paddling the green river 9.3.14.

After driving up from Dinosaur National Monument, we aimed at Ashley National Forest and the Flaming Gorge Dam.

We didn't know if we'd just drive through or camp for the night, but when we arrived, we knew immediately that we'd be spending the rest of our afternoon paddling down the river.

After deliberating our self-shuttling technique (a single speed bicycle over four+ miles of hilly windy roads) we opted to pay the $40 fee for a shuttle service to allow us the privilege of paddling at a leisurely pace down the Green River.

We paddled from Flaming Gorge Dam to Little Hole, using a shuttle service out of Dutch John. 

The section we planned to paddle was A-G rapids, maxing out at class IV at best (Christian says, "It was III- at best, maybe at high flows it hits IV. I don't know. If flows matter, find a hydrograph for 9/3/14.")

We were the only ones putting on the river at the later time of day, so we had a beautifully empty river ahead of us. This is the view behind us as we started down from the dam.

The day was a deliciously warm sunny day with no wind, making for a perfect late afternoon paddle.

The water was amazing. So clear that we'd often get distracted by the river bed passing below us.

He opted to swim and soon tried to convince me it was good idea despite the frigid water temps.

This was taken right before I jumped in. I seriously hit the water and flew right out of it as quickly as possible because of the cold temps. As a result of the situation, there is no photographic proof of me swimming this day, though I promise I did.

The beautiful red canyon walls.

We found a spot to surf some waves.

As we took out of the river in late afternoon, we met a fisherman that knew the area fairly well. Our plan to camp included a pay-spot up the road that was fairly depressing because of recent fires having burnt out any and all vegetation. He recommended a free spot down a dirt turn off one of the roads through the area on our way out that would lead us to a perfect place to spend our night. I can't recommend getting local advice enough. As helpful as the free campsite websites are, you can't beat the local's advice when it comes to a safe and free spot to park for the night.

As a result, we spent the night right off the main road underneath a beautiful sunset and some powerlines as we planned our route for the next day.

Loulou loved sitting and watching as Christian or I cooked in the outdoor kitchen space each night.