From Malaysia the boys headed off to the Philippines in search of seldom run whitewater and the potential for some first descents. The province of Luzon offers up some incredible scenery and awesome rivers to those willing to deal with their logistics. Transport doesn't move fast on the mountain roads and delays are common due to landslides and generally difficult muddy mountain roads. It wasn't uncommon to have a 50km drive take 6 hours. The team ran a 95km section of the Chico, the upper and lower Saltan and the lower Pasil before low water levels turned their attention to the beaches and catching some waves. The Philippines is a beautiful country full of friendly people. It has great potential for adventure, with a number of un-seen rivers with deep and menacing gorges waiting for a dedicated team to head in with substantial climbing gear and lots of time on their hands. The boys send a big thank you out to Ned, Steve, and Danny for all their help.
This past December, Canadians Ben Marr, Dave Nieuwenhuis and Patrick Camblin along with South African Andrew Pollock and Ireland's Nick Doran spent a month exploring the rivers of Peninsular Malaysia. With an annual mean rainfall of 2540mm there are lots of options and all styles of rivers. The group paddled some great sections with the gem of the trip being the first descent of the south fork of the Signor Mangaa in Perak Province.
10/10/2008 - On September 22nd Canadian Patrick Camblin and South African brothers Dave and Steve Fisher embarked on a 400km river trip down the Pekans and Moisie Rivers in north eastern Québec. Usually taking 14-21 days, these rivers have long been a favorite route amongst committed wilderness canoeists, canoes able to speed through the flat water but slowed by the many portages. This descent was self supported in whitewater kayaks with the goal of running all of the previously un-run drops. Because of the cold weather and limited carrying capacity of white water kayaks, the team was only be able to bring 9 days worth of rations (1200 calories a day) - they anticipated it would take them 14 days to complete. How did they fare? 11 days later they arrived tired and hungry successfully descending all but 2 drops, catching fish to subsidize their food rations and also hiking up 3 previously un-run tributaries to run more rapids.
01/11/2008 - Photos from the first descent of the Jalacingo and from the Big banana,Pezma,Tomata, and roadside sections of the Alseseca.
15/09/2008 - The Grand Canyon of the Stikine is one of most legendary and sought after stretches of whitewater in the world. Those venturing into the deepest canyon in Canada have often returned with horror stories of flash floods, snow, and epic hikes out through Grizzly country. This September Ian Garcia, Tyler Bradt, Rush Sturges, Evan Garcia, and Lane Jacobs timed it perfectly with clear skies and stable levels, here are the photos from their journey through this magical place.
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