbDEMQIZ_UXXXGCieENSEuottqtOjZ36Ht9FW-eJWUPu/s1600/Josh+1st+slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW55bntisPYoIhtiw9HV3laAWeiA2XDi2Mstf1wZpSa6f952hyphenhyphenfLcMoo1gxlOuDuaGfEHO9S40yRhHmYxmC9cTdeadcgsRzBtMlbDEMQIZ_UXXXGCieENSEuottqtOjZ36Ht9FW-eJWUPu/s640/Josh+1st+slide.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on the first drop of Day 1 - Photo Daan Jimmink</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daan dropping into drop 1 - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK4vL9PSINd7yNbuRYs4cGkyalUuFFaJ79O6WGh_CXzfwEMMd2WY7t5hzU-tK_yDpmqWBYMgH9JBJGUbELl67PJ4VMnYumaOtO9ocmVivjAVhpjGdZ9XqT2hAKqv0VQMMiJrO2BOO5ynA/s1600/Jess+1st+drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK4vL9PSINd7yNbuRYs4cGkyalUuFFaJ79O6WGh_CXzfwEMMd2WY7t5hzU-tK_yDpmqWBYMgH9JBJGUbELl67PJ4VMnYumaOtO9ocmVivjAVhpjGdZ9XqT2hAKqv0VQMMiJrO2BOO5ynA/s640/Jess+1st+drop.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Jess getting warmed up - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-One of many stacked drops and sick boofs - Photo Daan Jimmink</td></tr>
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We knew we only had to make about 1 mile down stream but it was going to take us all afternoon to do that! Steep!!!<br />
By mid afternoon we made it to the main drop for the day. Willies slide is a 2 part boof to slide into sloping 30footer. We all had good lines and then it was off to the next horizon line for more vertical action. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovOHjWv-qGFfGaoiVQ_NhIMWhcUse75TSlRLpwnD46IH0KvhasL4XZzIAsGcdVZS21EQKxdMf6O5uhaaa142HUIw98-f9mXa1spxf4ndRnI91J3ZOWBxPneT5ZLYzlZdkPLAL58kreSYn/s1600/Josh+Wilies+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovOHjWv-qGFfGaoiVQ_NhIMWhcUse75TSlRLpwnD46IH0KvhasL4XZzIAsGcdVZS21EQKxdMf6O5uhaaa142HUIw98-f9mXa1spxf4ndRnI91J3ZOWBxPneT5ZLYzlZdkPLAL58kreSYn/s640/Josh+Wilies+top.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Entry to Willies drop! - Photo Daan Jimmink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4gB8cvjFIhx_Ax7_SM4CTj0SH_bqGBmu349zp-vrjVwubAeT_Alhdx0eoijjhjFNKmpPqgO-ojCPVk17ttZFO11vypMgzrotB6OvVLqRcGq_H_BMDN0FG7Rv2kK6xuvfbEEQYvpeI_NM/s1600/Josh+Willies+below.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4gB8cvjFIhx_Ax7_SM4CTj0SH_bqGBmu349zp-vrjVwubAeT_Alhdx0eoijjhjFNKmpPqgO-ojCPVk17ttZFO11vypMgzrotB6OvVLqRcGq_H_BMDN0FG7Rv2kK6xuvfbEEQYvpeI_NM/s640/Josh+Willies+below.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Dropping into the bottom of Willies - Photo Daan Jimmink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTv9y7P0O1SY4gl2Gvu6RPrqaHAPKuKqYjvYAfOONvCNO5XYRDVt_F7DYfBVt8WnjQSLKvLf7OxUHG8x250aZYLexqiZgo3Bba78V7Y_-9FiRGN43I-Q3SqVdkGgTLtiQOh7bUlZPOqZa/s1600/Josh+wilies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTv9y7P0O1SY4gl2Gvu6RPrqaHAPKuKqYjvYAfOONvCNO5XYRDVt_F7DYfBVt8WnjQSLKvLf7OxUHG8x250aZYLexqiZgo3Bba78V7Y_-9FiRGN43I-Q3SqVdkGgTLtiQOh7bUlZPOqZa/s640/Josh+wilies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Bottom of Willies - Photo Tyler Fox</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wfWvHN8LIWvb8toGOux4rPPWbfN4X_3z287EeBveG2evBcIEDP38YCTo3z7iOVl99_-2Zf0GjmFk53EFbHj5Fk3saFvtVkuFZmRmbjDTSqMw6_MH6M-idjJYu9bdzgliw0mGkgpe7WMc/s1600/Tyler+willies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wfWvHN8LIWvb8toGOux4rPPWbfN4X_3z287EeBveG2evBcIEDP38YCTo3z7iOVl99_-2Zf0GjmFk53EFbHj5Fk3saFvtVkuFZmRmbjDTSqMw6_MH6M-idjJYu9bdzgliw0mGkgpe7WMc/s640/Tyler+willies.