The last week has been packed full of stunning scenery and amazing waterfalls. We arrived at the Rio Claro (Clear River) and immediately headed downriver to check out the Entre Saltos (Middle Drops). The run looked amazing, crystal clear water plunging over basalt rock and flying through tight canyons. We couldn’t wait to hop on the river the next day. Upon our return to the car we unloaded the trailer and found our rooms. Each room was relatively small with a bunk bed and a larger bed against the opposite wall. The boys divided into groups o three and split up. Everyone was exhausted and couldn’t wait for dinner. The meal was excellent. Every meal at Hosteria La Flor De La Canela was delicious and filling. We were always being well nourished and felt energized during the day.
As the next day rolled around, everyone awoke at about 7:55 and rolled out of bed just in time for morning workout. After about half an hour of pushups and crunches, we got some breakfast. At 9 our school day had started. 1st period was in motion and most of us were in Physics class working on our review projects. Because Mid-Terms are here we are doing review activities and enforcing our knowledge for the exams.
At the end of third period we headed to the dining room once again for a delicious meal and to hear the plan for the rest of the day. We decided to take the rest of the day off and after lunch gear up. We put in just above the bridge about 100 meters from where we slept. The Entre Saltos section is a class II-IV run that has an amazing, beautiful canyon wall. We took it slow, scouting and running or portaging every drop. The day went well and we were sad to take out. We hiked home and unloaded our gear, showered and got ready for dinner and homework. Lots of great pictures were taken that day and it was a great success.
Every day went similarly to the first day, half a day and paddle. The next day I did the Siete Tazas with most of the group, some of the group hiked up to run the Vientedos Saltos. (22 Drops) The Siete Tazas is a series of 7 clean drop ranging from 4 foot boofs to 20 ft waterfalls. Every drop is unimaginably clean and everyone did well and no one got hurt.
We were all very sad to leave the Claro, but our faith in Dave reassured us that the next destination would be just as amazing. We took a two hour van drive to a bus stop where we hoped onto a bus and ended up in front of a very nice hotel. We are traveling to the Ache Bueno today and can’t wait to see the river!
Here are some pictures to give you an idea of what this river is all about. (photo credit to Zoe, Taylor and Melina)
