eddy out Paddling events, safety awareness, and conservation
April/May 2011 Giant Tennessee Crayfish Discovery: Paddler’s Nightmare HIWASSEE RIVER Spotlight
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Triathlon and Adventure Race Support
CALENDAR OF MANY EVENTS
Inside this issue:
A Message from 2 the President
Upcoming Schools 4 < ------TRUE FACT: almost actual size ------>
Event Spotlights 5 A crayfish twice the size of its close laughed at by boaters who feel superior relatives has been found lurking under a because they do not turn over in minor rock in a creek in Tennessee. The creek rapids. Clear Creek White- 10 has been a popular research area for bi- water Report ologists for half a century, but nobody My last trip to the Hiwassee confirmed all had noticed the colorful creature before. suspicions. My wife and I were enjoying Calderwood 11 paddling with our nieces when on Devils Touring Report Chris Taylor at the Illinois Natural History Shoals, my boat was violently twisted out Survey and Guenter Schuster at Eastern from under me. Polar Bear 12 Kentucky University in Richmond hurried Weekend Report to Shoal Creek after hearing reports of an Then on April 1st, my wife finally unusually large crayfish. After two hours developed the roll of film. As I slipped Reelfoot Lake 13 of fruitless searching they were about to the photos out of the envelope, my mouth give up but decided to turn over one last dropped open like a fool gasping for a last Touring Report rock. breath before flipping. There it was!
Abrams Creek 15 That’s when something went horribly Scott Carpenter Trip Report wrong. Schuster went under after clothes- “News”letter Editor pin sized pinchers fastened a death grip to Chota School 21 his shirt collar. His partner Taylor remains Flyer in a catatonic state from the trauma of the discovery.
The spread of the GIANT TENNESSEE CRAYFISH has continued unchecked. No credible source reported this paddling menace until now.
Some paddlers have believed that such a creature was interfering with and flipping their boats as they paddled in Tennessee rivers and streams. The overturned boat- ers blamed lobster size mudbugs but were This picture was not photoshopped by a professional
April/May 2010 Page 2
April 5th Meeting - Grand Canyon trip at the Grill at Highlands Row 2011 Officers
President Come join Chota for a grand meeting slides, bring his trip gear, and talk Doug Johnstone on Tuesday, April 5th at the Grill at about his experience. It’ll be a super 865-804-5240 Highlands Row located near the west night to get together with Chota. [email protected] end of the Bearden Shopping Center. Join us at 6 pm and enjoy a nice meal Vice President Ed Mcalister Our guest presenter, Brandon before the 7 pm program. Thanks to 865-250-2188 Hughett, will discuss his self con- Chota member Tom Weiss for hosting [email protected] tained trip in the Grand Canyon. He’ll at his restaurant located at 4705 Old share info on his planning, show Kingston Pike. School Director Gary Kilpatrick 423-914-4070 On the Water: A Note from Chota’s President [email protected] Spring is here, water is flowing, lakes Newsletter Editor are rising, and temperatures are get- Scott Carpenter 865-556-5252 ting warmer. It’s time to get out and [email protected] paddle! As you can see from this newsletter, there has been LOTs go- Treasurer ing on with various whitewater and Renee Harwell touring trips, annual Chili Cook-off, 865-765-2169 [email protected] and Polar Bear Weekend.
Conservation We have many things planned over Tom McDonough the next two months before our an- 865-406-6416 nual school. If you have not been [email protected] able to get out yet, it’s time. Over the Safety next few months, Chota members are Randy Bigbee offering trips for both whitewater and 865-588-4249 touring paddlers. [email protected]
Doug enjoying the camaraderie at the Chota Chili Whitewater Trip Chair In addition to our weekend paddling Cookoff Angela Garrison trips, we have a variety of other 865-577-2993 events; the next Chota Meeting in- [email protected] cluding a presentation on a self con- community instructional techniques in tained Grand Canyon trip (April 5), white water canoe and kayak, touring Touring Trip Chair River Sports Annual Customer Swap kayak, and, new this year, ―canoe Jim Martin 865-548-4200 day (April 9), volunteer support for tripping‖. All the information is on our Photogmar- the Adventure Race (April 16), coastal web site and included with this issue [email protected] sea kayak festival (April 16), May of our newsletter. Along with a super Chota program on Team River Runner weekend of paddling instruction, our Secretary Group, Expo Event (May 13/14), Rev school is also a fund raiser that is Katie Branham 517-896-8385 3 Knoxville Triathlon (May 14/15 - later used as a source for our annual [email protected] Chota will receive $500 donation), conservation donations. The school River Sports Boat Demo Day (May tradition includes our annual silent Member at Large 14), boater chicks weekend (May auction, raffle tickets, and possibly an Iris Leung 21/22), to name a few. auctioneer. Valued treasures are al- 314-517-5703 [email protected] ready being offered and gathered. So, So if the weather is not yet warm it’s something that is sure to enter- Webmaster enough, there are lots other things to tain many and some really good deals Russell deCastongrene choose from in getting out as a volun- are possible. Be sure to spread the 865-966-5918 teer. word about this classic event. [email protected] In just over two months, our 34th It’s time to get out! Be safe and have Annual Canoe and Kayak School fun! (June 17-19) will offer our paddling Doug Johnstone
April/May 2010 Page 3
May 10th Meeting - Girls at Play and Team River Runner Club News Two presenters will highlight our eve- that provide an exciting adventure ning meeting on Tuesday, May 10. lifestyle that suddenly seemed lost Membership Listing Posting on Chota Canoe Both share a belief in the importance due to injury. Club Web site of a supportive social structure that involves paddling! We also look forward to Anna Beginning in April, our Levesque’s guest appearance. Her active membership listing Sean organization is Girls at Play LLC, an (names only) will be posted on our web site. Breyer effort dedicated to inspiring women The will provide our mem- will and enhancing their lives through bers an easy access to discuss kayaking and yoga retreats, classes membership status (i.e. efforts to and trips. Girls at Play workshops, active, or expired member- start a instructional tools and accessories ships). If you find that your membership has expired, Team provide an environment where kayak- please be sure to send in River ing feels accessible, fun, inspiring, your renewal ($20 annu- Runner adventurous and supportive. ally). The membership group in form is included in this our area. Team River Runner gives newsletter. Annual mem- bership is from July 1 active duty service members and vet- through June 30. erans an opportunity to find health, healing, and new challenges through Local Retailers offer a whitewater boating and other pad- The May meeting begins at 6 pm. Join 10% Discount for Active dling sports. The benefits of TRR have us in time to order a delicious meal at Chota Members as much to do with creating a social our new meeting location - The Grill Periodically, the Chota network and support system as they at Highlands Row. Our guests will be- Canoe Club active mem- do with learning water sports skills gin their presentations at 7 pm. bership listing (names only) will be provided to Thanks To Our Winners The January Chota Chili Cookoff Was Delicious River Sports Outfitters, Earth Traverse Outfitters, The winners were: 1st place in the and Blue Ridge Mountain Chili Cookoff was Mary Ann