Bethany,

Megan W and I talked last night we are not sure there are enough guides for the ocoee or the new and we didn't really want to drive to Nantahala so.. I am still open to paddling something but Megan pointed out that we probably need some skill based trips this fall more than womens trips. I don't know about the yough so I am open.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Heather

Hi Heather,
I agree with all of your comments (especially the not wanting to drive to the Nanty--I'm kind of sick of that drive). Although a women's trip would be great, I just really want to paddle. And, I'm not ready for the Ocoee. And I need some skills.
If we had plenty of people to show us lines on something like the Lower Yough or the New I would be game for that, I think (of course, there is the whole driving thing with the Yough.......).
With all of that being said, I'm open for whatever. I would even, gasp, do some flat water paddling, or double gasp...............hike.

Bethany



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/12/2008 02:18PM by bethany.

If my boat ever makes it to Rushing Water Outfitters on the Noli, I'll need to pick it up. We could always do a Nolichucky Gorge Campground camping trip this weekend.

I'll bring the bourbon......................

Quote:

I would even, gasp, do some flat water paddling, or double gasp...............hike.

B, yer playing with fire here...do you want to be shunned?

There is a glimmer of hope in them there mountains...why is there a bubble over KY? Do the weather gods hate us?

[www.weather.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/12/2008 02:34PM by desertrat.

Just called....no planned release for Saturday August 16....but if it rains.......

I would love to still focus on a women's trip and try to round up some of those vet-runs out there. we could focus on skill building. i know the women's trips that I have been on in the past do an excellent job focusing on skill building.....

its not the size of the river, but how you paddle it!

You asked for a suggestion? You got it! I made this same suggestion about this time last year when there was no water anywhere and it was a good one for all who participated, Middle Gauley. The Gauley has been running around 400 CFS lately, with a little spike several days ago. It's dropping a bit, but is unlikely to drop much below 300 and that's still a thoroughly enjoyable trip. It's only five miles long, but it's got plenty of fun rapids and it's moderate enough to be user friendly for the folks in this group if I correctly assess the general skill level. You will need someone (or two) along who have done the middle Gauley at low water before, but I know Cynthia Grimes is in that category, so you have at least one. Additionally, you are very likely to have the river almost entirely to yourselves, with the possible exception of a kayak clinic. Last but not least, the Gauley water is clean and cool, but not as cold as the Nantahala, keeping the Gauley gorge cool on a hot summer day and making it the place to be during the heat of midday.

Give it some consideration. It's worth thinking about, plus it's only four hours away.

Hanley

PS: I have video footage of ducky trips at 200 CFS if you want a frame of reference.

Sounds like a good suggestion Hanley. Couldn't we do a warm up run on the Upper New (or Upper, Upper New) on Saturday (or a couple of warm up runs) and then do the Middle Gauley on Sunday?

If we don't have a safe number of ladies participating to show us the lines can we just make it a club trip???

Bethany

or maybe the Lower Upper Upper Upper New.

yes!

Had something come up at work and just got home...won't make the meeting. Keep me informed of Women's trip plans.I know all of the mentioned rivers except the Upper New or Upper, Upper New?. Don't even know the shuttle for that one. I'd feel more comfortable leading or assisting to lead the Ocoee than the Gauley though with folks who are stepping up from the Nanty/Pigeon because of 2 reasons: inaccessability if something did happen on the Gauley vs. road access/rafts to assist on the Ocoee, and the last rapid on the Middle Gauley, which is pretty creeky and blind at low water. Bethany might be on to something though about just making it a club trip and getting a few more seasoned boaters involved if WVA is the choice. Just let me know! I'm just happy to go!