Just downstream of the classic Opal run is the Opal Gorge section. It doesn’t get run as often as the classic section but is equal in beauty. My guess is because it has an unscoutable and unportageable rapid. And, when there is concern for wood, someone has to be the guinea pig. Also, the portage just downstream is heinous and scary if conditions are wet. On one occasion, my footing was slipping and my boat fell off my shoulder and slid into the river during the portage and ran Undertaker [mandatory portage rapid (unless it’s 5k cfs)]. It came out unscathed fortunately. This day, the sun was shining, rocks were dry, and we increased the safety of the river left portage by hammering in some pitons and connecting rope to aid in the portage.
Christoper Paulo
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