I first met Jim McComb standing ankle-deep in mud. It was February 20th, 1993, a record high water day for Arizona rivers, and McComb, trailed by three others, was marching through the slop to get a look at the high … Read More
We were prepared, in theory at least, for a six-mile walk to the put-in, dragging our 80-pound gear laden kayaks every step of the way. Thank goodness not all plans come to fruition. When it came time to turn off … Read More
I snapped a picture as Scott disappeared around the corner. And then I heard the sound: plastic on rock. I looked up at Pete. He had that athletic ready-to-move stance, and he was looking expectantly over the edge, toward the … Read More
The sun peeked below storm clouds, illuminating the desert in golden light. A rainbow arched over a projecting volcanic peak. It was all very auspicious, driving toward the long awaited first descent of Trout Creek. John Govi was at the … Read More
A subtropical airmass brought snow levels to over 8,000 feet, and dumped two inches of rain on much of Arizona’s Mogollon Rim during the last weekend of January, 2013. Paddlers hit the weekend water with a fury to match the … Read More
The clouds were starting to look bruised, with a hint of pink on their edges, when we took off our harnesses in preparation for the final half-mile walk out of the canyon. The imposing cliffs of Hells Half Acre Gorge … Read More