So I'm hanging out in Bongo Billy's in Salida with Clay Wright and Sam. Our Colorado trip has been an amazing experience, full of adventure and new stories. Today will be one of my favorites from the trip for sure!We went out to the Salida hole for some mellow, low water surf in the top hole. The water was as beautiful as always with the sun out and a big group around the hole, including the HUGE Experiences crowd. Out of nowhere, the Arkansas River through Salida rose from a low 900 cfs, to a stomping 1800 cfs in a couple minutes... almost immediately!!! No kidding!!
Clay described it best:
"in minutes - no more 'watch the rocks' and hello blunts and pistol-flip style Mcnasty's! But then some sticks come through. Then some logs. And within 15 minutes the entire surface of the water is covered with pine straw and sticks and the hole is a frothing mass of black and brown debris. We've got scouters on the bank yelling which side the next log is coming down on and the whole line just keeps taking rides. Now someone comes up with a stick through their PFD. Now sombody takes a log to the helmet. Occasional break as a 10'+ tree or 4' diameter stump comes through. And within 30 minutes the water starts to drop again."
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Fun day flash flood surfin' in Salida!!! :-) ... now time for a shower!
Boyd :-)
