Zach, I'll try to give you a call tomorrow. My cell is 512 762 5898 feel free to call me. We are leaving about 3pm on Friday and expect to arrive around 5am on Sat. We are meeting at least one other group of 3 boaters. Right now, we have tentative plans to run the LTB and Pilar in one shot. Gonna try both runs on Sat and Sun. A full day of boating that is sure, but we must maximize our water time.
We can all try to meet at the Embudo Station Restaurant (Pilar take-out). This of course assumes we run the LTB, Pilar and Racecourse sections. Total of 25 miles. Figure we meet by 6am so we are at the put-in around dawn. I'll know much more by say about 3-4pm on Friday or maybe even tomorrow. I know this is a long stetch but I thought in the long run it would be easier b/c we can relax through the Pilar section and not have to run another shuttle to the Racecourse which will consume 1.5 hrs or so.
Afox, it really depends on how comfortable you are in Class III+ and IV- water. Most the trip will be Class III+. However, I'm told the Pilar gets nasty at this level and can be rated a Class V- above 4000cfs in one spot. Can't confirm b/c I'm no Rio river expert. Good thing is that the Pilar section is easily scoutable and you can pretty much portage most everything if my memory serves me correctly. The LTB is going to be huge wave trains, large holes you want to avoid but outside of that less technical then at lower levels. A lot of the technical lines will be washed out. I typically boat Class III-IV and do pretty well but I'm still learning, no doubt. Personally, I'm comfortable in the big stuff and have a rock solid and very quick roll. You have to make the call. If you tend to swim in III+ and IV then I might avoid it. Or if you aren't 100% confident in your rolling ability in combat then you might reconsider. If all the above doesn't sound too bad then join us. Believe me, I'm slightly nervous and my friend is more nervous but everyone will do just fine. I'm pretty damn excited actually.
Ntibbs, give me a buzz so we can solidify arrangments for Sat morning.
If others are interested feel free to call me so we can all make arrangements.
Devin
