Sounds like a great trip, unfortunately Britt and I already have a commitment for that weekend. As for Ben, he is out of state for 3 weeks so that will have to be another time as well. Thanks for putting this together.

Looks like we may have buckets full of local rain coming our way. If so, I will bail and run local.

Okay, so we've got Scott, Lyle, Don, and maybe Kim and Heather for the Upper New (and maybe the Lower in a raft if that works out), and at least Don for the Middle G on Sunday.

Fred and KC Frank not confirmed yet.

The crew here is small enough that we'll probably crash in my friend Colleen's living room floor, so indoor heated sleeping space will be available.

Hanley

Starting to worry I don't have enough gear to handle the temps this weekend. Weather Channel says 40 for a high on Sat, 38 for Sun, 30-40% chance of rain/snow showers, and no sun for Beckley. Would these conditions require a wet suit? I've got thin skin+thick skin, fairly heavy semi-dry suit for top, a base layer and rain pants for bottom, and pogies.

Don

Well, I'm starting to hear some rumblings from various quarters about the conditions. I don't have any major qualms about taking a novice trip out under those conditions, but there are a lot of factors to consider, and possible options for modifying the trip, such as only boating the Upper New and skipping the Lower New, or splitting the trip so the novices only do the Upper and the intermediates only do the Lower. For myself, I'm good to go. I've got the gear and I don't mind being out there all day.

Water level on the New is likely to continue to hover around 0 or possibly come up a bit but probably remain under 1 foot. (2600 to 3600 CFS), which is generally considered low for the New and a good water level for folks seeing either the Upper or Lower for the first time. The New River water temp probably isn't really cold yet, but with highs in the low 40's and rain, a swim may still be a very cold experience.

So, how is everyone feeling about this? Take into consideration the fact that the Upper New has a lot of flat water on it (for that matter, so does the Lower New). It also has some big wave train rapids, but only a few notable features. Surprise rapid will undoubtedly be the highlight of the day and could supply some real excitement, but could also supply a cold swim.

If it looks like everyone wants to back out, I may just wing up there on Sunday with Jeff McGregor for a quickie Upper Gauley Run.

I'm pretty flexible either way. I've got the right gear, a warm place to sleep, and I'll get to boat the sections I really want to be on, one way or another, so what I want is to know how you guys are feeling about this right now from your own perspective, not taking anyone else into account. Are you gung-ho, or are you thinking about how warm your house might be after an excursion to a local creek this weekend? Let me know now, because if folks are going to start bailing on me, I'd prefer the bailing begin now rather than Friday so I don't have to rapidly change plans.

Hanley

Personally, I'd like to delay it a couple of days (or a week), but I don't have that work thing to worry about. Weather looks great next week. Second inclination is to bail. Third inclination is to tough it out, take no chances, and try not to get wet. Will go with the newbie consensus.

Don

I am with Kim if there is stuff here I am bailing but I am also not interested in going if it is going to be freezing. Don we have plenty of gear that you can borrow if that is the only problem for you.

I must request that somebody video Lyle both base jumping and running the new. Both should prove to be entertaining

Thanks for paddling Monday you guys it was fun. Elkhorn Rocks.

Lyle- If you practice your roll I'll practice mine.

Heather

If we end up going, I'd love to borrow a wet suit if anyone has one to lend. I guess I'm an XL, 6' 1", 36" waist, 42" chest. Not sure what else I would need. Listed what I had on previous post, I also just have NRS Kickers for footwear.

Wasn't planning to take my camera (not water proof), but if someone has a waterproof one, I'll be glad to take some pictures and/or video of Lyle!

Don

I really enjoyed that run too Heather. My outfitting is feeling good now, after a few runs and some tweeks, and the company was excellent.

Okay, I'll admit that I'm a fair-weather paddler. I can handle cold and sunny but not cold, rainy, and miserable so if pushed, I'll bail out now and live to paddle another day.

Fred