Yangtze Descent

Day 7

// September 15th, 2009 // 56 Comments » // Uncategorized

Day 7 was a short day on the river covering approximately 10 miles, however, the rapids were challenging as expected. 2 large class 4 rapids awaited the group requiring technical maneuvering to avoid the “school bus sized” holes. The group was able to visit a local monastery in the afternoon and settled in for another rainy night. A barking dog kept the group awake most of the night and Eric sounded a bit bleary over the phone as they headed out for Day 8 expecting a long day and several more significant rapids.

Spot Location Received…

// September 14th, 2009 // 15 Comments » // Uncategorized

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=33.5058,96.6914&ll=33.5058,96.6914&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Day 6 & 7

// September 14th, 2009 // 38 Comments » // Uncategorized

Another brief call from the Yangtze lets us know that the group has safely completed another big day. Day 6 covered 12 river miles pushing the group through more of the narrow canyon. Jason describes the rapid as “Grand Canyon Style” class 4, with class 5 consequences. The rain keeps on coming, but despite it, the group navigated the river safely and when finished for the day, visited a nearby village.

Day 7 is just beginning, and the group anticipates a couple more signifigant rapids. After the river on day 7 the group hopes to visit a monastery tucked away in the hills above the Yangtze. 2 more nights on the river…

Day 5 & 6

// September 12th, 2009 // 53 Comments » // Uncategorized

Day 5 was spent resting up before another big day on the Yangtze. Day 6 brought with it more big water, according to Jason Moore.  At one point the canyon narrowed from 100-150 yards to 30 yards. The large hydraulics and other large volume obstacles caused the group to complete a portage around the narrow section of river.  Before the satellite connection was lost Jason told me that they were beginning day 6, the last big water day anticipated. Rain still greets the group daily maintaining the high water estimated around 35,000 cfs. He said group spirits were high, but everyone was showing visible signs of the harshness of this expedition with some exhaustion and weight loss.  A monastery looms ahead which the group hopes to visit. Hopes for more detailed reports…

Big Day on the Yangtze!

// September 11th, 2009 // 100 Comments » // Uncategorized

I spoke with both Eric and Cheryl late last night and they recounted day 4 of their Yangtze expedition. The canyon narrowed dramatically forcing the group into the most tumultuous waters seen thus far. Class 4+, 5 rapids challenged the group with highly technical maneuvers and 10-15ft breaking waves. Eric recounted how his oars were bending 30% under the strain of the water and demanding river negotiating. The group navigated the rapids successfully free from any incidents of swimming or boats flipping. Relieved the group looked forward to a rest day, enjoying the sunshine and resting up from the incredibly exhausting day.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=33.7212,96.4022&ll=33.7212,96.4022&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1