Shirley Mitcham is my most reliable "partner in crime". Every time I go out west I can count on Shirley being there. She loves this place probably more than I do! She can drive all night, sleep in a mudhole, drink a few beers, and swim like a fish - this is important because she can't paddle a canoe for beans! Here is her unique "side-straddle" approach to our first little section of rapids. March 26, 2001.