Chelanigans - 2012

Chelan is a hard nut to crack. It can be a bit difficult to put a finger on the "why" side of the argument for partaking in the releases on the Chelan river.

It's far away (by Seattle standards). At close to three hours from Seattle, theres nothing convienient about the drive.

It's short! The run, from Lake Chelan down to the Columbia River, is only about 4 miles long. With the true whitewater taking up only a mile or so of that distance. 

It's HOT!!!! This is Eastern Washington, where the venemous snakes roam and they measure annual precipitation in pints rather than kegs. So why deal with the Heat, the Snakes and the long drive??

That's why.


This year (2012) was the first year that we, as Washontonian’s, were able to enjoy a scheduled release in the Chelan Gorge.

The past three years there has been a flow monitoring study in progress, that helped the local utility company judge our interest in the gorge (as boaters).

The Utility company and the City have tolerated us camping about a quarter mile from the put in, right next to the release gates for a couple of years now. Soft green grass and an easy walk to the bars reward the boaters who make the pilgrimage to the releases.

The Dam and Utility staff are about as friendly as can be, possibly being even more stoked than the people getting on the river. A quick signup and head count and you’re off, paddling across rock shoals with a quick warm-up before the gorge and 6 hours of your desired flow.

The group stops to watch the carnival start at Entrance Exam.

Scott starts the trip off with an impressive line, right down the gut.

Chelan was literally surrounded by forest fires; half of the county was burning down while we were on the river.  Suddenly Darren and Rob's  fashion statement seemed like a pretty good idea.

Burger lays treats better than Santa Claus.

 Sean Lee from CO routes down the entrance to the Exam.

Carnage happens.

Rob went back up for more.

Then it was time for the rafts. This would be the first time that the Chelan Gorge saw anykind of rubber outside of summer vacation.

Willie cleans house.

Then Daan Jimmink with an awesome line up top.

Mike Nash throws down.

Wait for it...

There we go.

Best seats in the house.


Ellie "I'm so bad, I caused gluten allergies" Wheat takes a turn on the Exam.

I love the contrasting colors in the canyon.

On round three, the previous night’s libations caught up to Ellie…

Due to carnage immediately downstream of Chelan Slide, on both days, I didn’t get to take any picture of kayakers running the monster. But I did get some sweet raft footage… Dan McCain and Company put together this awesome footage of the run:



Chelanigans2012 from Daniel Mccain on Vimeo.



Willie with some Class.
 
 


The first raft descent of the Chelan Slide. They opted for the right side.

Photo credit: Josh Sheldon



Photo credit: Josh Sheldon


The boys fire up Super Boof.

Photo credit: Josh Sheldon

Here's some pictures of the group enjoying Super Boof and Throne:

Everybody needs a personal cheerleader.



Photo credit: Josh Sheldon



 

 

The only good thing about this portage is that it ends.

Burger and Grafton looking at Pinnacle.

This year we got to watch Pinnacle get run multiple times, with Daan Jimmink running the drop twice over the weekend.  

 

Tristan lines up:

 
 
 

 Dan McCain and company also fired up the normally portaged falls up in a raft. I shot video the entire time but Josh Sheldon was able to grab some sweet shots from the lip of the drop.

Photo credit - Josh Sheldon



Photo credit - Josh Sheldon

 J. Bisson had had enough of watching and decided to roll the dice…
 

…and smashed the line.



 

 

 




 

Adrian showing us where to be lined up.

The boys navigate the Fat Lady, generally considered an off-river move.

Group bonding at the takeout. your sins have been forgiven.

The law holds true; all good things must end.

Nobody was eager to leave. Its hard to walk away from that much fun and camaraderie. If you made it out this year, good on ya. If you didn’t, thanks to American Whitewater, you’ll have another chance next year.

Till then…