Just got back from a trip to California and was able to get on the Russian River located north of San Francisco. We paddled from Asti to Alexander Valley Campground. Some of my best friends in this industry live in these parts and they are always ready to paddle. Every type of boat was represented on this trip and smiles were plentiful. The water was low from lack of rain but we were still able to make it down the river without much rock grinding.
The Russian River around Healdsburg CA is just a lot of fun. Not WW, the gentle moving river has a few obstacles and fast moving corners for excitement. The wildlife keeps your eyes up in the sky and on the bank. Our trip was led by the Blue Heron in front of us who would fly ahead and then stop to fish until we caught up. There are several narrow sections that wind through dense vegetation and several side channels to explore if you are daring enough to see if your boat can get through them.
I thought that this section of the Russian River had a real nice current for instruction with several mild play spots for beginners to learn eddy skills and wave play. With a faster boat this section of river would also be a lot of fun to paddle upstream. We were lucky enough to have several schools of Salmon swim under our boats to show us how this is done.
Despite the traffic and pace of California, we were the only ones on this section of river that day. I'm always reminded how great boating is for this. Just a few strokes and you are away from everyone. Two days later I was in Sacramento sitting in a truck at a crazy intersection during rush hour. I found myself giggling that so many humans had made the decision to sit in their car on a chunk of cement and yet so few will take the time to see the beauty of the rivers that travel under the bridges they drive over.
If you want to learn more about this area of the country check out:
http://www.riversedgekayakandcanoe.com/index.htm
http://www.mrcanoespaddlesports.com/
