where the water tastes like wine

This past weekend was fiull of boating. I got off work early Friday due to the rain, so I met up with Charlie and we set off to go run the Green. Saturday we packed up our boats and set off on an adventure out into the Dupont State Forest. We found a fun little waterfall and a cool section of creek. Sunday I awoke to rain and I quickly made the decision to head towards the Watauga. I have heard whenever the Watauga runs, people are running it. Sunday was no exception. It was like a highway of different colored plastic floating down the river in the rain. We did two laps and had an awesome time. Here are a couple photos from the weekend.

This was taken after the rhodo, the briars, the steep smooth slimy rock, and the boat passing.

Watauga Stylee.

Stateline Falls, Watauga.

Here's a shot of the put in at the Watauga.

This is Charlie after running Groove Tube, Green River Narrows.

Here's a shot of Mr. Charles squeakin through Go Left, Green River Narrows.

Carolina Creekn'

You probably won't run this drop due to access issues, but here's Charlie flying under the radar.

Charlie and Myself at Hooker Falls, Little River.

Mr. Charles getting a good look at Sunshine, Green River Narrows.

Skin to Wind in March and Solo Green Laps

I drove out to the Cheoah River yesterday for a scheduled release. I got a bit of a late start, but I made it up to the river before they shut the water off. Through a weird sequence of events I made it to the top and ran into a good buddy. On our way, we came across a guy stranded on a rock with a pinned boat in the middle of the river. We got his boat off, and him to shore, and without even a thank you, we set back off down the river no worse for the wear. We had a good rest of the run and that night I drove out to Nantahala and camped along the river.

This morning we woke up, made coffee, and ran 2 laps on the Nantahala Cascades. The second lap the sun broke over the ridge and we shed our dry-suits for a little skin to wind action. The water felt great.

After that Scott and I split ways, and I drove off to go run the Green. I got to the take out, saw a buddy and got a ride to the top. Once at the top, no one was interested in going for another lap, so I geared up and set off by my lonesome down the trail. I had an awesome solo run, and despite taking my time, I didn't see another boater on the river until I reached Hammer Factor.

The Bottom of Nices Pieces, Green River

Sunshine, Green River

Gorrilla, Green River

Go Left, Green River

Nantahala Cascades

Nantahala Cascades

Here's me hitching a shuttle ride to the top of the Cheoah, stuffed in between gear and boats.

Here I am on the Nantahala Cascades

Here is a shot of Scott boofing large on the Nantahala Cascades.

Here's Scott again on the Cascades.

Scott, Nantahala Cascades

Scott, Nantahala Cascades

Into the woods

Here are a few shots from the past week here in North Carolina.

The Nolichucky in the morning.

It started raining overnight and this run ain't no secret. Saturday in Great Smokey Mountains national park.

Big Creek

Big Creek, Baby Gorilla

Big Creek, Action Alley

Here are a couple shots from today. Low water, Cali style bedrock and good flows.

Wilson Creek

Wilson Creek

First timers special.

Photos from Green Narrows to come soon...