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Tyler showing us the line! - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Bottom of Willies, ALL GOOD! - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-Daan on Willies from below - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- End of day 1 but called Morning slide - Photo Tyler Fox</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnl5_CJ1MvWuOZaPWHGaMKJuk8Nvw8ErhpPyyaoxkPw-1_04NUDLFn3zBr9jVPza0Xg1oOLICVNk_Jh_ESI8iBq5MZ8ImMug_a6pxy5JDV1phhFTC50e73zRD5x-HVVvvZd072hcGNabEk/s1600/Jsh+1st+drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnl5_CJ1MvWuOZaPWHGaMKJuk8Nvw8ErhpPyyaoxkPw-1_04NUDLFn3zBr9jVPza0Xg1oOLICVNk_Jh_ESI8iBq5MZ8ImMug_a6pxy5JDV1phhFTC50e73zRD5x-HVVvvZd072hcGNabEk/s640/Jsh+1st+drop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Me on the afternoon 'Morning slide' - Photo Tyler Fox</td></tr>
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By late afternoon we made it to camp where we set up on a nice beach to watch the sun go down only to be replaced by the roar of the fire. Over night the river rose up the beach over a foot and we were soon in our sleeping bags for what could be described as a very very poor nights sleep due to over stimulation and a sever case of jetlag!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijD7vMMp08QzZvbzrjZz4049fkox1PbOWCtJ1WGF_qsBnTgM0_412x9g2TT2OkUfytepBupOCd93LhmvPK7dRLJWyRXdNjef84WAHVv8NHuU8uDil-Lpwy_A6jt1tLfynAoqpSI-Emu5Qw/s1600/Camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijD7vMMp08QzZvbzrjZz4049fkox1PbOWCtJ1WGF_qsBnTgM0_412x9g2TT2OkUfytepBupOCd93LhmvPK7dRLJWyRXdNjef84WAHVv8NHuU8uDil-Lpwy_A6jt1tLfynAoqpSI-Emu5Qw/s640/Camp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Camp set up with the water rising into the fire - Photo Daan Jimmink</td></tr>
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Morning 2 was a early start to get the remaining 6 miles to the take out over before night. The gradient did not let up all day and we slowly made our way off hundreds of sweet drops. We stopped for a bit of lunch below the cleanest drop on the river and laughed at how many rapids there were and how many we still had to go! This place is priceless!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jrdQRJ2CA4BjvPFmRS13q7DKtDMN5nQCM-KS_wynThohVcblwGEQkgl4dNmoZhBmpxf_9e7NunHnGSn__UTEQG3hsntEfJNurlWFbYLyxQeZvlnTa-WRS7agpea36VtLUlDug7Bjl8TM/s1600/daan+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jrdQRJ2CA4BjvPFmRS13q7DKtDMN5nQCM-KS_wynThohVcblwGEQkgl4dNmoZhBmpxf_9e7NunHnGSn__UTEQG3hsntEfJNurlWFbYLyxQeZvlnTa-WRS7agpea36VtLUlDug7Bjl8TM/s640/daan+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Daan on a nameless amazing drop - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6JfgepDs5bJZJ-kq51WAZsTkCrbnUd1oQgyUSI8pPsvxens9I0YrR3iLjihwEcwuA1zvRl-cY-tdAIf2TKdK7NtMOTqF0Ki9e0dhx4qGv6F632Bon4wQcIspmOgGUOGJIZ2axjv4k2wT/s1600/Daan+clean+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6JfgepDs5bJZJ-kq51WAZsTkCrbnUd1oQgyUSI8pPsvxens9I0YrR3iLjihwEcwuA1zvRl-cY-tdAIf2TKdK7NtMOTqF0Ki9e0dhx4qGv6F632Bon4wQcIspmOgGUOGJIZ2axjv4k2wT/s640/Daan+clean+30.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Daan getting a boof in before the portage - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicccnuqcM-TKUEOSvM36nh1_nKxzkEIUC0u1x3f-5pXyjDXCL2myYxULFyPdFxacl0r7S8_-B8H0Tl3TAOXTGBLURspXKP_Q1JlK0VRhER23CqZEF8VW0KUYUbj-8WKX6lN_pkO6f1HmWN/s1600/Tyler+boof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicccnuqcM-TKUEOSvM36nh1_nKxzkEIUC0u1x3f-5pXyjDXCL2myYxULFyPdFxacl0r7S8_-B8H0Tl3TAOXTGBLURspXKP_Q1JlK0VRhER23CqZEF8VW0KUYUbj-8WKX6lN_pkO6f1HmWN/s640/Tyler+boof.