...Seconds after Luc said something to the effect that 'the objective is not to flip (again) at the top of Hollywood' I said to Larry who was behind me: 'Luc will have a story to tell...' Not seeing them anywhere near the take out, I frantically got out of my boat with my rope, ready to run up the trail to where the big hole is, expecting to pull somebody out of it, while neglecting to help Larry, only to notice Jon helping Luc around the point in the lake...
For my part, I blew a roll in the first rapid on the first day. Rock'n'Roll offered a good whack at the level it was... No more 'out of boat' experiences for me though, after rolling practice.
This river is amazing. Only there, if you miss the eddy in Elbow rapid, can you drift by within about a meter and safely observe massive crashing waves and holes. Really cool to think you're this close to disaster yet feel completely safe. Way worth the drive, the bugs, the hangover and the two (actually three, including the hill at Scott's place) Class V portages.
Just mention 'Zipper' to anybody who's been on the river and see them smile ear to ear as they remember... One of the few rapids where you feel sorry if you miss the manoeuvre that makes you hit the huge green wave at the end..
--C.
