Through the Firth River Delta

Helmets and Waders
A few days previously we had been issued helmets to see us through the worst of the rapids; today we were all given hip waders. This meant that we would not be in the rafts full-time: we would also be spending some time in the water. It was day 11 of our trip, and today we had to make it through the Firth River delta.
Our objective was to reach Nunaluk Spit on the Arctic Ocean by evening, but this might not be an easy task. The water level on the river was low, much lower than it had been in 2015 when Ruth and I had last come through the delta.
Initially, things went smoothly. The current was still strong, and to my surprise there were still a few rapids. Then, as more and more channels branched off from our main channel, the water became shallower. At times, we would have to jump into the water and push or pull the raft until we came to deeper water. Fortunately, the hip waders kept us dry.
At times, our head guide would leave us and run far into the distance to scout out the best channels for us to take. In the meantime, we would relax near the rafts and enjoy the tranquility of the delta. On his return, we would move on and hope for deep water.
All the while, bleating gulls flew overhead as we moved slowly through the delta, and an occasional black-headed Arctic Tern flew swiftly by on pointed wings. We were between the azure sky and the bright blue river until finally, after much paddling and boat dragging, we made it to the Arctic Ocean.