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Tyler Fox - boof, stomp, repeat -Photo Daan Jimmink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58wnGTdtc_ABf3-R8di00vbxUFN-mf-v2kungFV0FHhLToOY_CtwOqUGTZzMNr7csuM_QQ6tbnMIxB6n3hBlnBk3busEC6CGCC-Nny15_jA1oDY5hjyScnFwAS8orNVRyOP0Wk6NVSOar/s1600/Josh+boof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58wnGTdtc_ABf3-R8di00vbxUFN-mf-v2kungFV0FHhLToOY_CtwOqUGTZzMNr7csuM_QQ6tbnMIxB6n3hBlnBk3busEC6CGCC-Nny15_jA1oDY5hjyScnFwAS8orNVRyOP0Wk6NVSOar/s640/Josh+boof.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Clean Boof again - Photo Daan Jimmink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigC149SSvNLk9qWhwjPe431rvQ674d8UMeKmhoHjPDsoZdMDC9ZvmDgcGvB2darP7grWlyq-MPV2N1UNhGyRTN7e6LSJ0-6YJHYeZRY-WzPFaqPuMiUJ0oA1kQyntubLMhiXoVcv6CRqaD/s1600/Jess+clean+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigC149SSvNLk9qWhwjPe431rvQ674d8UMeKmhoHjPDsoZdMDC9ZvmDgcGvB2darP7grWlyq-MPV2N1UNhGyRTN7e6LSJ0-6YJHYeZRY-WzPFaqPuMiUJ0oA1kQyntubLMhiXoVcv6CRqaD/s640/Jess+clean+20.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Jess on the cleanest drop on the run! - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlZhFfA5C3Vy6Tw-BfUm4ysjN9djNqJo7a7jCNC5yzzZS06-EvaD4WI3fDJfMgsIUlcsBSm_FEemXmfNCv-NVilsJHr8z4K76kfqVUUJTtMJx7VRQx77a74S1QPUFlX_myNLyiu5nUAPb/s1600/josh+clean+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlZhFfA5C3Vy6Tw-BfUm4ysjN9djNqJo7a7jCNC5yzzZS06-EvaD4WI3fDJfMgsIUlcsBSm_FEemXmfNCv-NVilsJHr8z4K76kfqVUUJTtMJx7VRQx77a74S1QPUFlX_myNLyiu5nUAPb/s640/josh+clean+20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Me getting some creative Gopro shots off the back - Photo Jess Matheson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWQKHrEinj3LEYYFS6xHAC6CkxpVPWwCH9arN2O3_R5MHqL4JlfjdrgyoJF_SxMctTh5_4MQpmA8AEkoVWypW-VBNLauJMfGY0D5mTOu6VTYqpsacadSdKkTv3sSV7MeCHcPOeZwXtSIo/s1600/daan+clean+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWQKHrEinj3LEYYFS6xHAC6CkxpVPWwCH9arN2O3_R5MHqL4JlfjdrgyoJF_SxMctTh5_4MQpmA8AEkoVWypW-VBNLauJMfGY0D5mTOu6VTYqpsacadSdKkTv3sSV7MeCHcPOeZwXtSIo/s640/daan+clean+20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Daan going right - Photo Tyler Fox</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid63XkADtgUOjBhG_rTyGZS7Y-Z5f9-68MXaLWTY5No57Hs6-j9UjPNxP_BX_ZtcxulmnwrDiqG9Pe0-lrAiW651r95kJ2ar1GfVrMe9hp_XFJkmzrl7JX7myBs6k-14SnEw7EyhNdeIM-/s1600/tyler+clean+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid63XkADtgUOjBhG_rTyGZS7Y-Z5f9-68MXaLWTY5No57Hs6-j9UjPNxP_BX_ZtcxulmnwrDiqG9Pe0-lrAiW651r95kJ2ar1GfVrMe9hp_XFJkmzrl7JX7myBs6k-14SnEw7EyhNdeIM-/s640/tyler+clean+20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Tyler on the clean one - Photo Daan Jimmink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_rLwVL1u3lFa1myvbzr6DTcbaJrR3QaH0PtccxaMmDbBKb4dvBFyokjJhx3nsjk_UP9sG8gXB624NUqY5xOzeX278EIVwaQdyL4PiedCwO1cU1GsMOEjv_eXCxyhFm2XnU29Tm-Mct7u/s1600/Daan+nikkis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_rLwVL1u3lFa1myvbzr6DTcbaJrR3QaH0PtccxaMmDbBKb4dvBFyokjJhx3nsjk_UP9sG8gXB624NUqY5xOzeX278EIVwaQdyL4PiedCwO1cU1GsMOEjv_eXCxyhFm2XnU29Tm-Mct7u/s640/Daan+nikkis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daan running Nikki's drop - Staunch - Photo Josh Neilson</td></tr>
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By mid afternoon we pulled into the take out with the car waiting for us!(THANKS JOHN) We quickly threw a few beers in the river to cool down and packed up the car. The atmosphere was second to none at this point! Everyone had stories to tell about a number of rapids they remembered and after a trip of freeze dried food and protein bars we were all fired up for some fast food! I am hesitant to say that this is the best run in Cali for me because there are so many sweet runs but I think if I had to choose one river that stood out this would be it! 7 miles and non stop overnight granite boofs slides warm days amazing kayaking with good friends! Its good to be back!<br />
