Richmond Sights

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It appears that they do this on purpose: they shoot under the railroad bridge, then — somehow — raise the bow up and drop their heads into the water before hitting the next waterfall.

The railroad bridge is after some flat water in the middle of the sequence of rapids. 

I know that the upper section is the “Hollywood” rapids. I’m sure the kayakers have names for every feature. I’ve seen some charts with circles and arrows and labels. 

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Here’s the view upstream from the railroad bridge. You can almost see the Hollywood rapids in the top of the picture, near Belle Island.

As a sailor, I’m more comfortable looking at that stretch of water. I’ve seen things like that in the ICW. It has no Aids To Navigation (ATONs) so it’s obviously dangerous. But it’s flat. All one color.

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Here’s the view downstream.

Yikes.

It had been raining for several days, so the water level is up a little. You can’t see the rocks. 

We’re looking forward to spring floods to see how the river changes. We’re not looking forward to next year’s hurricane season. In the past the 14th street Mayo bridge has been under water.

Yes. Bridge under water.

I don’t know if seeing rocks is good for kayakers or bad. Seeing them might help maneuver. On the other hand, if you see them, then the water won’t sweep you past them. Maybe next spring we’ll take some kayaking classes.

I think this location is six or maybe eight blocks from our apartment. It’s not the same as a water view out the cockpit. But it will do for now.

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

© Steven Lott 2021