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Equipment hints and suggestions:
From March to mid June, we require that each group member have at least a synthetic fleece or polypropylene pile jacket/sweater, (available at most department stores), and a waterproof rainshell. A farmer-john type wetsuit is also advised and can be rented with advance notice in Auburn from the Confluence, 530-885-1844, or from Dolphin Swim and Dive off Highway 50 in Rancho Cordova, 916-852-1747. Fleece is an excellent insulator, even when wet, and will help keep you warm. Cotton, on the other hand, is worthless when wet and should not be worn on the river for insulation.
Equipment Packing (2 day trips):
We will be packing all of the gear onto the oar rafts and carrying it into the canyon to a remote camping site, so it is essential that you keep your personal gear to a minimum. After mid-June, tents, bulky sleeping bags, and lots of clothes are unnecessary. On the river, the best way to carry any personal belongings, (rainshell, sunscreen, camera, etc.) is in a small fanny pack of waterproof dry bag. Also, keep in mind that you will be wearing a helmet and hats with big brims may not fit underneath - visors and visored caps without a button on top work the best.
About the River:
The Middle Fork is the American's most remote fork and every trip is an adventure. Our 1 day trips cover over 20 miles of clear, cold river through a near wilderness setting which is full of natural and human history, wildlife and exciting whitewater. The canyon is reminiscent of the Stanislaus, with wide gravel bars, thick riparian vegetation, and many side streams. The Middle Fork has a few intense rapids, (including the Tunnel Chute, where the river drops 25 feet through a 100 foot long man-made slot in the bedrock, and Ruck-A-Chucky Falls where the river plunges 30 feet over house sized boulders). Trip members should have previous paddling experience, and be prepared for a demanding trip. At the guide's discretion Tunnel Chute is run only in paddle rafts, and nobody runs Ruck-A-Chucky Falls (the rafts are portaged around; trip members should feel comfortable walking and climbing over boulders and rough terrain as there is no real trail around the rapid). Overall, the Middle Fork includes stretches of scenic beauty and enjoyable Class II and III whitewater, separated by intense, wild rapids which are exhilarating and memorable events. For those who have experienced the South Fork and the Tuolumne and who want another adventure, the Middle Fork awaits!
Additional Information:
Meals & Drinks:
ARTA menus feature fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats and the guides double as camp chefs. Dinner is usually grilled chicken or fish, pasta, green salad and a baked Dutch Oven dessert. If you have special dietary needs, please tell us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you. ARTA provides fruit drinks at meals and sodas at take-out. If you want alternative beverages in camp, please bring your own. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at lunch or on the river.
Weather:
The California Foothills enjoy warm to hot temperatures for most of the Summer with very little rain. Summertime highs can reach the 100's, however, it is usually cooler along the river. The Middle Fork run is immediately below Ralston Powerhouse and the water is always cold and clear. Wool socks or neoprene wetsuit socks are helpful.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend that you purchase short-term travel insurance that provides trip cancellation and medical coverage for you and your family. Please request a Travel Insurance packet from ARTA if you have not already received one.
Gratuities:
We want you to feel like a guest in our home and tipping is never expected. It is certainly appreciated, however, and is accepted as recognition of an outstanding trip or exemplary service. Normal tips range from 5% to 10% of the trip cost and are usually given to the Lead Guide who splits them equally among the entire crew.
Whether and how much you tip should depend on your satisfaction with the guide service, your financial means, and your feelings about tipping in general.
More Information
If there are any questions we haven't answered, please feel free to contact us. Our office staff enjoys telling folks about our trips, so don't hesitate to call 800-323-2782.
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