2012 In a Nut Shell

Things have been pretty mellow around the Into The Outside Headquarters for the last few weeks. Matt's been paddling down in Ecuador and Argentina (reports to come) and weather hasn't really be cooperating here in the PNW. The abnormally dry January and February did allow for some nice days on the Little White, but there just hasn't been enough water to bring in anything noteworthy. I did have a fun day out on Hagen last week with a rather stompy flow, but that window closed nearly as quickly as it had opened.

The lack of water has left us at Into the Outside with a proverbial paper jam. PC Load Letter, what the %$#@ does that mean? With that in mind, I began going over some of the trip reports that I started, but never got around to finishing. After searching for awhile, I decided to combined a few of the highlights from 2012 into one gift wrapped photo dump and treat you all to a casual Friday send off.

disclaimer: This is really mu personal summary of 2012. Both Jacob and Matt were able to get on some amazing rivers of their own.

The year started off in fine form:  Punch Bowl Falls, Eagle Creek, OR

Before too long, heavy rain brought the Little Klickitat up to an amazing flow. Dan Rubado demonstrates how to punch a hole at 1400cfs. 

In what would become a theme for 2012, I found myself on McCoy at a juicy level. 

The morning after at the NW Creeking Competion. Racers keeping themselves in peak physical condition with the breakfast of champions. PBR.

Given the crummy snow-pack in California, we headed South earlier than folks usually do and were rewarded with perfect flows on the Middle Feather and South Branch. Late April in Cali!

Late spring means Little White Salmon! Rubado basking below Spirit.

We managed to catch a late season Robe lap on our Northern Exposure trip in July. Brett Barton runs Catcher's Mitt while I get ready to sneak to the right.

After Robe, we decided to make for better weather and spent a day on the Cooper River in Central Washington. JD Gaffney checking out from Norm's Resort.

Somehow, we decided it would be a good idea to hike into Salmon River Canyon from the bottom up. Poor decision, next time we'll bring two cars and do the long shuttle. Alex Kilyk mid-suffer-fest.

Final Falls to the Left and Vanishing Gorge to the Right

 Late summers means it's time to head up Highway 12 into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Two of my favorite rivers in the world come in just as everything else is falling out: The Ohanapecosh and the Upper Upper Cispus.

A bustling secret camp on the Ohane.

A random hero dropping through triple drop on the Ohanapecosh.

Jacob with a perfect line on the Upper Upper.

Fall/Winter boating is always means cold temps and obscure rivers. John Edwards on the hike into Silver Creek near Salem, OR.

That about sums up my kayaking in 2012. I was able to get on quite a few new rivers (which is always the best part of kayaking) and kept the carnage to a minimum. 2013 is already well underway and I can't wait to get into the thick of boating season. So many rivers remain on my list and with any luck, I'll be able to knock a few off by the time 2013 comes to a close. I'm looking at you Hoffstadt...

Until next time!

Best regards,

Nate