Report on Switzer Trip

Weather notwithstanding, the 2008 Cruise schedule is off and paddling.

Despite "flood" conditions the previous week and a precipitous drop in temperature, 4 hardy souls braved the elements on Sunday to paddle the North Fork of the Elkhorn. The trip is my traditional beginning-of-the-season paddle on the N. Fork, from Switzer covered bridge to the Forks.

Early in the week conditions were looking prime. The first of April rains which sent the creek up to about 1 feet over summer pool had ended and temperatures during the week hit 70 on a couple of days. However, a new system entering the area brought some minor rains (the heavy storms hit further south) and drastically reduced temperatures.

Ultimately, 4 of us met at Switzr in cloudy 45 degree weather and put our boats in the water - for me it was the first paddling I had been able to do since last August! Others voiced similar stories as their reasons for coming out. Getting started turned out to be the hardest part - that is - just deciding to take the trip. After we put on we found the biggest problem we faced was that at the increased flow level the trip just went too fast. However, we saw several birds, were accompanied by the obligatory Blue Heron leading the way and saw some sort of water mammal (mink?, muskrat?) that we didn't get close enough to identify.

All in all, not much to report except that the North Fork is pretty navigable with little sign of strainers and blockage at this time. A pretty stretch to be sure. Had we only had more time on the water with higher temperatures (or at least more sun).

Enjoy the season.