Tapeats Rapid

We entered Tapeats Rapid hoping for a dry run. With the dropping temperature and rain beginning to spit from the sky, staying dry meant staying warm. But the river had other plans. As we slipped into the narrow chute, a sharp wave caught the bow and dumped a surge of icy water straight into the front of the dory. It rushed over boots and pooled around our feet, stealing heat fast. We dug hard on the oars to keep the boat steady, working to minimize any more cold hits. The dory flexed as we climbed a few more steep rollers, every splash now biting against chilled skin and soaked layers. When we finally pulled into the calm below, we bailed water quickly, already thinking about how to stay ahead of the cold with the storm still pressing down on us.

 

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