Leave Peoria at 4:30 AM for the drive to El Vado (Cooper's) Ranch. Most noteworthy occurrence was spotting Duncan and Jimmy at a stoplight at Pojoaque early in the afternoon. 1300 commute miles and we see the two former Vietnam shipmates pulling into a gas station. Large collection of both live and carved wildlife greet us as we check into cabin #1 and begin rigging. The one bedroom cabin sleeps four easily and includes a full kitchen. All thought the $100 rate very worthwhile. Lucy and I take a break to walk down to the road's end where the river gauges are located. We launch at a very acceptable 3.8 reading.