Grell who Sports. This listing will be their validation to continue won a $50 gift card. 2nd place was to offer our club members awarded to Gary Kilpatrick who re- a 10% discount. If there is ceived a $35 gift card. The 3rd Place an error in the member- was award went to Leslie Stewart ship listing, please contact who received a $25 gift card. Doug Johnstone at 865- 804-5240 or email at [email protected] for Many thanks to everyone attending corrections. and especially our gracious January Chili Cookoff hosts, Tisha and David Meeting Feedback Needed Benton. Mary Ann, Gary, and Leslie make great chili Ed needs help! He did a fabulous job bringing lots Isle Royale Trip - Is There Interest In Forming A Second Group? of interesting programs to us in our meetings last Between August 26 and September 5, list. If there were enough additional year but now he needs 2011, a group of Chota paddlers will interest and a second trip leader were some inspiration from you. head out on a self-contained camping to express interest, a second group It would be great if he had paddle in the Isle Royale National could be formed. a 100 ideas from Chota Park on Lake Superior. This will be a paddlers. So what do you 6 night, 7 day tour in this majestic Logistical details, like ferry boat avail- want to see or hear or do water wonderland. ability, must be worked out so it at the next meeting.? would be best to commit soon if you The trip has six participants and the are interested. You can send your sugges- tions to Ed via email: roster is full at present. [email protected] Please contact Doug Johnstone at However, we have folks on a waiting [email protected]
April/May 2010 Page 4
Talk - Loan - Teach: Chota Canoe and Kayak School Winter Roll Sessions Were An Unqualified Success We are getting ready for the 2011 boats, paddles, PFDs, ropes, and hel- Chota members had the Canoe & Kayak School June 17-19. mets. Please send your list soon. pleasure of spending cold Whether you able to attend or not, winter nights in the warm you can be a huge benefit to the suc- Teach paddleboat skills. comfort of the UT Aquatic cess of the school. Center while in the com- pany of dedicated senior If you are a past instructor, safety Chota boaters willing to Talk up the school. boater, or if previous experience share the secrets of rolling qualifies you, sign up to instruct or kayaks and canoes. Visit www.paddlechota.org for a safety boat for 2011. Touring instruc- flyer, a registration form, and the tors please contact Jim Martin at Perhaps even more impressive was the newsletter. Put flyers at your work- [email protected] succession of world class place, coffee shop, school. Email boaters who joined us this them to your friends, family, co- Gary Kilpatrick past Winter. workers, social network friends. This
month’s newsletter includes the Dooley Tombras came by early in the season to school application and a membership demonstrate C1 rolling. form. Please pass them along. “We all need to reach out and get new people introduced to For the second year in a Loan out gear. the outdoors because most row, Eric Jackson and the Jackson Kayak crew came people need a gentle push.” Your extra equipment can be rented with new JK models and a boatload of knowledge to Chota school students providing about how to brace and an opportunity for a new or improv- Ed McAlister roll. ing paddler. Contact Gary so he can Chota VP respond to students rental needs for Finally, Anna Levesque of Girls at Play and a team of Dagger boaters arrived to Swift Water Rescue - July 16 and 17, 2011 - Accepting Registration share their expertise on remaining and regaining a Please come join us for the annual Russ Miller from Wilderness Safety topside perspective while CHOTA Swift Water Rescue Clinic held Consultants will be the lead instructor paddling. on Saturday July 16 and Sunday July for the clinic. Information regarding Thanks to these fine folks 17. The two day course will be base his experience and credentials can be and everybody who volun- out of Gee Creek Campground with found on his web site: teered their time to Chota training taking place on the Hiawas- www.wsc2.com. Please feel free to Roll Sessions. see and Ocoee Rivers. The clinic is contact Russ if you have any ques- open to CHOTA members and non- tions concerning course content or members and for all skill levels. No additional courses and certifications. prior experience is necessary or re- quired for the course. All instruction Cost of the clinic is $35 with an addi- will be shore based. tional $15 fee for those needed the Operations level certification. Camp- The clinic is intended for whitewater ing in the overflow area at Gee Creek paddlers and will follow the National is included. Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1670 Standard for Water Rescue. To sign up for this clinic, contact: Both the ―Awareness‖ and Randy Bigbee by emailing Eric Jackson gives some ―Operations‖ segments of this stan- [email protected] hands on instruction at the UT Aquatic Center dard will be covered in the clinic. Op- tional SWR certification will be avail- The class itinerary, directions, equip- able for those desiring certification at ment list and other additional details the Operations level. Course comple- are available on the Chota Web Page
tion cards will be available for all stu- at www.paddlechota.org. dents. Randy Bigbee
April/May 2010 Page 5
Spotlight on Upcoming Events - Volunteers Needed! Paddling for Everyone!
April 5 a place to rest during the event. Thursday Night Social Pad- Pick up a free pint glass from River About a twenty four of us helped last dles to Begin in April with Sports Outfitters filled by Bearden year and it was quite an interesting River Sports Outfitters Beer Market, enjoy live morning. Chota will be partnering music, and lend your with River Sports on Thurs- support to the Amputee Race day is Sunday May 15, with day social paddles. If you Coalition of America practice on Saturday May 14. We have a boat, and gear, the (www.amputee- need 24 volunteers on Sunday and event is free. If you need a coalition.org). The first about 10 volunteers on Saturday. boat or gear, please contact 200 people get a free River Sports at 523-0066 to reserve and rent at a pint glass, and extra fill-ups are $5. In conjunction with the Rev3 Knox- nominal fee. 10% of proceeds in the store from 6- ville Triathlon, we have been offered 9 p.m. will go to the ACA. Hosted by a free booth setup for sharing infor- The paddles begin at vari- River Sports Outfitters from 6 to 9pm. mation about Chota Canoe Club to ous downtown parks along the community at the Expo Event be- the Tennessee River, and are usually no more than 3 April 12 ginning Friday at 3 until 7 and Satur- mile leisurely paddles. All day from 10 to 6. paddles begin at 6pm, and usually last about an hour We need volunteers to talk to folks and half. about Chota and to hand out informa- Please check the web site This awesome paddlesports film tour tion about our vast array of whitewa- Outdoor Knoxville at is hitting over 100 US cities, including ter and touring trips, newsletters, and www.outdoorknoxville.com Knoxville. Tickets are free and show- sign up information for our upcoming or Chota email announce- time starts at 7p.m. Sponsored by Canoe and Kayak School in June. ments for location each Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. Hosted week. at Barley's Taproom, 200 E. Jackson Volunteers contact Doug Johnstone at Paddles to the Grill too! Avenue, Knoxville, TN 865-804-5240 or email at ca- [email protected] Jack Graham is once again April 16 leading the paddle to the Chota volunteers are needed to assist Each volunteer for the Rev3 event is grill trips for touring and rec as safety boaters and help racers in also required to register through the boats.
