Sapphire Rapids

Sapphire Rapid greeted us with a shimmering, lively stretch of river where the current gathered speed and danced through a series of smooth waves and scattered rocks. From upstream, the water sparkled under the midday sun, casting flashes of light that rippled across the canyon walls. We guided the dory into the main flow, feeling the boat accelerate into a rolling sequence of wave trains that lifted and dropped us in a steady rhythm. The waves here were smaller and friendlier than some of the giants upstream, but they still sent cool sprays over the bow and tested our balance with each rise and fall. The dory moved fluidly, flexing and shifting beneath us as we slipped past exposed rocks and swirled through boils that tugged at the oars. Beneath the surface, we could sense the subtle pull of currents threading between hidden boulders, keeping us attentive with steady adjustments. The canyon walls framed the rapid with bands of red rock and bright desert vegetation clinging to ledges high above. Sapphire had a crisp, sparkling energy that carried us smoothly forward, a welcome contrast to the heavy hitters we had faced earlier. As the waves softened and we floated into calmer water, we shared easy smiles, appreciating the light touch and steady momentum of the run.