TUOLUMNE RIVER TRIPS

Transcription

1 Whitewater Voyages TUOLUMNE RIVER TRIPS Designated a National Wild and Scenic River, the Tuolumne offers the finest in Class IV whitewater in a canyon of pure wilderness. The mesmerizing Tuolumne plunges steeply in a frolicsome, tangled pattern through beaches, campsites rich in goldrush history, side-canyon water slides and swimming holes. TRIP MEETING TIME: WEATHER: (Zip 95321) Classic 1-day Trips 8:00 a.m. Classic 2-day & 3-day Trips 8:00 a.m. WATER FLOWS: Classic 2½- Day Trips 2:00 p.m. TRIP MEETING SITE: Main Reservations Office (not a trip meeting site) La Casa Loma Café & Store Whitewater Voyages, Inc Casa Loma Rd San Pablo Dam Rd. Off Ferretti Road El Sobrante, CA Groveland, CA Phone (800) Fax (510) LOCAL PHONE fun@whitewatervoyages.com Whitewater Voyages High Sierra Office (209) Website DIRECTIONS TO MEETING SITE Please DO NOT GPS directions you will end up in the wrong place! From the Bay Area 1) Highway 580 East to Tracy 2) In Tracy, 580 becomes Highway 205. Follow 205 to Manteca. At Manteca 205 becomes Highway 120 3) Follow 120 East to Groveland. Stay on 120 through the town of Groveland 4) Seven miles east of Groveland turn left onto Ferretti Road. (Ferretti Road is a giant loop; the first opportunity to turn onto Ferretti is just outside of Groveland pass this up and proceed the seven miles to the second opportunity to turn left onto Ferretti Road) 5) After turning onto Ferretti make an immediate left onto La Casa Loma Road 6) Parallel park on Ferretti Road From the Fresno Direction 1) Highway 99 North 2) Just past Merced head northeast on J59 3) J59 takes you through the town of Snelling 4) Continue on J59 through Snelling to the town of La Grange 5) At La Grange take Highway 132 East towards Coulterville 6) In Coulterville take Highway 49 North and travel approx 15 miles until it hits Highway 120 7) Take Highway 120 East towards Groveland 8) Once on Highway 120, follow directions from step #3 above

2 Whitewater Voyages TUOLUMNE RIVER TRIPS CAMPING LOCAL MOTELS There are U.S. Forest Service campgrounds located in the area. These campgrounds are often filled first come, first serve. The Groveland Ranger Station can provide further information. Columbia RV Park (209) Pine Mountain Lakes (209) River Ranch Campground (209) Sparks Ranch Resort (209) Sugar Pine Ranch (209) Yosemite Lakes (209) Yosemite Pines (209) Yosemite Ridge (209) Groveland Ranger Station (530) Groveland Visitor s Bureau (800) or (209) Columbia Inn Motel.. (209) Evergreen Lodge... (800) Groveland Hotel.. (800) Groveland Motel (budget priced).. (209) Harlan House... (209) Hotel Charlotte.... (209) Alpenglo Bed & Breakfast. (209) Berkshire Bed & Breakfast. (888) City Hotel. (209) Gunn House Hotel... (209) Please check the booking and cancellation policy before making your reservation. Some facilities require minimum two-night stays. Early booking is recommended. Additional camping information and links can be found on our website at Please do not take your car keys with you on the river. You may have our staff keep them in the trip dry bag. WET SUITS Wet suits are typically required through May. Occasionally, cool weather occurs after May and a wet suit may be needed. Wet suits rentals should be reserved, pre-sized and prepaid with our main office at (800) If you have your own wet suit you are welcome to use it. Paddle jackets are included with wet suit rental (paddle jackets may be rented separately) however booties are not included and are not available for rent please bring sturdy, warm shoes and wool socks. Please see the separate chart for information concerning rental items, pricing and wet suit sizing. MEALS One-Day Trips Lunch-variety breads, deli-meats, cheese, vegetables, fruit, cookies and punch. Multi-Day Trips All meals from lunch the first day through lunch on the final day Menu: Lunch-variety breads, deli-meats, cheese, vegetables, fruit, cookies and punch. Happy hour with moderate alcoholic beverages. Dinner-barbeque steak and chicken or fish, chef s rice pilaf or potatoes, salad, vegetables, French bread, fireside dessert. Breakfast-eggs, sausage or bacon, muffins, fruit, yogurt, juice. Vegetarians usually find sufficient accommodation however special requests are accepted and should be submitted to the main reservations office.

