Middle Fork American - September 12, 2000
Erin & Conni having fun in a surf hole!  Bill, Bill!  The boat is now a cool water jecuzzi!
RuckaChucky Portage Ghost Boating
The boat is released at the top of the 40 foot falls and caught at the bottom.  Lots of teamwork needed here.
1.
Bill, Conni & Carole.  Carole saving that brew!
Preparing for the Ghost boat catch.  Being the chicken that I am and afraid of heights, Erin more than volunteers to climb the rock, jump into the river, climb another rock and then jump into the boat as it floats by.
2.
Erin has already made the first climb and jumped into the eddie behind the rock she's climbing here.  I'm out of sight behind the big rock with a safety line, just in case.  With one missed attempt, a safety line toss and a save, Erin was ready to give it another go.  Last time I did this, I had to take quite a breather before doing a second jump.  How nice it is to be young! 
3.
One guide struggles to free a stuck boat from the undercut and another guide waits for his boat, Erin waves at mom for a photo. 
            
NO FEAR!!
4.
Once Erin is in position, Bill receives the 'OK' signal to release the boat from the top to send it down the falls.
5.
The boat drops down the falls and drifts toward the rock.  Erin prepares for the jump
6.
    And makes it!!
She now guides the boat around the rock with a paddle.  I wait until she gets in throw bag range to throw her a line and pull her & the boat in.
7.
A successful ghost boat retrieval!  What great team work!
After RuckaChucky and many more great rapids, the end of the day always finishes with a boat roll.  Great trip everyone!!
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