paddling portion of Rev3 Volunteer Sign-up: http:// The weekday evening pad- the Knoxville Urban www.rev3tri.com/!/volunteer/ dling trip usually involve a 1 Wilderness Adven- knoxville.htm. Please be sure to indi- to 5 mile paddle to a water- ture Race. Two cate that you are affiliated with Chota side restaurant for food and groups of 10 Volun- Canoe Club when you sign up. After beer.
teers each are the race, for those who want, we will The return paddle is usually needed - one group in the AM and the have a pickup touring trip and white after dark so approved other group in PM. We will be meet- water trip. lights are required. The ing at Ijams Nature Center at 8am on usual safety gear of PFD, Saturday, April 16. Please contact Please contact Doug Johnstone to ob- whistle and self rescue devices are also required. Doug Johnstone at [email protected] tain more information. The schedule is still up in or 865-804-5240 for information and the air because we don't to volunteer! know the dates for when a few of the waterside restau- May 13-15 rants will open for the sea- son. Chota Canoe Club will again help out with safety boats on this years Rev 3 Look for a posting on the triathlon. Chota will receive a $500 Chota web site for dates donation for our support of the race and times. in providing safety boats for the swim portion of the rate. During the event swim portion of the race we'll assist swimmers who may need help or just
April/May 2010 Page 6
Spotlight on The Hiwassee River
Overall, water quality in the upper Hiwassee basin is good because most of the streams drain undis- turbed, undeveloped, and protected mountain ar- eas. Much of the higher elevations are within the National Forest and developed land is primarily in the valleys; however, there are substantial private holdings in the middle and higher elevations. De- velopment is increasing in these areas, including steeply sloped mountainsides. Poor farming and land development activities have already compro- mised water quality in several creeks and rivers in the watershed. The area is experiencing tremen- dous growth as people choose to live away from large urban centers or build vacation homes. The area is attractive to developers because of the sce- The name ―Hiwassee‖ is taken from the Cherokee nic beauty, access to multilane highways, proximity word ―Aye-Hawsasi‖, which means ―meadow along to Atlanta and recreational opportunities. Census the stream.‖ The Toccoa/Ocoee River, the Hiwas- data shows that the growth rate in this area is see’s largest tributary, was discussed in November/ twice the normal growth rates for North Carolina December 2010 newsletter, so it is not included in and Georgia. This rapid growth threatens to further this article. Hiwassee River watershed drains 2,700 degrade water quality. square miles of land. About half of the watershed is located in Tennessee, 32% is in North Carolina, Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition (HRWC) is a and 18% is in Georgia. Most of the watershed is nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve characterized by forested slopes, high gradient, and protect water quality in the North Carolina and clear streams, and rugged terrain. There is great Georgia portion on the Hiwassee Watershed. HRWC aquatic habitat diversity including several rare spe- was started in the early 1990s by a small group cies in the watershed. seeking to educate local residents about sedimen- tation problems affecting Brasstown Creek in The headwaters of the Hiwassee River lie in the southeastern North Carolina. Today, the coalition mountains of northern Georgia and western North includes nearly 300 individual, family, and business Carolina. Many tributaries begin in North Carolina’s members. The group has expanded to focus on en- Nantahala National Forest or Georgia’s Chattahoo- tire Georgia and North Carolina parts of the water- chee National Forest, where the mountains are for- shed. It coordinates reservoir and stream restora- ested, topography is fairly steep and scenery is tion work, maintains an active volunteer monitor- good, but these streams rarely have enough water ing program, and provides general public outreach for paddling. Tributary streams converge in broad and environmental education. valleys with lower elevations, less relief, and less forest cover. Sections of the upper Hiwassee and If you want to learn more about this organization, its two major tributaries, the Nottely and Valley visit their internet site: http://www.hrwc.net/ Rivers are paddleable if the water is fairly high. index.htm. These rivers offer little whitewater more challeng- ing than class II rapids, but the scenery, water Apalachia Reservoir is a small, deep, cool-water quality and fishing are good. reservoir set in the mountains of western North Carolina near the Tennessee state line. The dam Water flow in the upper Hiwassee and Nottely Riv- was built primarily to generate hydropower. The ers is regulated by TVA via four impoundments: reservoir also provides a beautiful site for fishing, Lake Nottely in Georgia; Chatuge Lake on the canoeing, kayak touring, hiking, and primitive Georgia-North Carolina state line near Hayesville; camping. Adjacent to the Nantahala National For- Hiwassee Lake near Murphy; and Apalachia Lake est, the reservoir has very little private shoreline adjacent to the Tennessee border. These scenic development and no commercial recreation facili- reservoirs are operated for multiple purposes, in- ties. Because of its isolated nature and beautiful cluding flood control, hydropower production, wa- scenery, this lake is a favorite destination for ter quality, recreation, and aquatic life. Chota’s touring paddlers.
April/May 2010 Page 7
Getting to the Apalachia Lake put in is an adven- I and II with a couple of Class III rapids and de- ture. Water that is released from the dam is di- pends on releases from the Apalachia Powerhouse verted through a pipe to the powerhouses located to have water for paddling. TVA releases water 8.3 miles downstream. In order to get to the put daily between 11 AM and 7 PM from Memorial Day in, you have to drive across the old riverbed and until the end of August to benefit paddlers. under the pipe. Since nearly all on the river’s water flows through the pipe, you could say you are driv- The Hiwassee is an excellent river to learn and ing under the Hiwassee River. This lake is Doug practice basic kayaking and canoeing skills. The Johnstone’s ―secret spot.‖ If you enjoy touring, river offers places to use a wide variety of paddling this lake should be high on your paddling bucket skills including: low braces as you go over ledges, list. performing eddy turns and peel outs, and riding standing waves.