3 2008 WET SUIT ARRANGEMENTS Trip Always Required Required Through May & Cool Weather Pre-Size w/ Booking Office Pre-Pay w/ Booking Office Size At River Pay at River American South Fork Yes Yes Yes American Middle Fork Yes Yes Yes American North Fork Yes Yes Yes Kaweah Yes Yes Yes Kern Lower & Upper Yes Yes Yes Kern Forks * Yes Yes Yes N/A Kern Thunder Run * Yes Yes Yes N/A Kings All Trips * Yes Yes N/A N/A Merced Yes Yes Yes Tuolumne Yes Yes Yes Yuba - Lower Yes Yes Yes Yuba Upper* Yes Yes Yes N/A * There is no charge for wet suits on Class V trips or Kings River trips. If you have your own wet suit you are welcome to use it. Voyages wet suits are 3mm-thick Farmer John neoprene with nylon paddling jacket. Wet suits should be worn over bathing suit, lightweight non-cotton shorts or polypropylene long underwear. We recommend wearing baggy shorts over your wet suit to reduce slipping on raft. Wet suit rentals do not include booties. We recommend tennis shoes with thick wool or polypropylene socks. Water-sock type slippers do not provide adequate protection. Please note that wearing any cotton with your wet suit will make you colder. A hat is recommended during cool weather either wool or an alternate insulating material. WET SUIT SIZING Height Range Weight Range Size Small Medium Large XLarge XX Large RENTAL ITEMS PRICING 1/2 Day 1 Day 2 Days 3 Days Wetsuit Paddle Jacket Only Night 2 Nights Trips other than Kings River: Sleeping Bag & Pad Tent (2-person) Kings River Trips: Sleeping Bag & Pad Tent (2-person) WHITEWATER VOYAGES (800)

4 Whitewater Voyages GENERAL INFORMATION / CANCELLATION POLICY Whitewater Voyage will establish a reservation for you on a tentative basis. Depending on the date on which you make the reservation and the date of the trip, a due date is set for the non-refundable deposit required to confirm the reservation (typically 10 days from the date the reservation is made). Once confirmed by a deposit your reservation is guaranteed. Any balance beyond the deposit amount is due 30 days prior to the trip. Please note that all payments are non-refundable and subject to the cancellation/trip credit policy outlined below. Payments may me made by phone with a credit or debit card or by mail with a check or credit card instructions. If making a payment by mail, please indicate the reservation number or trip date/river/reservation name so that your payment can be applied accurately. Please understand that when a reservation is made with Whitewater Voyages it is a commitment for us to hold space for you and possibly turn others away from that particular trip date. The agencies that manage and govern the rivers hold permitted outfitters to strict policies including the prohibition of double-booking or over-booking trip space; once you reserve trip space we must remove that space from the market. Some agencies require that anticipated unused space be reported prior to trip dates (meaning a penalty is imposed on Whitewater Voyages when trip space that is expected to be filled goes unutilized by no shows ). When we make a reservation for you that you secure with nonrefundable payment it becomes an assured/guaranteed reservation. If you decide to cancel, we may not be able to rebook the space especially in the case of cancellations made close to the departure date. With this is mind we must be firm in adhering to the following cancellation/refund policy. No refunds for cancellations, late arrivals that miss trip departure, or no shows. If you must cancel you will receive a credit for a future Whitewater Voyages trip as follows: If you cancel at least 60 days prior to the trip: 90% trip credit at least 30 days prior to the trip: 50% trip credit at least 10 days prior to the trip: 20% trip credit less than 10 days prior to the trip and before 5:00 pm the last weekday prior to the trip: 10% trip credit no credit for cancellations after 5:00 pm the last weekday prior to the trip no credit for no shows There are no exceptions to these terms. You may, however, substitute another person in your place without penalty. We regret that exceptions cannot be made for personal emergencies or illness. For this reason we urge our guests to purchase trip cancellation insurance when making reservation. Trip Cancellation Insurance ( ). You may choose to switch rivers from the one selected in your original reservation for a transfer fee of $25 per person. Whitewater Voyages is not liable for any other costs incurred in association with a reservation for a cancelled trip. Whitewater Voyages assumes no liability for damages or losses incurred in the course of, or associated to your trip. In the event that circumstances (extreme weather, water fluctuations or factors beyond our control) necessitate a trip to be Cancelled by Whitewater Voyages a full refund or trip credit will be made limited to the actual amount paid to Whitewater Voyages. Safety is our primary concern we ask that participants not consume alcoholic beverages or substances that impair their judgment or physical dexterity in a reasonable period of time prior to getting on the water. Minors under 18 not accompanied by their parent or legal guardian must bring to the river a release form signed by their parent or legal guardian. Adults accompanying minors must also sign the release as a verification of the parent/guardian signature.