Cheers<br />
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Josh<br />
<br />Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-11407728903712201572012-05-02T22:01:00.002-07:002012-05-02T22:01:28.665-07:00Here is a little write up from the <a href="http://www.cumecmagazine.com/">Cumec Magazine</a> on my filming and path in life. Nothing too deep but a good read. These guys are making a great mag these days and its good to see whats going on in NZ and Aus printed for the world to read.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tH_ue-hW3rY_KgPww_Pv2W3AxBJNhbZy13khtiaPqv9FCxq4Qz7YCnADMPWu-Y-NFoTs4iN163UyGuF1Vp7O_cqqv5nJiAzadz1iVglNSdzNvsGpzad1d010t8sl8zV3NVGoCahhaa9I/s1600/infocus_issue16_joshneilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tH_ue-hW3rY_KgPww_Pv2W3AxBJNhbZy13khtiaPqv9FCxq4Qz7YCnADMPWu-Y-NFoTs4iN163UyGuF1Vp7O_cqqv5nJiAzadz1iVglNSdzNvsGpzad1d010t8sl8zV3NVGoCahhaa9I/s640/infocus_issue16_joshneilson.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
<br />Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-77724003286063482502012-03-19T04:01:00.000-07:002012-03-19T04:01:48.685-07:00NZ Freestyle Champs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Over the weekend</span> the NZFKC ran the NZ Freestyle Champs at Full James Wave on the Waikato River. I was supposed to be out all weekend on a filming job but that got canceled on the Friday so I spent Saturday working on my film and then whipped down to Taupo for the night and a few beers before the competition on Sunday. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLZAs3euJOsvs0qsbnLdhP3-lwED9pfCS0SKjIYcTafnMyj9HfgShlb-IooXftwk2PBg0RJmBz0-0TjyFxgL4QLImVVQRqJ1Rnx6PWJwTSkJvf_CAfO7ZqxBhqHhgIyYJ5Hs1aNNEqXVx/s1600/487608_10150632644783193_541733192_9406576_1668858303_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLZAs3euJOsvs0qsbnLdhP3-lwED9pfCS0SKjIYcTafnMyj9HfgShlb-IooXftwk2PBg0RJmBz0-0TjyFxgL4QLImVVQRqJ1Rnx6PWJwTSkJvf_CAfO7ZqxBhqHhgIyYJ5Hs1aNNEqXVx/s320/487608_10150632644783193_541733192_9406576_1668858303_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image - Rob Sperling</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sunday morning was a little slow and things were looking a little grim due to Mighty river power forgetting to send us water. An hour late everyone was fired up to get into the day! The sun made its way through the clouds every so often and the water was warm so things were off to a good start! </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrbFXkDSqus9gaPaOIVlau0iWFcKH3Wmt1-prsJnbVMjLTGiEWhG4lquhEyNNjarQLFsaPVzYqClo2sY_zGiZV1M7tzdVhoO-Ewx_e-Q3K5ga5EYImMb8pZErkmm2khAMIewB6ONiOUt0/s1600/301876_10150632641863193_541733192_9406558_2002500055_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrbFXkDSqus9gaPaOIVlau0iWFcKH3Wmt1-prsJnbVMjLTGiEWhG4lquhEyNNjarQLFsaPVzYqClo2sY_zGiZV1M7tzdVhoO-Ewx_e-Q3K5ga5EYImMb8pZErkmm2khAMIewB6ONiOUt0/s320/301876_10150632641863193_541733192_9406558_2002500055_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image - Rob Sperling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After the first round the numbers were cut to 10 for the semi finals and then down to 5 for the final. I qualified 2nd for both with Tyler Fox ahead of me going into the finals. My first ride in the finals was no good and I knew I needed just 1 good ride to win but that one wasn't