We were planning on paddling the complete gorge but a peek off the Fairfax Bridge on the way to the put-in revealed a riverwide log blocking the exit of Welcome. There was no way for a boat to get through at this flow although we've since heard that you're able to get over the log at higher flows. Due to the nature of the canyon (steep and deep), we were faced with a rappel in below Welcome or a rappel in below Rick's Slide. After a long stare at Rick's from the canyon rim, we opted for the latter.

The rappel went much smoother than our first attempt at the Lower Gorge but the flow was less than optimal. We were pleased to find no new wood and looked forward to returning at higher flows.

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