Downstream of Reliance, the river flattens out. The next 6.5 miles of the river is still part of the Scenic River Program and is surrounded by National For- est land. There are a few class I rapids and one class II. There are access sites at Gee Creek Campground and at the US 411 bridge.
Downstream of US 441, the river meanders through rural farmland. This section offers a pleas- ant, leisurely place to paddle. TVA transplanted snail darters to this section of the Hiwassee when they impounded the Little Tennessee Rivers. Largely because the Hiwassee population is doing so well, the snail darter was taken off of the en- dangered species list.
Downstream of Apalachia Dam, the river crosses Further downstream, the river crosses under U.S. the Tennessee State line and flows into Cherokee Highway 11 and Interstate 75 and becomes an em- National Forest. The 23-mile stretch of the river bayment of Chickamauga Lake. Fringe wetlands between the state line and US 411 was the first provide many areas for hunting and fishing. The river to become part of Tennessee’s Scenic River last 7.4 miles of the Hiwassee River is part of the Management Program. Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. This section of the river is an incredible place for touring kayak trips and The section of the Hiwassee River between Apala- wildlife viewing. The Refuge has over 100 species chia Dam and its powerhouse is known as the Hi- of resident and migrating birds including sandhill wassee Dry, because most of the rivers water is cranes, whooping cranes, and bald eagles. It has usually diverted to the powerhouse. It takes a the largest winter flock of sandhill cranes in the heavy rain event and water spilling over the dam southeast United States outside of Florida. to have enough water to paddle this section. The first few miles below the dam are extremely over- The Hiwassee River is probably the best place in grown with trees and vines with no whitewater. Tennessee to learn white water canoeing or kayak- Most paddlers avoid this section and put in on ing. If you want to learn to paddle or want to im- Turtletown Creek. If you can catch it with enough prove your skills, join us at this year’s Canoe and water, this section offers the Hiwassee River’s most Kayak School on June 17 -19. Touring classes will challenging whitewater (Class III and IV). also be offered on a nearby lake. If you are a tour- ing paddler, be sure to join Doug the next time he The Hiwassee River between the powerhouse and leads a trip to the ―secret spot‖ and watch our cal- Reliance is one of Tennessee’s most heavily used endar for winter trips to the Hiwassee Wildlife Ref- rivers. This 5.5 mile section of the river is very uge. popular for canoeing and kayaking as well as fish- ing and tubing. Trout Unlimited has rated the Hi- Tom McDonough wassee as one of the top 100 trout streams in America. This section of the river is primarily Class
Date Event Contact Info April Paint Rock Wildlife Refuge, Watts Bar Lake Tom & Tere McDonough Meet at Flying J Truck Stop, 2 Trip rating: easy, suitable for recreational kayakers [email protected] Watt Rd. Exit off I40/75 able to paddle 8 miles at a pace of approx 3 mph. 865-922-8075 at 9 am 865-406-4617
April Tennessee River Rescue Sara Brobst http://ijams.org/events/ 2 Help clean up local shorelines along the Tn River 865-577-4717 show/669 [email protected]
April Chota Meeting - Presentation on a self-contained The Grill Social hour at 6pm 5 Grand Canyon trip at Highlands Row 6:30 dinner 4705 Old Kingston Pike then presentation
April Yoga for Kayaking outdoorknoxville.com River Sports Outfitters 7 Anna Levesque, world-class paddler, kayak instruc- 2918 Sutherland Ave. tor and Registered Yoga Teacher, leads you Knoxville, TN 37919 through a yoga class that is designed to specifically target the muscles we use most in whitewater, rec- Free class reational and sea kayaking.
April Fontana Lake Camping Weekend Debbie Briscoe Limited number of paddlers 8-11 Hazel Creek is a back country campsite and histori- [email protected] due to permits. Please cal area. Permits are required and can be obtained contact Debbie for info. at Fontana Damn. This is a self contained trip.
April Customer Swap Day at River Sports Outfitters River Sports Outfitters 2918 Sutherland Ave. 9 865-523-0066 Knoxville, TN 37919
April Hiwassee Dries - Class III-IV Jason Darby 10 [email protected]
April Apalachia Lake "Secret Spot" touring trip Doug Johnstone 10 865-804-5240 [email protected]
April Reel Paddling Film Festival Blue Ridge Mountain Barley's Taproom 12 This awesome paddlesports film tour is hitting over Sports 200 E. Jackson Avenue, 100 US cities, including Knoxville. Check out what 865-521-0092 Knoxville, TN films are touring with the Film Festival - Show time: 7:00 pm www.reelpaddlingfilmfestival.com Tickets: FREE
April East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival David Cole Festival website 15-17 Charleston, SC [email protected] www.ccprc.com/ecckf David Cole has reserved a campsite and is willing to share the space and the cost with anyone in the club interested in going
April NOC Freestyle Shootout and Demo Days Nantahala Outdoor www.noc.com 15-17 Center
April Nolichucky - Class III-IV Kim Abney 16 [email protected]
April Adventure Race - Volunteers needed to assist Doug Johnstone 16-17 with canoe leg of the race. [email protected] 865-804-5240
Date Event Contact Info April Trip Leaders Choice - Nantahala, Pigeon, etc Gary Kilpatrick 23 Class II-III 423-914-4070 GWKilpatrick @misincinfo.com
April Paddlers Choice TouringTrip Jim Martin 23 or photogmartin8790 24 @aol.com
April Chilhowee Lake Day Trip Iris Leung 30 Trip rating: Easy [email protected] 314-517-5703
May Chota Meeting - Team River Runner and Girls at The Grill Social hour at 6 pm 10 Play - two presentations on supportive paddling at Highlands Row 6:30 dinner, groups and related activities 4705 Old Kingston Pike then presentations
May Santeetlah Lake Overnighter Jim Martin Each paddler needs to bring 7-8 Self-supported back country camping trip on Na- photogmartin8790 their own gear, food and wa- tional Forest land. @aol.com ter. Meet at 8 am at Panera, Alcoa, TN. Limited to 8.
