Arkansas

The water was low but we still had plenty of fun enjoying the Royal Gorge at approximately 290 cfs. We put on at Parkdale around noon without a shuttle on the faith that we would figure something out in the end in Cañon City. None of us had done the run in over 20 years so we did not remember details but the rapids were relatively straightforward pool-drop rapids that we were able to boat scout without issue. Despite the low flow rapids like Sunshine and Sledgehammer still required class IV skills and featured technical lines. As we were coming through the Narrows we encountered a group in the middle of a boat recovery illustrating what happens if you get too close to the river left wall where large pieces of metal are used to reinforce the railbed. The boat was wedged in a solid 3 point pin and throw ropes and pulleys proved ineffective in moving the boat after about an hour of concerted effort. The paddler was able to flag down the train for a ride out and we all continued on through the gorge. We were at the take-out shortly before 4pm and did manage to find a shuttle back to the put-in.