it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi897UO-uCwmlfPI_igoWg9MDS2th9RnltmpHIZ1CRH8fdEaqWOOGlTvX7JTg7AV1h0WoictZMMcxqQEfljFfOZdTLgC_cWv9OtqOpBD0xZ6ihS0v89yC2hYThBeKBvjkjUHpgf-2Jc3BtJ/s1600/375168_10150632639213193_541733192_9406546_437732967_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi897UO-uCwmlfPI_igoWg9MDS2th9RnltmpHIZ1CRH8fdEaqWOOGlTvX7JTg7AV1h0WoictZMMcxqQEfljFfOZdTLgC_cWv9OtqOpBD0xZ6ihS0v89yC2hYThBeKBvjkjUHpgf-2Jc3BtJ/s320/375168_10150632639213193_541733192_9406546_437732967_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image - Rob Sperling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As Tyler and I sat ready for our second ride the music stopped and we put up a little protest till the sounds cranked again. With a sweet song dropping just as I pulled on to the wave it was all good. We had our 2nd and 3rd ride and then it was all over. The Stand Up Paddle boards came out and the topo duos and we clowned about for a while before it got too cold and we were too tired to paddle up the eddy any more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoh9R6kuYQRTe8c8hWU94Z3xx7oHI7iR0JCIq45vEPGfJOyPG953AHh2iF1J5fItHcrl1clvB-0KdUgCeVLKAXN9uvNISUfqq9Q5kHyDGeYGAallKJHYPIPtmJErMU-YYmTtXvcQjNPTa/s1600/485882_10150632636438193_541733192_9406532_279860138_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoh9R6kuYQRTe8c8hWU94Z3xx7oHI7iR0JCIq45vEPGfJOyPG953AHh2iF1J5fItHcrl1clvB-0KdUgCeVLKAXN9uvNISUfqq9Q5kHyDGeYGAallKJHYPIPtmJErMU-YYmTtXvcQjNPTa/s320/485882_10150632636438193_541733192_9406532_279860138_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Rob Sperling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We all gathered up the top for prize giving and one by one made our way to our homes. I have wanted to win this event since I started going to watch at FJ in 1999 and have missed out on many occasions. Stoked to finally win one! Looking forward to next year already!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuzDvkeABtfkcAuT9yDr1F7TOUhSIBKBjCHWvzGXlKIOFLnWhurAH_q5gIMfN0uCCCiW3grDKoXeoe1pTQWTL_sk7SPlR_Z_Fb2eQDglLpqoieJbIpIN2eVL0qTdDHWiyvUKR-PNd5M6E/s1600/305536_10150632641653193_541733192_9406557_1802347792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuzDvkeABtfkcAuT9yDr1F7TOUhSIBKBjCHWvzGXlKIOFLnWhurAH_q5gIMfN0uCCCiW3grDKoXeoe1pTQWTL_sk7SPlR_Z_Fb2eQDglLpqoieJbIpIN2eVL0qTdDHWiyvUKR-PNd5M6E/s320/305536_10150632641653193_541733192_9406557_1802347792_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image - Rob Sperling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Cheers to Brendan Bayly, Tyler Fox and Lou Urwin for all their organisation for the event and all the people who came along to support! Also cheers to Canoe and Kayak Taupo for supporting the event! Without these people events like this are not possible! Cheers to Rob for taking all the photos! There are heaps more on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150632636438193&set=a.10150632636083193.385840.541733192&type=1&theater">Facebook</a><br />
Awesome to be back on the river and having a blast! Bring on summer number 9!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">RESULTS</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Novice:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">1st Sean Curtis</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">2nd Chris Kemper</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Junior Mens:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">1st Andre Sperling</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">2nd Jaxon Webber</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">3rd William Dolman</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Open Womens:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">1st