Mark W, paddling OC-1, Jim S. in a long kayak, and Lindsay M. in a short playboat joined trip coordinator Lisa L (kayak) at Anglers Inn to paddle up Mather Gorge on a beautiful late summer-early fall day. The level was 2.78’, 1,810 cfs, and the water was 72° - cooling off. Lindsay found he’d forgotten his paddle, but gamely committed to paddling with Mark’s spare canoe paddle. Lindsay is a long-time paddler and former instructor returning to the area and new to CCA trips. Welcome! None of us were able to paddle up Difficult Run. Mark and Lindsay carried over the rocks on river left at the Maryland Chute while Lisa and Jim did a quick lift-over at a fin of rock at the top of the Center Chute. We all made it up to Wet Bottom, although Lindsay, in his short boat with one blade, had to work much harder than the rest of us. Lisa tried to attain Wet Bottom but was stymied by the last elevator move. Mark, Jim, and Lindsay were content to hang out at Wet Bottom while she dragged up on the left to put in above the drop and paddle up to Rocky Island and back. After a little playing around in the waves at Wet Bottom, we floated through the Gorge and down the Maryland chute. We watched Lindsay surf the hole and were delighted to see him roll with the canoe paddle. We stopped at the beach, where Lindsay and Jim graciously helped Lisa with rolling practice. We were a very congenial group, the Gorge is always awe-inspiring, the bright sun lit up the white sycamore branches against the blue sky, and it was a golden day on the river.