232 Mile Rapid

232 Mile Rapid stretched wide across the river, a boulder-strewn maze where the current split and rejoined around scattered rocks. We entered on a clean center line, slipping between exposed boulders as the current surged and dropped through small ledges. A set of tight standing waves met us mid-rapid, slapping the bow and sending cold spray across the deck. The dory flexed and responded well as we picked our way through, adjusting angles quickly to stay clear of lurking rocks just beneath the surface. As we cleared the last wave and glided into calmer water, the canyon opened slightly, the afternoon light cutting sharp against the cliffs.