Rigging at the Upper Sauk put-in. 3 kayaker were there also

Al and Jim make use of the shade before launching

Looking downstream from the put-in at Whitechuck Mtn.

Just to verify my participation....²

Just below rapids at confluence with SF Sauk

Looking downstream at Forgotten Mtn.

2 kayakers thru confluence rapids. Apparently the third got spooked and walked back to the put-in

Looking upstream at Bedal Peak and Sloan Mtn.

Zooming in on Sloan Mtn.

Panorama of Upper Sauk valley

Took right channel as left was blocked...

Scouting shows some small wood here also, but at this level we just ran over it

Just to verify my participation #2....²

Riverside rock stacking. Obviously someone else was here since the last big flush

Pulling into evening camp. Wasn't sure if old spot just downstream had changed, and this looked fine. Tomorrow we found it was changed and unusable

Looking back at Mt. Pugh

Mt. Pugh close-up

Killdeer bird eggs. Mama scurried off and was getting nervous...

Day 2 - After a "crack of noon" launch, we approach the slide area where a previous portage existed (part of downed tree remains)

Approaching Rocky Road rapid with USGS station at right. Gage inset almost matches :)

USGS Flow - 07/07/2007 12:00 4.38 1,830 CFS
07/08/2007 12:00 4.19 1,600 CFS

Jim thru Jaws #1. Notice something odd?

Jim thru Jaws #2. Note both hands on left oar with right oar trailing in water

Al and Jim took out at Backman Park. After retrieving Al's truck at Bedal, then Jim helped me shuttle mine down to the 530 bridge, so I could meet up with Casey and his musical overnight camping event, launching at 5:30pm

Just to verify my participation #3....³

Evening shot of Whitehorse Mtn. from the big beach island camp below Margaritaville

Campfire #1

Campfire #2

Casey and Dave start the music off

Clint joins in....

Music #3. Jen also did a great job singing, but it had gotten dark enough by then that the pictures came out poorly. Pictures didn't do the evening of river magic justice

Day 3 - Morning panorama

Looking back at Whitehorse Mtn. as we break camp

Randy waits in an eddy for the other boats to catch up

Kelly floats past Suiattle confluence

Take-out de-rig

River communication at it's finest. Casey actually wrote this on my vehicle the day before because they had already launched from Backman Park, and Al, Jim and I were still unhurried on the Middle...

USGS Flow - 07/08/2007 12:00 5.54 6,780 CFS
07/09/2007 12:00 5.41 6,330 CFS