5 WHITEWATER VOYAGES RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT This is a release. Read it carefully before signing. This release essentially states that I know I am going on a whitewater rafting trip in a wilderness/outdoor environment -- not on an amusement park ride or to an air-conditioned shopping mall. As a result of the inherent risks in this activity, I know I may die, get hurt, or damage my belongings. If any of these occur, I understand that I cannot make a claim, sue, or expect WHITEWATER VOYAGES, its owners, officers, agents, employees, associates, the State of California, its Department of Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Placer County Water Agency, and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (hereinafter referred to collectively as WHITEWATER VOYAGES) to be legally responsible or pay for any damages. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF RISKS: I, the undersigned, hereby acknowledge that I have voluntarily chosen to go on this whitewater rafting trip with WHITEWATER VOYAGES. Certain risks are inherent in any recreational activity and cannot be eliminated, altered, or controlled, and these risks that contribute to the unique character of the activity can also be the cause of injury, illness, death, and damages. I know and fully understand that a whitewater rafting trip, whether on a raft, oar boat, kayak, or any other type of vessel, is an outdoor adventure activity in wilderness environment with inherent risks and hazards where serious accidents can occur, participants can die, sustain injuries and property damage. Also, I understand that Class IV and V represent the most difficult and dangerous levels of whitewater and recognize that the risks associated with whitewater rafting are greatly increased. I acknowledge and willingly assume all risks and hazards in whitewater rafting and river-related camping from the pre-embarkation rendezvous until the conclusion of the trip, including, but not limited to, (1) loss of control of the raft, falls in, out, or about the raft, collision with other participants, equipment, other rafts, rocks, trees, and any portion of the interior of the raft, and any other man-made or natural obstacles, whether obvious or not; (2) judgment, decision-making and conduct of the guides; (3) submersion in water, drowning; (4) encounters with animals, wildlife and insects; (5) exposure to wilderness environment, extreme temperatures, and inclement weather, remote areas, wilderness terrain, including travel by foot or vehicle in any way related to this activity, whether at camp or elsewhere; (6) assistance in lifting and/or carrying rafting equipment; (7) rescue-related injuries; and (8) unavailability of immediate and appropriate medical attention in case of injury. I further understand and acknowledge that WHITEWATER VOYAGES provides foot cups in some of its boats to assist participants in stabilizing themselves. The use of foot cups may present an increased risk of knee, ankle, or other injuries because of their restrictive nature. Use of foot cups is totally voluntary. I understand and acknowledge that the above list is not complete or exhaustive, and that other risks, known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, may also exist and result in injury, illness, disease, death or damage. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary and I elect to do so at my own risk. RELEASE: In consideration for WHITEWATER VOYAGES allowing me to participate on this trip, I voluntarily agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless WHITEWATER VOYAGES and for any and all claims of liability arising out of their negligence, fault, recklessness, or any other act or omission which causes the undersigned illness, injury, disease, death, and damages of any nature in any way connected with my participation in this rafting activity. I also expressly agree to release and discharge WHITEWATER VOYAGES from any act or omission of negligence in rendering or failing to render any type of rescue, emergency or medical services. In signing this document, I fully recognize and understand that if I (or any minor on whose behalf I am signing this release) am hurt, die, or my property is damaged, I am giving up my right to make a claim or file a lawsuit against WHITE WA TER VOYAGES, even if they negligently or by some other act or omission cause the injury or damage. I further agree, to hold harmless, defend, and indemnify WHITEWATER VOYAGES from all defense costs, including attorney's fees incurred in connection with claims for bodily injury, wrongful death, or property damage, sustained by any minor under 18 years of age on whose behalf I am signing, or which I may have caused to spectators or other third parties, whether negligent or not, in the course of my participation in this activity. As parent or legal guardian of a participant under 18 years of age, I have read and voluntarily agree that said minor may participate in this whitewater rafting trip, and I sign this release on their behalf and on the behalf of the minor's parents and/or legal guardians. In addition, I give W HITEWATER VOYAGES permission to treat said minor in case of illness, injury, emergency, or accident. Should emergency medical services become necessary, for the undersigned participant or minor, the expenses are the sole responsibility of the participant and not that of WHITEWATER VOYAGES. Personal medical and travel insurance is strongly advised for all participants. WHITEWATER VOYAGES reserves the right to accept or deny service to any person. I hereby agree to follow all rules, regulations, and instructions of WHITEWATER VOYAGES while on this trip. I also certify that I and any minor on whose behalf I am signing, are physically and mentally capable of participating in these activities. I hereby represent that I have informed WHITEWATER VOYAGES of any pertinent medical conditions that may affect my or the minor's participation in these rafting activities. I hereby agree that WHITEWATER VOYAGES may use film or photographic records of this rafting trip for its promotional and/or commercial purposes. The Venue of any dispute that may arise out of this agreement or otherwise between the parties to which WHITEWATER VOYAGES or its agents is a party shall be either the town of El Sobrante, California, Justice Court or the County or State Supreme Court in Contra Costa County. Guide school/skills workshop participants: I understand that Whitewater Voyages is not certifying my guiding proficiency or readiness to go to another outfitter and guide right away after this training. I understand I will need additional extended training and practice to acquire proficiency in the skills being taught. I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY. I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM ASSUMING ALL THE RISKS INHERENT IN THIS WHITE WA TER RAFTING ACTIVITY. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS A RELEASE OF ANY AND ALL CLAIMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNDERSIGNED AND WHITE WA TER VOYAGES, THEIR OWNERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES, AND THAT IT CANNOT BE MODIFIED OR CHANGED IN ANY WAY BY THE REPRESENTATIONS OR STATEMENTS BY WHITE WA TER VOYAGES OR BY THE UNDERSIGNED. I VOLUNTARILY SIGN MY NAME AS EVIDENCE OF MY ACCEPTANCE OF ALL THE PROVISIONS IN THIS RELEASE AND MY AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND BY THEM. Present this form at the river. Please print clearly. Name (please print) Day Phone Evening Phone Address City, State, Zip Address: In the future we will be communicating mainly by and our webs ite. Date of Birth Rafting Date(s) River(s) Trip Length (No. of Days on the River - Please circle one): Days: 1/ or More 1 Hour Are you over 18? U Yes U No* L Accompanying adult must sign & date here: Signature (If under 18 parent or legal guardian must sign here also*) N Today s Date Reservation No. *Minors not accompanied by their parent must bring this form signed by their parent or legal guardian. Adult accompanying the minor must also sign this release as a verification of the parent/guardian signature. (Summer Camp & Camp RAFT courses excluded.) 2005ReleaseForm.wpd 1/5/2005

