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GILA

3473 Views 11 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  kelly cranston, 
B
I wish I could cross post this in raft & kayak trip planning forums, I'm down for either. My raft and gear is loaded in a truck and ready, but I am more likely to kayak self support because it will be quicker. Doesn't matter. Just want to make it happen. This ain't really a beer float, speed is important...

The Gila is just coming off a big spike, and there is about 50% chance of rain thurs-monday.

I want to do the 39 mile stretch between Grapevine campground and just above gila.

I'm in Albuquerque, and I can leave tonight, put in early tomorrow.
I'd rather not do it solo, but all the regular criminals are tapped on vacation time and I'm thinking I probably will if i can't find anymore dirtbags for safety.

Any beta is way appreciated.
Anybody interested?
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bshock
Scott

I live in Gila, we got considerable rain this afternoon. Hopefully the river will spike again. Planning a trip as well in the next few days or week. PM me if you want some more info or want to swap contacts
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B
I don't think your PM is on or something, tried to send you an email...
It just started going up again. At this point I can't make it there in time to put on tomorrow, but could do Saturday. I really want to get on this.
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B
Ok, so I'm sitting on my hands here trying to find someone to go with...water is holding, probably will for another 4-5 days. I am now thinking of leaving tomorrow or Monday...anyone? Seriously good opportunity.
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B
OK PEOPLE. The water is coming up again. I can drive, I can cover gas, and I can get a shuttle. SOMEBODY LET'S GET SOME.
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Issip
I wish I could go!

There's no way I can go without getting fired, but I'm crazy jealous and would love to! I hit it last year, but prior it had been many years between runnable flows and to hit it this time of year is a treat.

I hope you make it and can't say how sorry I am that I have to work this week! Best of luck - there were no big rapids but seriously pushy water at these flows and river wide strainers that must be portaged in a couple of places.

There are a lot of bear so plan for that.

That's my favorite run ever - I sure hope you hook up with someone and take advantage of this rare opportunity!
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B
AND It's dropping. And still not a soul. PRETTY BUMMED.
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D
Just go Scott! Someone will be there.
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B
Ha. I am thinking about it, but tomorrow is a tuesday and the flow is dropping. will probably be unrunnable by the end of the week.
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D
If you don't make it to the Gila, a rare treat of the Arkansas being runnable in October appears to be on. Still over 500 cfs and holding. Nice weekend forecast ahead too.
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Issip
Bummer

That really sucks you couldn't find anyone - I had the same problem earlier this year when the Canadian ran. I was all lined up with maps and plans when my friend backed out and then I couldn't find anyone.

I tried for a couple days on the forums to no avail - the opportunity was so rare that I packed up and went anyway. I had a good time camping and scouting, and caught the rare perfect flow for boating, but didn't see any other boaters.

It'd be nice to build a group of NM boaters willing to try for last minute opportunistic runs on our local perennial streams - it's hard to get people at last minute and no-one can predict these rivers more than a few days ahead of a possible trip.
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K
just noticed thread

I'm down here in Glenwood and was thinking the same thing the last week or so but had too many commitments these couple of weeks. I am frequently looking for willing boaters here and elsewhere, so we should get in touch.
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