While the old saying goes something like, "Early buds are fair game for a late frost", that doesn't look likely this year. Spring seems to be putting in an early appearance around here, the East's weather woes not withstanding. Warmer temperatures, moderate water flows and daylight exceeding eleven hours combine to favor those enterprising enough to go forth with paddle and craft.
Of course, it should go without saying, the water is still cold, with its levels variable, and the weather is still changeable. Make sure you have the means at hand to overcome any adversities fate might conspire with the elements to impart upon you. In other words, the season still gives little quarter to the foolish. It is imperative that equipment, skills and judgment are matched with the demands of the conditions.
With reasonable precautions this is a fine time to get out. No crowds, yet, undisturbed wildlife, buds and new leaves springing out; the race is to the swift.
6:30 PM, Thursday, March 4, 2010
Boon's Treasury
888 Liberty St. N.E.
Salem, Oregon
Raise a pint and plot a paddle trip!
Once again, even in this year's abbreviated session, the legislature has tried to wrangle with the issue of public use/ownership of our waterways. Senate Bill 1060 attempted to sidestep the ownership aspect of the issue and simply declare the public right to useage. Unfortunately, the landowners seem to feel that the state's founders' real intention was to reintroduce feudalism, for it is only under feudalism that the ownership rights they seek to claim were granted. The United States was founded with the express intent of eradicating every last vestige of feudalism, hence the beds and banks of our waterways were claimed for the public, the same public which financed the acquisition and settling of the Oregon Territory.
SB 1060 tried to take a simple approach to defining the public right of usage. Unfortunately, the issue itself isn't simple when situations arise like a secure facility being sited on a riverbank. Combine that with the neo-feudalists trying to lay claim to all but the water itself and the bill was destined, like so many before it, to die in committee.
In January, Salem's Kroc Center started hosting kayak sessions. The sessions are held the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Directions to the pool, at 1865 Bill Frey Dr. NE, Salem, OR 97301, can be found here: http://salemkroc.org/directions The entrance for boats is at the end of the southwest wing of the building.
No new information has come to light regarding wood debris in the channels around Wiseman Island on the North Santiam, downstream of Stayton. The report on the Marine Board's site remains unchanged and third-hand reports suggest the hazards are still in place. http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/safety/navigation_hazards.shtml#North_Santiam_River__Linn_and_Marion_Counties
The new boat permits are now required for any boat 10 feet or more in length. The permits may be obtained online and instantly printed, (with a lot of clicking), from: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/index.asp
If you found the travails of Helen Skelton, reporter-turned-adventurer for charity, on her paddle trek of the Amazon compelling, you'll be pleased to know that things concluded on an upbeat tone: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8540207.stm