September 25, 2008

By Darin McQuoid

The Middle Fork of the Kings River is one of the most epic runs in the world. It drops over 7,000 feet in forty miles of wilderness, and requires an epic fourteen mile hike in over a 12,000 foot pass. Ben and I had just finished our first descent of Fish Creek and the next day embarked on the eight hour shuttle for the Middle Kings. I had not seen Eric Seymour since our explorations in Mexico a few years ago, and was very excited to be on the water with him again. I am still astounded how he and Gary paddled Middle Kings straight off the couch. We'd also be joined by Colorado legends Forrest Noble and Gary Edgeworth, and Southwest boaters Rolf Kelly and Tim Kelton. Everything about the run was epic, from the hike in to the rapids. There was minimal portaging, and Ben Stookesberry ran the last, previously un-run slide on Middle Kings, way to go Ben! The scenery was astounding, the Heros and Super Heros were great performers (and relatively light to hike with). This was the perfect final piece of the puzzle to our "weekend" spring mission, and I feel lucky to have experienced such a flurry of expedition paddling, with awesome people the whole time.

Darin