Tumwater, just west of the Wenatchee.
Some creative work can be just as invigorating as a riding the rapids.
In this case, I scored a photo gig for Blue Sky Outfitters last week, which included a trip down a fun river: The Wenatchee. Located on the drier, eastern side of the Cascades, the snow melt had already peaked but made a great experience for first timers like Eric and me.
My assignment was to shoot some of the before ride prep and then capture the steak dinner. Other companies have sandwiches or snacks but Blue Sky is the only outfit that does steak.
Wetsuits and booties all around!
The group was 80 strong, with about 12 boats to accommodate us. It was probably about 90F while we waited to get going, and the wetsuits seemed like overkill. However, once on the snow melt-fed river, you could take a dip while floating along between rapids. Even I took a dip (yes it was cold).
Eric, Sarah, Devon and Sarah.
Personal Floatation Devices – PDFs
Sarah and Devon sportin’ PFDs.
The launch spot upriver.
The safety talk – the Lead Guide telling us how to float down river should we fall out- feet first.
Each boat had a guide, who gave us orders to “Forward!”, or “Back” or “Right forward, Left back!” which would steer us into the frothy stuff or avoid obstacles, like rocks. There were two other couples in our boat, Eric & Sarah, and Devon & Sarah. I mention them on the outside chance that they might find this blog entry and see the pix I shot of them before we knew we would be in the same boat.
Frequently, the guys in front, Eric & Devon, would get HAMMERED with a precisely aimed wave, which only made them more compelled to get slammed with more waves. Somehow our guide managed to never get wet…
The weather didn’t stay warm though and soon the sun was behind a huge thunderhead, with lighting and thunder to go with it. The entire downriver trip was about 2-3 hours. Cold, wet and hungry, our crew had the grills fired up when we arrived for those steaks.
Did I mention steak?
It was a really fun trip. Thanks to our guide Mike for keeping our boat upright but fun!
Where are the action shots? You can see those here.