2013 Labor Day East Trip

[Lazer]

After a few weeks of plans changing and then changing back, we loaded up and headed East after work on Friday. It was smooth sailing and 8 hours later, we parked at the campsite for a few hours of sleep. Then up and off to the Cheoah, where we a large contingent of Ozark boaters. The warm temps and group of solid paddlers were a perfect combination for a couple of Cheoah first/second timers to take on the whitewater it has to offer.

Ginger was amped and ready to get back on the river that dished out a couple of humble pie earlier this year. Coming back with the experience of our Colorado trip we launched with the determination to meet the challenge. The put-in and upper part of the river was full of boaters from all over, including some who were in the area for the World Freestyle Championships. This made it a little more difficult to navigate the rapids with the extra obstacles. After quick tussle with the edge of the hole at Wilma’s Ledge (aka: God’s Dam), we headed down to the first big challenge known as “Take-Out” rapid. This rapid is near the top of the run, but got its name from the number of boaters who take-out after getting a taste of it or it getting a taste of them. We headed down the tight and bony right side vs taking on the hole on the left line. Thread between the entrance rocks, bounce over a couple more and avoid the willows is the name of the game on this line.

For the next mile on the way to the Land of Holes we were able to gain some space from most of the other groups on the river and enjoy the warm sunshine. Working our way down though the slalom course of holes, rocks and willows we approach the bottom section which contains the main holes. A quick breather in the eddy then we peel out and weave around the two main holes and ride the fast wave train to the bottom. A few more rapids and a break at the forest service road bridge before the main event downstream.

Bear Creek Falls gets all the fan fare and photos, but it’s the rapids just above and just below that are crux of the run. Pick a line through the holes and rocks and line up for Falls. The middle line through the slot and over the bottom ledge is the preferred line by many, me included. Runs of the falls are met with cheers from the crowd on the bank and those below, especially when the runs are successful. Then its on down to the series of ledge hole drops to finish off the Falls section. The rapids slow down a little, drop over a couple more ledges before the lodge rapid and ‘Yard Sale’ below. Our target is to stay left of center over the top drop and stay far left for bottom two drops. Ginger entered more center and found a dynamic back ender in the top hole and landed upside down. She hits a roll just in time to line up and punch the second and third holes head on and finish strong into the eddy below bringing cheers from fellow boaters, including some of those Demshitz.

Several of us head back up for another lap on the lower section, including Marc trying out Harlan’s Shiva. Marc discovered that a boat without snug outfitting is a handful in Class IV water. After a tense moment in the Falls entrance rapid, he figured out how to handle it and found a few nice boofs along the way.

After dinner, we headed back to the relaxing camp while others enjoyed or not-so enjoyed the Ocoee Fest camp. On to the Upper Ocoee on Sunday where several folks found the hornets at Alien Boof were not so happy to be disturbed. The Olympic section was fast and fun as always in the warm sunshine. A lunch stop at camp and we traded the kayaks for the Shredder to ride down the middle section. Met up with the Muse clan riding their rubber as well. Below the doldrums the warm sun disappeared, skies clouded up and gave us a quick downpour at the take-out. Another enjoyable night at camp with stories from the past and present. A quick run on Monday morning, then the long drive home reminiscing about the trip contemplating the next adventure to come.

[onewhopaddles]

Great Report! Thanks

[hdh]

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A Great Day for sure!!!!!

[SteveGabbard]

Great write up and video. Thanks for sharing.