Gila River - Lower Box, AZ,   March 13-14, 2004       Text by Sheila Shea         Photos by Chip Arnberg & Norma Miller

The magnificent 7, Chip Arnberg, Tommy James, Marie, Norma Miller, Heidi Lim, Sheila Shea and Dagmar Cushing put in near Clifton and kayaked nearly 30 miles down river taking out near Safford. It was the first weekend the weather had turned warm after numerous rains and accompanying cooler weather. We had an assortment of boats; 4 inflatables, 1 Lobo that Chip lent me, and 2 touring type hard-shells that Norma and Dagmar navigated.  Day one was overcast and dramatic. The Black Hills of Clifton framed our ride with cliffs, beds of spring grass, hills rolling back to cliffs and sandy beaches. We were warned of two barbed wire fences that crossed the river that would be problematic and came across them in the first hour, the barbed wire was felled and we got through that area.

The water was high and moved in a huge mass, brown in color, with class 2 rapids every few minutes, 1500 cubic feet according to the ranger. We could pretty much float and just had to be on guard to navigate the rapids and make neat right or left turns if required as the river changed direction.  At one point we reached the confluence of the San Francisco River coming in from the northeast. The water was dark and a different shade of brown. Dagmar got out of her boat and stood on the rocks at the confluence.  Later in the afternoon, we witnessed thunder and lightening with menacing clouds to the north. We found space on the west end of the Eagle Creek area to camp around 5:30 PM and immediately sent up our tents assuring that no rain would reward our effort. Sure enough the stars came out and breakfast the next morning was under drenching sunlight.  The highlights of dinner and the campfire were Norma's amazing steak ritual and hearing about Heidi's year at the South Pole. We retired early. Results of condensation covered our tents and gear in the morning however the brilliant sun and cloudless sky soon dried them.

On day two, we set out to complete our 30 miles; we had about 18 miles left. Cottonwoods were popping out and their green color highlighted the river. Golden California poppies, now with the full sun of day two, were wide open and carpeting the Black Hills. Willows dotted the shoreline and we had to hold on to them for anchors when we made a stop.  The rapids the second day were very exciting with some channels to the left, a big rock to the right with gnarly water to the left or with trees arboring the river. I had the sense of stepping into a dream setting.  We set off for the final stretch and more dreamscapes. By late afternoon the sunlight was speckled over the water.  Soon Chip noticed our take out and some had to make swift angles to get on the beach.

(click on image to enlarge)