Polly Green</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">2nd Courtney Kerin</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">3rd Louise Jull</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Open Mens:</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">1st Josh Neilson</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">2nd Andi O’Connell</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">3rd Bernd Sommer</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">4th Tyler Fox</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">5th Brendan Bayly</span></span></span>Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-3943058201550677002011-10-06T12:56:00.000-07:002011-10-06T12:56:47.731-07:00Upper Ngamuwahine - Kaimai's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Earlier in the week we got a front coming over the North Island from the West and it tried its hardest to fill the rivers of the Kaimai Ranges but didnt quite have enough to get over the ridge. Luckily it did have enough to fill up a few of the catchments and we got a sweet run on the Upper Ngamuwahine. It was definitely on the low side of good and the boat took a bit of a pounding but fun none the less! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a couple of shots of the boys from Tauranga running the main section.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZk3oLWZK4-ocIFyWvznTbIgm0Vmw_l9Q5FGXw64mXQe0XknbzubA9s75WPbBHXxKfh6-RjIUTwhjc_l3IeZQxD8gWyD-XeTwwEV_tKLT2ndKImUt88rlC-jrVAirG81EPZh4mTnWGxX4s/s1600/Cole+DOuble+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZk3oLWZK4-ocIFyWvznTbIgm0Vmw_l9Q5FGXw64mXQe0XknbzubA9s75WPbBHXxKfh6-RjIUTwhjc_l3IeZQxD8gWyD-XeTwwEV_tKLT2ndKImUt88rlC-jrVAirG81EPZh4mTnWGxX4s/s640/Cole+DOuble+.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> -Cole on the top drop of Double Drop - Photo Josh Neilson</span></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8n_snaKKlWEocusfgU2_mS7ZoS5vMtxm-vI4FOAmK0Y5K73dgMn2EKWa71YsGGmiWt3KTc94WuQBwuCzpGdsj0fpIblcqPab0l1TEtXGamm1ivhpBXj8rJKMIUWPeCbYS0odppG6XqL7/s1600/Laurence+double+drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8n_snaKKlWEocusfgU2_mS7ZoS5vMtxm-vI4FOAmK0Y5K73dgMn2EKWa71YsGGmiWt3KTc94WuQBwuCzpGdsj0fpIblcqPab0l1TEtXGamm1ivhpBXj8rJKMIUWPeCbYS0odppG6XqL7/s640/Laurence+double+drop.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-Laurence on the bottom drop of the double - Photo Josh Neilson</span></i></div>Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-38567014298331829372011-10-05T13:33:00.000-07:002011-10-05T13:33:31.638-07:00The New Bliss-Stick TunaI have been lucky enough to paddle the new 'Tuna' from Bliss-Stick for the past few weeks on a variety of different occasions. First off was its home on the Kaituna where Sam Roil and I did multiple laps on the normal run critiquing its every move on the different drops. Immediately I was amazed by its speed on the water. It moves almost effortlessly through flat water. I usually have my Mystic seat right forward so I can keep it in control better but I prefer to have my seat back in the Tuna due to its large tail. Something worth playing round with in any boat till you find your perfect balance point.<br />
With the extra length and flatter bottom the initial carving speed in the Chute (rapid 1 on Kaituna) was a little slower than the mystic but I soon found a different style to make up for that. Speed across the flow was unmatchable though. This is the first weigh up I noticed between the Mystic and the Tuna. Speed across the water Vs responsive sharp eddy turns. <br />