May Rev3 Triathalon - Volunteers needed for Doug Johnstone 14-15 race support in the morning - Touring trip to follow 865-804-5240 in the afternoon [email protected]
May Sequatchie River Day Trip Paul Alexander 21 Trip rating: Easy 865-679-0359
May Boater Chick Festival Boaterchickfestval 21-22 @yahoo.com
May Paddlers Choice Touring Trip Jim Martin 28 or photogmartin8790 29 @aol.com
May Chattooga, Section 3 - Class II-III+(IV) Doug Johnstone 28 865-804-5240 [email protected]
June Chota Canoe and Kayak School Gary Kilpatrick See flyer in this newsletter for 17-19 423-914-4070 more info GWKilpatrick @misincinfo.com July CHOTA Swift Water Rescue Clinic Randy Bigbee 16-17 [email protected]
July Post-school Party for instructors, participants Ed McAlister Cove Park Pavilion 21 and Chota members ed@riversportsoutfitters 11808 Northshore Drive .com Knoxville, TN 37922
April/May 2010 Page 10
Whitewater Trip Report - Clear Creek - Barnett to Lilly - March 12, 2011
nice stretch and exchanged some stories. Then it was on to Lilly.
The river between Jett and Lilly was nice and fast. Some eddy hopping, surfing and tree dodging slowed us down a little but before we knew it we were at the Grunch. The normally dry rock below the first drop was covered with water creating a hole on the downstream side. Thankfully we were all prepared for this. Only one boat was nearly eaten but in the end everyone emerged from the Grunch upright.
And all too soon we found ourselves at Lilly rapid and an end to our day. The numerous eddies that we normally catch were gone so we decided to run it straight through getting the full fun factor out of the huge waves. One boater decided to add extra After a week of rain, Saturday arrived sunny with excitement to the day by running the last of the temperatures in the 60’s. The river was running at waves without his boat. Boater and gear were approximately 900cfs. We met at the ranger sta- quickly reunited and it was time for a little play. tion in Wartburg, decided on the shuttle and There were crazy fast peel-outs from the river right headed out to Lilly to drop off a car. Then it was on eddy and a nice surf wave right at the takeout for to Barnett where we unloaded and put on for a nice those willing to brave some upside leisurely paddle. down time in the cold water. It was a great day on the river. We were seven kayakers with a lone C-1’r. With eight intermediate boaters it was a very nice day Angela Garrison on the river. At Jett we stopped for snacks and a
TN Crayfish Discovery: Seriously This Time
"National Geographic spends millions of dollars Scientists have found a new species of crayfish in every year on federal grants to send biologists… all Tennessee and Alabama that is nearly 5 inches over the world looking for and studying the biodi- long—almost twice the size of a typical crayfish versity of those regions," said Eastern Kentucky found in the region. University biological sciences professor Guenter Schuster in a statement. Schuster is one of the bi- The discovery of a giant crayfish under a rock in ologists who found the new species. "But the irony Tennessee's Shoal Creek, which has been studied is that there's very little money that is actually for 50 years, goes to show that you don't have to spent in our own country to do the same thing." travel to exotic rivers and wetlands in Asia and Af- Comparison: New species on left; close relative on right rica to find species that are new to science.
The southeastern U.S. is, in fact, a hotbed of aquatic species diversity, with small populations of unique species living among the hundreds, if not thousands, of springs, rapids, pools, rivers, and wetlands that carve through and pockmark the southern Appalachian Mountains - home to the largest array of freshwater mussels on Earth; an abundance of freshwater snails, crayfish, and tur- tles; and nearly 700 of the approximately 1,000 species and subspecies of U.S. freshwater fish. http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.2988/10-15.1
April/May 2010 Page 11
Touring Trip Report - Calderwood Lake - March 12-13, 2011
We had great late winter weather for our trip. It was a bit windy but warm on Saturday with lows in the mid 30's at night. Sunday was calm and warm as we paddled back. Iris Leung paddled out Sun- day morning to meet us as we returned. She pad- dled about 14 miles out and back in one morning.
I have checked out the new portages at all of the dams. Two are easy and reasonable, one is insane. There are floating docks built at the take outs above the dams. They have built a new canoe launch ramp below Cheoah dam that is a very nice launch point. The portage is only a few hundred yards from above the dam to the new ramp.
There is a take above Calderwood Dam that leads to a long set of wooden stairs up to the dam ac- David Cole near the Calderwood campsite cess road. From there you would have to carry a On the weekend of March 12 and 13 Dave Cole and boat up to Highway 129 about half a mile then I paddled and camped on Calderwood Lake. We walk down 129 another mile to the access road checked out several new campsites and spent Sat- that leads to the ramp on the upper end of Chil- urday night on one of them. The sites were built as howee Lake. An impossible task without a car shut- a part of the new Little Tennessee River Paddling tle. There is no safe place to leave a vehicle over- Trail. night on 129.
Alcoa Power Generating Inc. and the US Forest It gets much easier if you can paddle to Chilhowee Service have developed a paddling trail system as Dam. The takeout is right at the dam along 129. a result of an agreement with conservation groups There is a short downhill trail leading to a floating and federal agencies during their last relicensing. dock on Tellico Lake. You can now through paddle and camp on all of the Alcoa resevoirs. If you put in below Fontana Dam It would be an ambitious trip but with a shuttle ar- you can paddle the lakes and portage around rangements at Fontana and Calderwood Dams a Cheoah, Calderwood and Chilhowee Dams. Below paddler could go from Bryson City to Tellico Dam Chilhowee dam you are on Tellico Lake. covering the entire length of what was once the Little Tennessee River. As a part of the agreement the USFS has built four new campsites and upgraded the existing site at Jim Martin Slick Rock Creek on Calderwood Lake. The camp- sites consist of one or two gravel tent pads, a pic- nic table, fire ring with grill and a lantern pole at each site. We camped at site number 5 about half a mile below Calderwood Dam on river right.
We stopped and checked out all of the other sites on the lake. A few are right on the water and are an easy place to unload boats. Two are up steep banks and one is up a creek above the lake. These sites may be a challenge to set up camp from a kayak or canoe. We also discovered that tent space is very limited at the sites. Only one site had two 8 by 8 foot tent pads. All of the others had only one pad. That would limit a group size to just one or For more info on the paddling trail: two tents. http://www.southeastwaterforum.org/files/ SEWTF09_Ammons&Oliver.pdf
April/May 2010 Page 12
Polar Bear Weekend Report - March 18-20, 2011 The Polar Bear Weekend saw some pretty epic beat downs—a handful of swims on the Tellico and a pinned kayak; a few swims on the Cheoah; some bruises, scrapes, and hurt egos; and even a couple scares. As Julie Clemens put it when she and Randy arrived on Sunday morning, ―Dang, ya’ll look rough.‖
Yet, those moments did not define the Polar Week- end; in fact, with the exception of excited story- telling, they barely made an impression at all. Sunny blue skies and moving whitewater by day and food, beer, and socializing by night really made the trip what it was—a fun weekend with friends.
