Running the first drop

Running the first drop

Photo of Mike Eviston by Steve Corsi taken 04/24/04 @ 1.4

There are lines here . . . at the right flows . . . but there are plenty of ways for it to go bad, too. I have heard of (and seen video of) runs, but most of them haven't gone 'as planned'. Most will be content to walk around.

Shortly downstream you will encounter a potentially sticky, potentially playable ledge, Jaws II (the sequel is seldom as good as the original). (If you've done the Nolichucky, you'll know what I'm referring to.) Just downstream is another sloping ledge drop, which can generally be run pretty much anywhere, though it is likely to be scrapey down the center.

Learning obedience

Learning obedience

Photo of Helge Klockow by Steve Corsi taken 04/26/04 @ 1.4

(Lat/Lng and location on map are approximate. Resolution on satellite view is not sufficient to be certain.)

As you come around a left bend, you'll see a series of offset holes, and a narrowing in the distance. Get out (river left) to scout. Hoofers used to call this 'Obedience School' (as the photo is captioned), but we talked to locals and found that they called it 'Eyeball'. The series of short ledges, waves, and holes leads to a diagonally pitching ledge with a huge erratic boulder (the Eyeball) perched precariously, blocking the right side of the drop. A right-shore "hollow" (the "eye-socket") exists behind the rock. From upstream, most of the flow is diverted to the right, toward the boulder (which develops a pretty fair pillow), before being redirected left into a mushy, funky hole, then over a ledge into another slightly more well formed hole and a good pool below. While not that big a drop, it has never failed to get my heart racing.

Wetting his throat on the Gullet

Wetting his throat on the Gullet

Photo of Mark Mastalski by Steve Corsi taken 04/24/04 @ 1.4

Trailing rapids from the prior drop quickly lead to a right hand bend and Gullet (scout left), where the river drops over an irregular sloping ledge. The right side stays higher, then drops off (forward and diagonally left) mostly onto shallow angular rock. River left (between the left shore-rock and the diagonally sloping river right bedrock) forms a deepening "V," funneling into a (not keepy) hole, some "funny water," and a final ledge/hole. Some play may be possible here, though the water temperature when this is runnable and desire to keep muscles "fresh" for the remainder of the run usually dissuades us from much dallying.

Shooting down Dog Leg

Shooting down Dog Leg

Photo of Helge Klockow by Mark Mastalski taken 04/24/04 @ 1.4' at putin bridge

The next drop, Dog Leg, is the longest combination on the run. The river swings to the right (scout left), over a short ledge to a brief pool, then a 4' sloping ledge into a hole. The strong outflow from there leads straight into a huge boulder in the center of the channel. The right side (beside and below) is a jumble of rocks (pretty impassible). The left side has a shallow ledge extending from shore (parallel to the current leading to the rock) over which the flow tumbles, and is directed onto another rock to "trip over" as you finish Upper Dog Leg.

Lower Dogleg (#1)

Lower Dogleg (#1)

Photo by John Meredith taken 03/29/07

A brief bit of slackwater leads to Lower Dog Leg. A rocky island splits off a narrow (unrunnable) channel to the right. The left channel is wide enough to allow a few good routes to run this double ledge combination.

Bushy Creek Falls

Bushy Creek Falls

Photo of Helge Klockow by Mark Mastalski taken 04/23/04 @ 1.4' on putin bridge

Another brief paddle brings you to a tight left bend and a falls (scout left). There is conflicting information about the correct name here. Some sources say "Brushy Creek" while others have "Bushy Creek". (The topo maps show a 'Brushy Creek' entering nearby on river-left, but road maps list a 'Bushy Creek Truck Trail'.) A couple short ledges and a brief pool precede a narrow slot. The river is stuffed between the rocks and into a couple violent holes before racing through the pool below. Numerous pourovers and rocky protuberances (for pitons) exist. "Other than that, it's a fairly straight-forward drop." (My preferred route so far has always been down the left . . . far left . . . walking.)

Junkyard

Junkyard

Photo of The gang scout Junkyard by Mark Mastalski taken 04/24/04 @ 1.4' at putin bridge

Shortly downstream, you will reach another sharp bend to the left, and hear the rush of Junkyard (scout left). From the pool above, the river turns left as it slides through offset waves. It is then twisted right, through diagonal waves and holes, jumps off a 3' ledge, then twists left again, and spills across jagged, irregular rock before jumping off a final uneven ledge into the pool below. This always looks big and mean (as a junkyard dog, hence the name). I'm still waiting to have the right combination of boat, water level, and frame of mind to tackle this drop.

Wag your tail, you've survived the Dog

Wag your tail, you've survived the Dog

Photo of Mike Eviston by Steve Corsi taken 04/24/04 @ 1.4

Not far downstream, the river again bends to the left and jumps over Wag (scout right, if so inclined). This short (~3') ledge may be boofed to the right, though be aware it may be a hard landing (piton). Center is ok, though there are some rocks to contend with as well, and far left is an easy slide through a wrapping wave into strong current along a wall of rock rising from the river. From here the current quickly diminishes, and the only action for the (roughly) 3 mile paddle-out is dodging shoals and strainers (and talk of how good the first beer at Vierling will be).