There is nothing finer than hot air and cold whitewater, and Durango has that in spades in May and August.
This is a whitewater rodeo paddler at the Animas River Days. The event is sponsored by 4 Corners River Supply, a long time business in this City. The owner, former Wildwater national team member Andy Corra, once lived in Fremont. (Funny thing, I remember being in his house, but I don't think we met!)
I had the opportunity to be a whitewater slalom gate judge. Here's a view from the course just before the start. Note the climbing hammock in the tree to the right. Definitely a great way to spend a few hours.
Nothing like jumping in feet first! Or, as the case may be, the other way around. This is a new setup for a smaller cataraft, as a two person paddle boat - looks like a great idea, but I think the final judgement may yet await.
Capping off this day was a paddlers movie festival hosted by 4 Corners - at the town art house theatre, the Abbey. 'Whitewater Gods' - hosted by the deceased filmakers father, Pete Miller of California (the death was not paddling, rather on motorcycle - however the risks maybe similar, at least when it comes to 'creekers'.) The second film, 'Hotel Charley' was also introduced by the film maker, Jesse Coombs - presumably of the Coombs paddling family.
The theatre serves alcohol, but Coors is not on tap...which doesn't mean I didn't drink a single one while here, Mary Cheney not withstanding.