From Saturday to Sunday, the temperatures Pushy, but not quite as feisty as Kate Cywinksi who stayed in the low 70s, and the sun made its ap- challenged more than one man to a brawl later pearance throughout most of the weekend. The that same night. While she and others duked it out, Tellico hovered from around 2.2 ft Friday to 1.9 by some people opted for the more peaceful guitar Sunday, making for low but fun runs, and the circle, enjoying songs like ―Wagon Wheel‖ and Cheoah ran at 1200 cfs on Saturday. ―Great Balls of Fire,‖ all while munching on home- made dishes brought for the potluck. ―Though, I’m not so sure about that,‖ said Randy Bigbee. ―The last big hole before you take out for The last day was spent again on the Tellico, both the Upper Cheoah was river wide, which does not on the ledges and the lower section and finished happen at 1200 level. And it was pushy!‖ for most people at the burger and shake stand by the bottom of the river. While slurping shakes and eating burgers, those gathered chatted about the weekend and continued more eagerly about the upcoming kayaking events.
The weekend was about kayaking, but more than that, it was about bringing together individuals who share the love of the river on all its levels—Class I through Class V—and in all forms—paddling, ca- noeing, and even swimming. People left the Tellico on Sunday with a new sense of camaraderie, and next year will perhaps be even bigger.
Charli Kerns
Evolution of a Kayak Trip – Tellico Lake, March 27, 2011
The first time period - the trip leader created the The second time period – the trip leader began to trip proposal– ―Hello Touring Paddlers, Tellico Blue- feel that perhaps the garden of eden might be way day trip. We will meet at Panera's in Maryville longer in coming. – ―Update - Appears that the at 9:30 on Sunday. Depending on the weather, front is moving slower than anticipated. So, I'll be this will either be a out and back trip, or the full making a final decision in the morning about Sun- blueway point A to point B. Either way, about 11 days trip. If you are planning to attend, please mile easy leisurely paddle, and be sure to bring a check your email in the morning … stay tuned.‖ lunch. See you on Sunday !!‖. And the paddlers And the paddlers said this may not be good. said this sounds good.
April/May 2010 Page 1311
The third time period – with an assist from the The sixth time period – Sunday post lunch – back weather – the trip was on - ―With 10% rain fore- into the ―stream‖ of things proceeding downstream cast throughout the day, and we have paddlers in- and seeing heron rookery tree – osprey with fresh terested, the trip is on. -See you at Panera at 9:30 caught fish flying – Canadian geese and various or Hardees in Vonore 441/360 at 10:15.‖ And the other birds, still cool but a gentle head wind. Fi- paddlers said we hope it is good. nally arriving at the take out a great 12 mile pad- dle. Noteworthy events- a 5 gallon jug of waist oil The fourth time period – Sunday 9:00 – the fabled recovered from the river bank and various trash paddlers embarked from the respective domiciles bottles and such. Take out and return to the put in headed for the Tellico Blueway, stopping at Panera to pick up cars. Then … mmmmm good. 9:30 for grouping and then Hardie’s in Vonore for ablutions 10:15, leaving the realms of fast food And on Sunday night – the paddlers rested - off to and highways the paddlers proceeded to the take their respective homes and a well earned nights out point, for dropping of cars, an arcane sport rest – perhaps a beer or two. And they all said it that leaves cars behind in varying numbers was a good paddle. (10:30). There Kayak racks were re-arranged to allow for moving three kayaks from the take out Jack Graham back to the put in. From thence it was off and up- stream to the put in. And it was looking better.
The fifth time period – Sunday 11:00 AM Put in – water flowing downstream – temps in the low 50’s- light mist – cloudy - dodging trees and moving at a good clip (top boat speed about 7 mph current aided) and then into the true lake waters. Padding between the stumps of the old streamside trees, the guides telling paddlers where the channel is deepest. Stopping for lunch at the mid point – TVA no impact camp areas – a great place to stop – and having seen no other paddlers all morning. And it was feeling like a good paddle. Charles Goodson enjoys a Sunday paddle on the Tellico
Eagle Quest at Reelfoot Lake, February 18-20, 2011
winter of 1811 when the most severe earthquake ever recorded in North America created a basin that filled with water. Our first stop was, Union City, Tennesse, where Ed grew up. Ed had ar- ranged for his friends Mickey and Pam Smith to welcome us into their home for the weekend. They were amazing hosts, providing cozy beds, incredi- ble food, and entertaining stories. After dinner the first evening, we went to Bill Cody’s Bar where we viewed bizarre behavior resembling mating dances by local wildlife.
The next morning we set off for the Reelfoot Lake Visitor Center where we saw wounded eagles in cages and talked to a ranger about paddling op- portunities. We also drove along a levee above the In mid-February, seven paddlers joined Ed McAl- mighty Mississippi looking for eagles, but all we ister’s trip to Reelfoot Lake in Northwest Tennes- found was a nest. As the winds began to increase see. Interestingly, this lake was formed in the and the skies began to threaten, we launched our
April/May 2010 Page 14
Reelfoot Lake Trip cont’d boats at a put in near a closed State Park lodge. Sharon discovered that she did not have her spray skirt and began thinking about staying behind and reading. Ed and Tom came to her rescue with gar- bage bags and duct tape, so she quickly aban- doned the book. Isn’t duct tape wonderful? Don’t leave home without it!
