In mid-March the weather was perfect for an early paddle on the rivers.    From Pioneer Park, the route was downstream, under the Red Bridge, then under the Train Bridge toward the Confluence of the South Thompson and the North Thompson Rivers.

There are a number of sand and gravel bars at the Confluence so it is best to stick to the south shore, passing under a third bridge (Overlander Bridge) and beyond down the Thompson River to the old bridge pylons from the old (1925 to 1961) Black Bridge.

Beyond the pylons, we can still see the footings of the older-yet White Bridge (1901-1925).     At low water, these are rocky high spots in the river.    Paddling around these, I returned back upstream, paddling toward the morning sun.

There is a bit of turbulent water at the Confluence.    Progress upstream is slow.

Paddling down toward Rabbit Island and back is about 6 km.    This is a better paddle in the early or late season when there are no powerboats on the river.    Paddling on a day without strong winds is always a good practice.

Here is a good article on the bridges – The Bridges of Kamloops