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Upper Mad River
Wednesday April 9th, 2008Organizer: Tony Shaw
Predominantly: novice WW
Water Level: medium high
Author: Tony Shaw
Internet Gauge (ft): 4.75
Internet Gauge (cfs): 1400
USGS Gauge Name: Moretown Gorge
Kayakers (K1): Jamie Dolan, Woody Dugan, Jim Fecteau, Jack Lee, Dave Packie, Gregg Punchar
Canoers (OC1): Eric Bishop, Tony Shaw
The flow at Moretown Gorge more than doubled this day, from 1000cfs early to over 2000cfs when it crested around midnight, making for a lively fluid flow on our late day run from Warren to Waitsfield. 8 people showed up for the fun. We spent 2 hours on the water, ending in the waning light of day around 7:45pm, with plenty of time to surf where it was irresistable, and time for a quick scout of the two toughest drops (Punchbowl and Butternut).
A throng of adoring women interrupted their book group (or was it a wine tasting?) to come out on their back deck to encourage us above Butternut, and we LOVE to perform!
Although the afternoon temperature in the valley exceeded 60 degrees for the first time in 2008, this point may have been lost on those who participated in the "swim-fest" from Punchbowl (where everyone ran river left) to the take-out. The "repeat offenders" were chilled by the end, but OK. Thank goodness for neoprene and goretex! Still plenty of snow up there in the woods, yet to melt...