Next up I was blown away by how well the boat handled across choppy, boiling water. It stays on top and glides over top and goes the direction your pointing and keeps that way till you change it. When the boat is a full speed here it is easy to make changes to your line as the nose is sitting high on top of the water. <br />
Then comes the first boof of the river... For someone my size this is where I expected to have troubles. At a whopping 65Kgs I sit a the bottom end of the weight scale for most creek boats so moving into a longer and bigger volume boat was a little optimistic I thought. But.. With that extra bit of acceleration and an uncanny ability to land beautifully I was now sold on the Tuna. Yes it does take the smaller paddler a bit more to boof but even with a little bit of nose up it scoots out of the pit again in a straight line of where your pointing and then the bow stays low and does not kick up or to either side. Even though its harder to get the nose up for me I now find myself boofing less as I know how it will react at the bottom.<br />
I then took the boat on 3 days kayaking instruction on the Mohaka River and it was great there. Fast on slow water helps get to upside down students quickly! Also the deck on the Tuna seems slightly lower than the Mystic so I don't seem to hit my hands as much and barrel rolling students is easy too!<br />
We took the Tuna for a couple of runs down the lower Kaituna run and have no complaints there! Especially when you have to paddle for an hour on flat water to get out. longer hull = less effort paddling!<br />
Now I know the Kaituna is a great river but one of a kind really. So we were hanging out to test it on something a little more characteristic of other rivers around NZ and the world. With a bit of rain in the Kaimai Ranges we set off to paddle the Upper Ngamuwahine. This is a sweet creek that makes its was through dense forest a lot like the Wairoa River. Big boulders and lovely sieves on every rapid meant we needed to keep on our toes. The Tuna had no trouble keeping out of trouble here. One thing Sam and I both noticed was we were now in a creek where the rapids are stacked on top of each other unlike the Kaituna and some adjustments were needed. Not with the boat but the way we paddled. Like I mentioned earlier the Tuna once boofed it lands and speeds out of drops. When drops are stacked up we had to make sure we didnt boof, land and shoot right into the next drop. This was quickly noted and adjusted for and we had a sweet day out paddling. <br />
I will be sure to keep you updated on how the boat goes and a video coming soon! Till then if you want to see how it looks watch Sam Sutton's run on the Sickline Race. You will notice a few of its characteristics I have pointed out matched with some amazing paddling by Sam!<br />
For now that is all!<br />
If you want to know more or like to try the Tuna out on the Kaituna then send me a message and Ill let you take mine for a spin.<br />
Cheers<br />
Josh<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDdOyWtvlcSF76Olb71BXlJoSi_FnlD4eJ78Z_BfuXmecxwUUBWaWPkWCS-65lp8wc8WB-3OF8n1onQQ3jzFq81yMo7yfKkKyypQRwAwD7D_2T77dAqd8RmcTcuArXPT_Rl9b5ey3moTP/s1600/Sam+Double+drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDdOyWtvlcSF76Olb71BXlJoSi_FnlD4eJ78Z_BfuXmecxwUUBWaWPkWCS-65lp8wc8WB-3OF8n1onQQ3jzFq81yMo7yfKkKyypQRwAwD7D_2T77dAqd8RmcTcuArXPT_Rl9b5ey3moTP/s320/Sam+Double+drop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- Sam Roil - Upper Ngamuwahine River - Photo Josh Neilson</i></span></div>Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711789515451436238.post-13690182979867263862011-09-07T14:44:00.000-07:002011-09-07T15:01:50.669-07:002011 