Bob, saw the pics of the lost boat in the Hoh. Do you (or anybody) pull them out? And is that stretch of river a rough ride? Just wondering, thanks.

Im not gonna anwser for Bob but I float it regularly and with the low water if you dont know the way thru it can get bumpy. If your drunk and you do happen to make it thru, Theres still the Oxbow at the end that still might getcha...You wont have as far to swim cause the launch is were you'll hopefully end up! You need to be able to set your boat up in a distinct line and be able to hold that line while slipping between the rocks. At the Oxbow you have to be able to change direction in heavy turbulant water to miss a large rock that has claimed a boat or two. If you miss a stroke or two it may be just enough to send you sidways into a bad situation on either rapid. Make sure you stop at the Oxbow launch and scout the rapid first. Theres no way to stop and look once your thru the "S" turn and commited.
Good Luck

Before I start, it was nice meeting you Fishgal and Bob. Ok, well, I came up right behind Bob (just missed him) and saw the boat right after it washed out. It's a hairy spot, but nothing bad at all as long as you know what you're doing (and haven't been drinking). I've run much worse on other rivers (class III/V). At first I was worried, hell there was no bodies, an oar and tons of float gear in the water. Then, to make light of it, we (my girlfriend, myself, and my girlfriends Dad) gave the mystery floaters the name Bob (not for you Bob but as in floating bob). But, as we went downriver we saw a boot, their floorboards, and a wooden boatbox. I didn't know Bob was ahead of me w/clients until later that day on pullout. I kept thinking I'd find a body around next corner (which would kinda ruin a fishing day, dontcha think?). Once I found out they'd been drinking it pissed me off. Save it for the trailer/home after you're done, not before and while you're fishing. Hell, I even found a can of Heineken floating unopened in the canyon. At least they survived, hopefully they learned their lessons.

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There is nothing wrong with drinking beer on the river! Its if you don't know the river or you're so drunk you cant row correctly. I like gettin' a buzz when I fish but I can still row! You pay to play!