6 Tuolumne River A national treasure, a living jewel, the Tuolumne (pronounced too-all-o-me) offers the finest in class IV whitewater in a canyon of pure wilderness. Clear and cool, fresh from its headwaters in Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne thunders through a grand succession of boulder gardens and spectacular cascades. Voluptuously steep, plunging this way and that, it moves in patterns that are frolicsome, tangled and mesmerizing. In what has been called the most significant victory in the history of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the designation of National Wild and Scenic River was bestowed by act of Congress in 1984 on this idyllic stream. And richly deserving it is: Between Meral s Pool and Ward s Ferry bridge, no roads or other signs of present-day civilization penetrate the Tuolumne canyon. The place is an eden of pristine beaches and campsites rich in gold rush and Miwok Indian history; of side-canyon water slides and swimming holes; of bald eagle, river otter, and ring-tailed cat; and of racy, intricate whitewater including such rapids as Sunderland s Chute, Hackamack s Hole, Ram s Head, Grey s Grindstone, Hell s Kitchen, and the infamous Clavey Falls, a powerful class V drop around which many prudent souls choose to walk. Meral s Pool to Ward s Ferry 18 Miles Meral s Pool Put-in Rinse Away III-IV Thread the Needle IV Drift Wood III+ Grey s Grindstone IV Corner Pocket III+ Frame Crusher III-IV Evangelist IV Clavey Falls V Stern IV Ram s Head IV India IV Nemesis IV Phil s Folly IV Rock Garden IV Sunderland Chute IV-IV+ Hackamack Hole IV Steamboat IV Legend Cabin IV Hell s Kitchen IV Not to Scale Rapids Ward s Ferry Take-out Pinball IV-V Whitewater Voyages RAFT

