ebb n' flow: Lars Holbek Memorial Summer

Some West Cherry scenery

On May 8th we went to California for what became the Lars Holbek Memorial Summer. I never had the pleasure to meet Lars but through his writings and list of first descents I gather he was one of the greatest explorers our sport has ever seen. I won't say much more, simply because I didn't know him, but I really wish I had. Rest in peace, Lars, you'll be missed.

The Lars Holbek Memorial Summer began far away, on the east coast actually, at a place called the Linville River. It was May 7th, the day Ryan, Sarah, and I were scheduled to depart and the rain was falling. The morning saw me tying up loose ends quickly in the hope to boat in the afternoon. A quick chat with Billy confirmed it, Linville is going off and must be hit. Unfortunately, our afternoon departure became a late afternoon departure as we left the Ingles in Swannanoa at 3:30. We got this. Paul gets a call from Wilson who apparently serious doubts the feasibility of our plan, but who wouldn't? Once at Babel we hurriedly geared up and scurried down the trail. It felt good to be on the water and paddling but the time on my watch made my stomach turn, it was 5:30. Lucky for us there was good water and we had a great day with only one misshap when Paul opted for the plug line at Cathedral. We arrived at Conley with daylight to spare for the hike up and outta there. Everyone was stoked to not be stranded on Linville in the dark and I was really stoked knowing the next day I departed for Cali. And that we did.

Thursday, May 14th-Upper Middle Cosumnes River

notice the gorgeous granite canyon

Ryan at the put-in

This is a great spring run just southeast of Placerville. If you plan to hit it and don't have a guide, check out Darin's blog at http://www.jscreekin.blogspot.com/ for directions cause you'll probably need em. Once on the river you get some cool warm-up until you come to a portage, shown below.