hoto Essay
Rafters challenge Sandy River
by Von Daniel
Staff Photographer
Once again the students of the
‘Wildlife of Rivers’ class braved a
white water infested river. The
Sandy River was the choice of in
structor, Don Shula. The crew
chosen for the May 19th voyage
was Rob Servo, Brandy Shef
field, Tonya Lindquist, Jessica
Hart and Shawn Gilbert.
Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., the
students met at Oxbow park in
Gresham where they were met by
Park Naturalist Deb Kauper.
Kauper is somewhat of an
authority on the Sandy River and
gave a lecture to the students
about the life generated by the
river. She spoke of the traditional
runs of salmon and the impor
tance of preservation and wildlife
conservation.
From Oxbow park they then
drove to the “put-in” spot in
Dodge park. Kauper accom
panied the students in a kayak
on the river trip. After several
hours on the river, going
through Class II and III rapids,
they (Kauper and the crew)
found a sandy little beach and
stopped for lunch.
They were off again and were
nearing the end of the seven
mile trip when it was suggested
that swimming would be a good
idea. There was a moment of in
decision and then a splash. The
entire crew with the exception
of Don Shula experienced the
chill of the icy waters. An ex
hilarating experience but there
was a question as to their sanity
none-the-less.
Soon the rafters reached the
“take-out” spot at Oxbow and
were soon on their way to a
warm, dry home.
in® 3, 1987