January 2009 : So Fresh and So Clean

Two full crews attended each of ORTs adventures in January. Snow lined banks and invigorating icy waters provided just a few of the setting variables as we paddled the Upper Clackamas, West Fork of the Hood, Upper Wind, and Sandy Gorge on successive Saturdays. Our rookies and veterans were able to synthesize into a coherent whole. The new dudes learned quickly after swimming on the Upper Clackamas at high water week one, that stomping good lines by working together was much more enjoyable, and warm. Hopefully it keeps raining so we can keep training. It has been nice that on each of our trips we have been joined by catarafters and kayakers. Developing supportive river communities and running some rad whitewater is what this is all about. Teams are essentially a collection of relationships. Both become more if based on the virtues of bravery, wisdom, love, and friendship.