We paddled against the wind along the western shore of the Upper Blue Basin, seeking eagles only to find numerous abandoned plastic duck decoys. Ed was like a kid in a candy store, scooping up Trip Coordinator Ed McAlister: walk & talk like a duck? No these stray ducks and placing them on the deck of his boat. After detouring across the lake to investi- gate a large osprey nest, we resumed our paddle see them soaring over our kayaks. The slough along the western shore until we came to a closed spilled into Buck Basin, a large body of open water. refuge area. Once we turned around, the wind We paddled to the tip of a very long peninsula swept us back to the ramp very quickly. The scen- known as Grassy Island where we spotted hun- ery of the basin was almost primeval with large dreds of white pelicans flying overhead and wading cypress trees and dark tannic water. Once we got in the shallows. We saw more eagles in this area, in our cars, we finally saw an eagle perched in a and by the end of the day, our count had risen to tree beside the road. Satisfied that our eagle quest 28. had been successful, we capped off the paddle with an early dinner at Boyette’s, a popular local spot The next day we were treated to a wonderful that probably has not changed much in 50 years. breakfast by our hostess, Nancy Moore, owner of The menu included frog legs, catfish, chicken, the Blue Basin Cove Bed & Breakfast. She is very pork, steak, and burgers with generous side knowledgeable about birding and enjoys exploring dishes. the nooks and crannies of Reelfoot. She was re- cently featured in Tennessee Home and Farm Next, Ed took us to an old ferry site on the Missis- magazine (http://tnhomeandfarm.com/reelfoot- sippi River where we built a campfire, consumed lake-bald-eagles) telling how a visit to Reelfoot beverages, reminisced about past paddling adven- changed her life. She is a very interesting person, tures, and watched riverboats push clusters of and we really enjoyed our stay with her. barges past us. After a couple of hours, we left the river and went to a program at the Visitor Center With a forecast for 20-30 mph winds with gusts up where a ranger and a trustworthy assistant pa- to 40 mph, we decided to paddle in the protected raded an eagle, an osprey, and a couple of owls Bayou Du Chien, which is one of Nancy’s favorite around the crowded room. paddles. Our put in at Walnut Log was close to the observation deck so we were drawn to go back The next morning Ed and Pam rode bikes to a local there first. In less than an hour, we counted 24 donut shop and returned with tasty breakfast eagles. They were very active, and some were treats. Everyone but the McDonoughs headed for even amorous. Upon launching our boats, we found Knoxville. We (Tom and Tere) had decided to stay the bayou to be very shallow and narrow, but we for a couple more days, so we drove to the eastern had enough water to move through it. Moving slow shore of the lake to a ramp near an observation through the shallows allowed us to spot an eagle deck. Seeing several birders with spotting scopes, nest along the edge of the bayou. Nearby, an eagle we went over to the deck and counted 6 bald ea- lost its grip on a fish and dropped it in the water gles before launching our boats. Some of the ea- right in front of us! We also saw additional eagles, gles were sitting on stumps close to the water, and blue herons and hawks and heard pileated wood- others were sitting in the tops of trees. We peckers. launched our boats and paddled in Buzzard Slough, which started out as a narrow channel that was Near the end of the bayou, we cut through a chan- home to several bald eagles. It was spectacular to nel that connected to the Upper Blue Basin. A
April/May 2010 Page 15 storm was imminent, and the wind was strong in the open water. With the wind at our backs, we made great time on our return trip. The only thing that slowed us down was a spot that Ed must re- turn to see -- a large duck blind with about 200 decoys floating around it. We had lunch on the ob- servation deck and saw the final eagles of the trip, bringing our total count for the day to 35. Return- ing to Blue Basin Cove B&B, we saw flocks of snow geese sitting in corn fields, and an owl crossed the road in front of our car. Later that evening, another owl flew in front of our car.
Reelfoot is a great place to paddle. Visiting Reelfoot is like entering another world – a birding and kay- aking paradise. It is really refreshing to see so many eagles doing so well. It would have been The Trip Reporter on Reelfoot Lake shameful to let them become extinct.
Tere McDonough
Abrams Creek Trip Report - " River Classifications at Your Own Risk" This could be taken as a cautionary tale, particu- larly by newer paddlers thinking of running their first new river without a more experienced guide. This shouldn't dissuade them, but might help them pick the river and be more prepared for the unex- pected. But I mainly hope most readers will find some entertainment value.
3 of us often paddle together. Lee is quite experi- enced and use to run class 5 rapids regularly, but a couple surgeries (most notably the removal of a wrist bone due to a staff infection) have him look- ing mostly for class 3-4 runs. Kim and I have mod- erate experience, but mostly on class 2-3 runs with some class 4 mixed in (and a couple class 5 rapids A more difficult Cheoah-esque section of Abrams Creek
if you go by raft company ratings of the lower Gauley).
Because of a slip on a hike, Lee had a sprained wrist and we were looking for something easy. But we'd also decided to try more new runs this year, and due to recent rain, there were lots of options. After some discussion, we settled on Abrams Creek from Cades Cove down just past Abrams Creek camp ground. It was a little long at 10 miles, but according to AW, class 2-3 (except for Abrams falls which we would portage), with all but the middle 2 to 3 miles being class 2.
AW only mentioned 3 rapids besides the falls: pre- Abrams Creek put in above Abrams Falls
April/May 2010 Page 16 monition a third of a mile before the falls (class 3); depth of a rock and so tripped on it sideways and Boulder sluice a half mile beyond the falls (class was sent tumbling into a rock jumble. I don't re- 3+); and Sidewinder a fifth of a mile farther (class member where my mind was at the time, but the 3+). And Lee had run this some twenty odd years location was not appropriate for the situation. I ago and didn't remember anything of significance. found myself facing down, lying on the back deck So, we anticipated a nice relaxing day with beauti- with my hands bracing against a rock (still holding ful scenery. my paddle of course). My stern was pointing down- stream, so I performed a push-up, creating an air pocket, and got a breath. It seemed silly to waste the opportunity, since I was already in position.
While taking the breath, I also cleared my mind, then tucked (as I should have done at the start), and set up to roll. The roll coincided with the end of the rocks, and I landed in the swift aerated water at the base. At some point I'd hit my forehead. I had Kim check it out and found out it was bleeding a little. It wasn't too bad, and we went on, but I was thinking that this didn't bode well. On the other hand, some believe the river gods demand occasional blood offerings, and this might just pro- vide us safe passage for the rest of the day (and with luck, beyond). Ledges before Abrams Falls & John looking downstream
After an hour and a half or so, we came to a hori- The plans were made that morning and Lee had a zon line that couldn't be scouted from the river fair drive to the takeout, so we didn't meet till just without getting dangerously near or beyond the after 10:30 where the Foot Hills parkway meets point of no return. We got out to scout on river hwy 129 at the lake. We then drove to the takeout, left, and had to contend with thick rhododendron. transferred Lee's gear and boat to our car, and left It was Premonition, a river wide 8' rocky drop. The Lee's van to greet us at the end of our paddle. Lit- left side was full of wood. The right side which tle did we know how welcome the sight would be. seemed suggested by the AW write-up looked a little iffy. So Lee found a middle line he preferred. The drive to the put in at the far end of Cades Cove took close to an hour and a half. Add in the time to Back in the water, Lee described the drop to Kim transfer things at the take-out, and the time to who hadn't been on the scout, then he led the way, dress for winter (it was unseasonably warm near running the line perfectly. Kim followed, but a little 60, but the water was cold, the trip fairly long and I expected that not too much direct sunlight would reach the water), and we were putting on around 1:30. It started out pretty much as expected, with a cou- ple miles reminiscent of the Nanty. Then we started getting horizon lines. Since this is a wilder- ness run that hasn't seen much traffic, there was a significant potential for wood in the river. It turns out the dying hemlocks and some beaver activity had made it even more significant than anticipated. So, we didn't intend to run anything blind. Lee, having the fastest boat (a Dancer) and being the most experienced, boat scouted and then led us down safely away from potential hazards. Lee's ex- perience served us well, as the tree hazards were plentiful.
