It seems to be a tradition, well at least for the last two years, that Santa brings us rain and great weather just after Christmas. This year was just as amazing as last and here is a little wrap up of our paddling adventures…
12/29/07 – Saturday
Saturday morning was a flurry of activity. Rising early to check gauges, arrange shuttles and groups, then preparing for the days adventures. Friday brought us plentiful rain and stirred up what seemed like every paddler in the area. A good rain had not come in some time and almost all of the rivers came up, to everyone’s delight. Our eyes were on two particular areas, the Tellico and Smoky boating. We rolled the dice that the Tellico would hold until Sunday and decided to commit to the Smokies. We agreed to meet up with our friends from Georgia at the Y in the Smokies and began gathering gear. By the time we met up with them levels were perfect and we had our pick of two great streams, the Little and Tremont. First up was the lower run on Tremont.
Tremont has a very aggressive III – IV upper section that looked a little too challenging for us so we headed down river to the II – III section that was just as beautiful and exciting as we had expected. We were fortunate to meet up with some paddlers from the Oak Ridge paddle group at the put-in and they really made the trip a blast. The group included Andy, Rick, Mark, David, Randy, Druse, Kaylan, Julie, and me.
The first two to three rapids were very exciting and offered plenty of moves and eddies. Everyone did really well and we were off to a great start. From that point on the stream offered up some great rapids, eddies, and obstacles. Part of creeking that we are still trying to get used to is using the objects in the river to make your moves and we definitely got to use this on the run. One spot even required us to boof off a tree jam. Very exciting! Everyone did great and many a smile and laugh followed us down stream. The lower Tremont run ends at the Y on the little river in a great little wave train and confluence. Everyone had a ball and we began loading gear.
At this point it was beginning to get late so our decision for a second run or new stream needed to be made swiftly. Druse, Andy, and myself decided to load up and scout the Sinks to Elbow run on the Little River. We spent some time checking out the Elbow and picking our lines then we headed up. After bouncing back and forth on the challenge of the Meanies in the Sinks we finally decided to make the run. Maybe not the best choice.
We were unable to watch others lines on the first two rapids and ended up having a couple of bumps, yeah that sounds fair. I do have a new scare on my helmet to help me remember to not do that again. Julie and Kaylan caught it all on film and it makes for an interesting watch/laugh. The Sinks rapid was a great drop but we were shown the wrong line. Later we were told far left not far right. That would have been nice to have known earlier. From that point on I think we both were a little shook and tired. We grinded down about ¾ of the run but pulled early. Thank you ladies for following us down!! This section is beautiful and has some aggressive rapids but we were not up to snuff. That ended our day and home we went to plan Sunday’s paddle.
12/30/07 – Sunday
Sunday morning brought a low but run able level for the Tellico. We had really wanted to see this river running since our rescue class in August. We started by meeting up with some local boaters and running a one mile warm-up run. The warm up was again beautiful and also had some great rapids that would have been right at home in the upper. After we ran the lower mile we shuttled back up to run the falls. Julie and Kaylan opted to take video/pictures of the run and Druse and I were sent to find the good lines.
On this run we had a new group consisting of Mary-Anne, Doug, Andy, Jason, Zack (12 yrs old), Aaron, a guy I never talked to (sorry), Druse, and myself. This section is a blast, might be in my top two or three to this point. Plenty of falls and technical rapids without too much danger. The highlight of the run is Baby Falls, which is so picturesque, and a hoot to run. It’s a 15ft drop into a great pool followed by a pushy slide called Diaper Wiper. Andy got the brunt of Diaper Wiper but came out unharmed and still smiling.
This was to date the highest falls I had gone over and just a blast. The water level seemed just fine to me and throughout the run poised no visible issues. After Diaper Wiper were a few more great rapids then the class IV Jared’s Knee. We got out and scouted the lines and felt good about the challenges. Druse ran a prefect set of lines, of course, and I only had two minor hang-ups. Great series of moves and rapids. Loved the run. The group opted for a second run that Druse and I declined. We figured one good run would do just fine. I can’t wait for this stream to come again and for Julie to get the opportunity to huck the falls!
Zack, the twelve year old, smoked the river. He was very impressive and only walked two of the many drops. Great job buddy!
12/31/07 – Monday
Late Sunday we decided our next river to slay would be the Little River Caynon, Charilift Section, in Alabama. We had a new fellow Knoxvillian Larry come with us for the two and a half hour drive to Alabama. The Little River Canyon is insanely beautiful! The five of us carried down the treacherous slope at the put-in and hopped on with beautiful weather and ample water. The run didn’t wait too long before throwing some great class III rapids at us. After successfully negotiating several rapids we realized one was the class IV Blue Hole rapid. We should have scouted this rapid but we had great lines and everyone kicked tail. This section of the river is nestled in by some great canyon walls and some breathtaking scenery which only added to the adventure of each rapid.
The second class IV that we came upon was Bottle Neck. At this rapid we took time to scout and observe some lines. It consisted of three drops with the last being a sharp turn with a diagonal ledge hole. The ladies decided to carry around this rapid and the guys decided to give her a shot. We’re men of course we make bad decisions, it’s our nature! Just kidding everyone did fine. Great set of rapids and definitely challenging for each of us.
After Bottle Neck were several great boogie rapids with some fun lines and eddies. We all had a ball running this section of the river and definitely felt pushed in a good way. We also look forward to running this section again! Met some great paddlers on the river and had a ball. Larry was great and we look forward to paddling with him and next time his wife!
All in all, great rivers/creeks all around. We were able to paddle with new people from the area each day and had a blast getting to know them and taking advice on their favorite lines. We look forward to paddling with them again on these same streams. The group all did really well and I think we all felt very challenged. It was awesome to receive the Christmas gift of great weather, paddlers, and rivers in the area!
Are you tired of reading yet? Hehehehe
rt