Paddle Sports Awards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2Qp1iif_JH2Lnz3SQzUk8ckwOj1QDQ-vTA4PjsTtnLFNlGS5H9hT6cLG3Su2mMB9b9ywNbmiXpwBKO9WQ-DCwrvVh6VCFmHioDpmW4bhNN5UwZeYa9osVQLjCDGE47NwhdwcgcV1Dy1D/s1600/peopleschoice_blogoftheyear.jpg"><br /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">Last issue of Cumec Magazine</span> held the 2011 Paddle Sports Awards. The different categories were announced and people, sites, groups and businesses were nominated for each award. Once all the nominations were in it was half open for public judging and then the other half was judged by a panel selected by Cumec Magazine. The paddle sports scene down here is still relatively small but it was cool to win a few of the categories.<br />The First win was for 'Blog of the year' - This blog has been a way for me to share my adventures with family and friends and I'm stoked that people out there enjoy reading and using it to find other stories linked on the side of my blog!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2Qp1iif_JH2Lnz3SQzUk8ckwOj1QDQ-vTA4PjsTtnLFNlGS5H9hT6cLG3Su2mMB9b9ywNbmiXpwBKO9WQ-DCwrvVh6VCFmHioDpmW4bhNN5UwZeYa9osVQLjCDGE47NwhdwcgcV1Dy1D/s1600/peopleschoice_blogoftheyear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2Qp1iif_JH2Lnz3SQzUk8ckwOj1QDQ-vTA4PjsTtnLFNlGS5H9hT6cLG3Su2mMB9b9ywNbmiXpwBKO9WQ-DCwrvVh6VCFmHioDpmW4bhNN5UwZeYa9osVQLjCDGE47NwhdwcgcV1Dy1D/s400/peopleschoice_blogoftheyear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649738785408033058" border="0" /></a>The next award was for 'Photo of the year' - Now I have seen a lot more awesome photos throughout the year from other blogs etc and possibly they didnt know about the awards or didnt have time to send them in but regardless I'm stoked to have this shot of Tyler Fox in there! This river is one very unique river in the North Island and I missed it due to injury but meant I could get this shot! I cant wait to get in there this spring!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaLkeQ1prxnTKVBpWwf_bDV2Rm76bi15R3_BR3TriyMFiHRASoeV18LINd2q09lWbxFA4Zeomz6pOD3vwOqT66ZazuW_H7wX_0PwUeRySK7oxQE2i6onw6f86dQgsrEkIn0UJ6TFE9CnC/s1600/PeoplesChoice-PhotooftheYear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaLkeQ1prxnTKVBpWwf_bDV2Rm76bi15R3_BR3TriyMFiHRASoeV18LINd2q09lWbxFA4Zeomz6pOD3vwOqT66ZazuW_H7wX_0PwUeRySK7oxQE2i6onw6f86dQgsrEkIn0UJ6TFE9CnC/s400/PeoplesChoice-PhotooftheYear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649738786299990386" border="0" /></a>During 2010 I was stoked to go back to Thailand and explore more amazing whitewater! I was joined by Tyler Fox, Louise Urwin and Toni George and we ticked off some sweet first descents and returned to a number of runs that we discovered in 2007. Logistics were relatively easy, the food was great and the whitewater was great again and we are stoked to share the 'Expedition or Adventure of the year' award with the Papua New Guinea Expedition.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnhQ5zf-Gte8jPAVbaYy0-zlWanIMmhyphenhyphenNTqJffW0wKwtNyMB81XWxzGiAYBDG7KqEBLB4xTjNCSuof-aMoGnxwa7lIRP07M1_Z79-ff_umQFdDtAGDu9CCzFbcZ_EiyzW4-p538Ol3EUR/s1600/Cumec_ExpeditionOfTheYear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnhQ5zf-Gte8jPAVbaYy0-zlWanIMmhyphenhyphenNTqJffW0wKwtNyMB81XWxzGiAYBDG7KqEBLB4xTjNCSuof-aMoGnxwa7lIRP07M1_Z79-ff_umQFdDtAGDu9CCzFbcZ_EiyzW4-p538Ol3EUR/s400/Cumec_ExpeditionOfTheYear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649738784305668226" border="0" /></a>Josh Neilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157672890755209627noreply@blogger.com0