Launched our inflatable tandem from Willow Beach in Black Canyon AZ below Hoover Dam and paddled upriver. It was no problem with a two knot current for the first three hours or so. Then we noticed the current steadily increase. A kayak tour came down river and the guide told us they’d started releasing water from the dam. He also told us the water level was probably too high to explore the Emerald Cave. We’d already passed it but didn’t recognize it. The current was soon too powerful for us to paddle against. We turned around and floated back down in less than half the time. A pair of mallards were sleeping on a beach. We thought we’d spook them because the current pushed us in towards them. They were happy to see us and followed along for quite awhile. Also saw a beautiful eared grebe.