7 WHAT TO BRING FOR RAFTING Standard Gear Everyone Should Bring For Rafting Secure head strap for eyeglasses or sunglasses (if worn) Secure chin strap for hat or visor (if worn) Clothing appropriate to time season See guidelines below for summer and spring/fall trips Protective footwear Tennis shoes that lace tightly, wet suit booties, or rugged, protective sandals that securely strap on. Bare feet or thongs are not safe! Plastic water bottle We have jugs on the rafts to replenish your bottles from. Waterproof or Disposable Camera Towel Change of clothes for the drive home Magnetic hide-a-key for your car keys If you wish you may leave your keys in the care of our staff while you are on the river. Do not take your keys on the river with you! Clothing Guidelines Summer Swim suit or shorts Sunblock Plan to use plenty of sun protection cream with a high SPF# on exposed skin; don t put sunscreen on your forehead splashes of water will wash it down into your eyes! Sun hat or visor (with chin strap to prevent hat loss). Spring & Fall Warm clothing Plenty of warm clothes made of synchilla, polarplus, wool, fleece, capilene and similar materials which insulate well even when damp. Please avoid wearing cotton which when wet does not provide insulation and in cool or cold weather make you colder! Waterproof paddle jacket, windbreaker or rain suit. Wool hat (or synchilla, polarplus, etc.) Wet suit Wet suits are recommended on all rivers through May and year-round on Class V rivers. Wet suits may be rented from Whitewater Voyages (in some cases they are provided with trip without rental fees see Wet Suit & Tent Rental chart). Whitewater Voyages wet suits do not come with booties you must provide your own footwear. If rain or cold weather is a possibility bring extra wool, capilene or pile clothing and a rain jacket or windbreaker to wear over the wet suit. Cloth shorts worn over wet suits make you less slippery and help you stay in the raft.

8 WHAT TO BRING FOR OVERNIGHT RAFTING TRIPS Essential Camping Gear For All Trips Flashlight Personal toiletries & toothbrush (biodegradable soaps/shampoos if possible) Insect Repellant Towel Clothes for camping and sleeping (keep in mind cool evening air) Shoes & socks appropriate for hiking or loafing around Tent (or tarp to lay on ground if you don t bring tent) Sleeping bag and mattress pad Trip logistics on some rivers make it possible for you to bring optional gear while logistics on other rivers require that gear be kept to a minimum. Please locate the river of your trip in one of the following sections and see what gear limitations apply to your river. Lower Kern, Kaweah, Kings, South Fork American or Yuba Rivers Your camping gear is either transported to camp by a Whitewater Voyages vehicle, or you park near camp, meaning you can bring optional items beyond the essential gear outlined above. Folding camp chairs Personal ice chest We supply meals and beverages with your trip, however, if you would like to ensure that any personal tastes or needs you have are met you are welcome to bring along any food or beverage items you wish. Fishing gear Light fly or spinning gear which disassembles into a compact protectie case is best. Fishing licenses are required. Playing cards, small games or a guitar Middle Fork American, Tuolumne, Merced Your camping gear is transported to camp by boat thus it is important to keep gear to a comfortable minimum as outlined in the essential gear list. The Forks of the Kern You backpack in two miles while your gear is transported by mule pack train it is important to keep gear to essentials. Note: Compact fishing gear is ok.

9

10

11