River scouting

Yesterday I bought a Tarpon 100 kayak. I found one used at a local sporting goods store for about $220 off retail. Today I make a 8-10 mile journey down the Chetco river here in Brookings. I plan to start at South Fork and paddle my way down the roughly 4 hour stretch of river and scout for anything that might make the river too dangerous for a bunch of canoes loaded with kids.

I'm a bit nervous. I don't like making runs alone when I don't already know what to expect, but all of my attempts to find someone to make the first run with me didn't pan out. I am torn between my fear of the unknown and my desire to do what I set out to do despite any obstacles. The fact that it's currently drizzling outside doesn't make the decision to go today any easier...

I've done what I can talking to locals and checking on-line for information about the river. I've also driven the entire length and looked at any spots that I could see from the road (which is a small portion). I've been told that it's not a dangerous river from the South Fork to the coast and that it's about a 4 hour trip between the put in and take out points that I am scouting. I worry most about missing the campground and ending up going too far down river. I'm going to see if I can set up a flag of some kind along the shore near the campground to warn me in case Becky isn't around.