Party in the USA

With my California addiction kicking into high gear, I decided it was time for another road trip. It didn't take much more than mention of double run days and the Coloma Club to convince Melissa DeCarlo to join me.

After a quick detour to Gold Country Casino in Oroville to meet up with some friends, we rolled into Camp Lotus just in time to pass out in the parking lot for a few hours.
We met up with the Montana crew in the morning, making a plan to head to Canyon Creek. After spending some time figuring out exactly which Canyon Creek it was, we headed out to catch the one release of the year. This group turned out to be even more directionally challenged than the Christie and I. We lost our way several times, one of which took us on a Class VI shuttle in which we lost the boats off the car, but just once. There was nothing but smiles and giggles however, as we were jamming to "Party in the USA" the entire drive (with the exception of the brief history of Coloma lesson we received from Mr. Matt Parker).

Wait, did we take a wrong turn??

Oops! Lost the boats!

We finally made it to the put in only to take the wrong trail to the river, missing some of the best rapids. Doh! After a very quick, fun run we all decided that we would need to return the next day for redemption. Here is a short video of rockstar Katie Scott and the adventures we had over the two days on Canyon Creek. Yes, we saw Lance....and got free shirts! (consolation for having to pull over for an hour on the way to the river)

After a really fun run down the South Yuba 49 to Bridgeport the next day, it was time to start thinking about heading home. Boo. Melissa and I decided that we would hit up Pauley Creek before the push North and were excited to have fellow Oregonian Jesse Coombs join us as well. We had a blast on Pauley Creek, be-bopping down some really fun waterfalls and class IV rapids!

Melissa gettin' some Cali love!

photo: Ian Buckley

My boat NOT enjoying the Cali love!

Nothing like boat repairs at the put-in!

Getting started on South Yuba

Kate trying to straighten it out on the last drop of Pauley Creek

Once again feeling sad to be leaving California, it was time to go. Now it's time to think about Idaho, but there is no doubt in my mind that I will soon return.