NOC sells off their demo boats, Manufacturers bring out the overstock, guides, instructors and boaters sell their used equipment. Most importantly, we get recreational releases of the Cascades (IV-V) and the Upper (III+) sections of the Nantahala river.
The ACC had a small group of paddlers from all across the state. On Friday, we warmed up on the lower Nantahala run from Ferbee's to the NOC outfitter store. (Warm is never an operative word for this icy-cold river) It is a classic eastern Class II run. On Saturday, we met for the huge group of boaters to ride the free shuttles, as parking is not allowed at the top of the run. We had several personal first descents of the upper nanty. Everyone did great and had a wonderful time on this continuous, 100fpm creek run. A few of us fired up the Cascades (not me). We had dinner at Wesser and returned to our (now regular) campsite at Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground. Yes… The ACC has a regular site there… So cool. On Sunday, we pulled into NOC to see Pat Keller, preparing to haul a small collection of Flying Squirrels to the put-in. We saluted Mr Keller and as always, he shot back the award winning Keller grin and said "see you up there!" Once we arrived at the upper nanty put-in, we chatted with Shane Benedict about the new boats and the JFK sticker that still inhabits one of the Squirrels from Ocoee Fest. Day two was awesome. Tracy and Shay got a bunch of great shots of us on the river, everybody tore it up. Only one swim… ME…
Sunday night, we stayed at our favorite secret campsite near the Ocoee. On Monday; yep… OCOEE time!!! We rushed to get to the river by 10am to find the water on almost an hour early. It was higher than usual and gave us all a great time. On the first lap, we saw only one private raft and maybe 5 kayakers (The solitude was a rare treat on this run) Some folks went back for a second lap. After another great day on the river, we had a celebratory dinner at the Gondolier and took a trip to the top of a mountain for one amazing overlook and one hell of a sunset.
I highly recommend GAF for anyone that is looking for a great Class III weekend.