On one of these early easier drops, I misjudged the From atop the Falls Lee and John check out the next move
April/May 2010 Page 17
line on the far right, then turning left to avoid the next set of trees. After that, lee took the lead again. Mostly he boat scouted the rapids, but once or twice visibility was not good enough and he got out to scout, using up precious time. We were thinking we would probably portage Boulder Sluice, and Sidewinder in the interest of time (walking would probably be quicker than scouting then run- ning, and a mishap now would be very bad).
AW put Boulder Sluice a half mile from the falls, but the earlier third of a mile turned out to be much shorter, so we expected it at any time. It turns out to be (if I correctly read the map) almost a mile away, and the top of Sidewinder is less than Abrams Falls portage after lowering the boats a tenth of a mile farther. Boulder sluice has a nice eddy above on river left, and an easy portage. We too far right and found some bumps, but no prob- did take enough time to notice that the right line lems. I was last, and because of Kim's line, Lee was choked with trees, and the other 2 would was pointing me left. So I adjusted slightly left, probably be a little better with more water. and dropped down with no problem. I was then told I'd gone a little too left. Oh, well! The exit to the pool seemed completely blocked by a logjam. Since we were already carrying our We still had a third of a mile to the falls, so we boats, we just carried them an extra 50' of so. were a bit surprised to see a horizon line with no Sidewinder starts right after an island, and the top bottom at the next turn. It turns out there is less of that island had caught the logjam. There were than a tenth of a mile between Premonition and actually 2 logjams, one on either side. But there the falls. We got out on river right in dense rhodo- was also a shallow channel down the middle which dendron (that turned out to be the case for almost was open, but probably didn't quite have enough all our scouts and portages). Our horizon line was- water to run anyway. n't actually the falls, but the first of 3 ledges, each 1' to 2' tall, leading to the falls. We ferried to the island below the obstruction, and ran down to the end to see a big eddy on river While the ledges weren't particularly hard, the right above Sidewinder from which to scout and/or proximity of the falls was not comforting. So we walk. Kim had carried her boat to the bottom of thought we'd portage from there. But the thicket the island, and I decided to put in with her while proved difficult, the distance between the first and Lee ran the left side of the island and into the second ledge was greater than beyond, and from eddy. Kim followed, then it was my turn. The water shore we could see a line down the first one that went down the left side, going towards the right, appeared safe enough. So we avoided the vegeta- tion, and had to deal with shear rock.
Next to the falls is a fairly spacious rocky area from which hikers were taking pictures. Once we got there, we lowered the boats down, then climbed down the same way the hikers were going up and down. After taking a few pictures of our own, and chatting a bit with hikers, we got back on. It was now almost 5 o'clock and we still had 2/3 of the run left, including the most intense section. Since this was the last day before daylight savings would add and hour of daylight, we only had till about 7.
Kim had walked around the pool at the base of the falls to check the exit which appeared to be com- pletely blocked by trees. She had found a narrow A portage around another logjam but without the thickets
April/May 2010 Page 18
rapid on the run, and doing it blind. Thankfully the gods kept vigil, keeping strainers out of my path.
At the bottom I caught a river left eddy behind a big rock, and tried to find a position that would al- low Kim and Lee to see my paddle raised high. Once they saw I was OK, they went back up and carried their boats to put in above the last drop of the rapid. It was now almost 6:30, and we were only half way with still a mile of the intense section to go.
I think Lee considered paddling in the dark with potential strainers more dangerous than running the drops "blind". From then on he only scouted on the fly, hardly slowing down at all. Finally we got to the class 2 section again, and this time it was then curved back left to go down the first drop of mostly quite easy. It became a race against the Sidewinder from left to right again. dark, and Lee who could easily have beat the dark was having trouble slowing down enough to keep Because of the time and the fact that the eddy us in sight. Kim soon was having to rest regular by looked big and easy to catch, I didn't take too stretching and lying back on her boat as she much time to pick my line. I went left, caught the coasted on. I was trying to go fast enough to keep current, curved around and caught the bottom of Lee in sight, but had to slow down to not lose Kim. the "eddy". Even though the water was glassy and appeared still, I felt my boat being tugged pretty Finally we saw the fires of the camp ground, but it strongly downstream. I then realized this wasn't was already too dark to see the people. Our take- part of the eddy, but the glassy water heading to- out and the van were only about a tenth of a mile wards the pour-over just a few feet behind me. I farther. When we checked the time at the van, it made a last effort to paddle away and ferry to- was 7:15. So we ran the second half in under an wards the shore, but saw that I was still losing hour, and Kim's photography indicates 2 portages ground (or water as the case may be). of river-wide strainers are included (I don't re- member them - possibly because they had become Deciding to face the unknown rather than back into semi-automatic). it, I spun the boat around, but a little too late. The lip was shallow enough to pause the boat for just A couple hours later we were back in Cades Cove an instant. Only long enough to make sure the to find the loop closed. We'd forgotten they close boat was perfectly perpendicular to the drop, and "at dark" as their sign says. We were thinking we'd for me to see that I was heading 6 to 8 feet have to come back in the morning for the car. We straight down into a hole. NOT good. Teetering on drove towards the ranger station, and notice the the brink of disaster, I prepared for a hard brace, exit was also closed. So hiking in for a couple hoping I wouldn't be landing on rocks. I don't think hours and then driving out wasn't an option either. I got much of an impression of the size of the hole, But a cruiser was parked in front of the station and being overwhelmed by the height, but I vaguely we thought it wouldn't hurt to ask if we could be remember an iota of relief that it looked a little let in to get the car. smaller than expected. After some thought, the ranger was kind enough to I don't know if it had anything to do with my early help out. But he wanted to make certain that we blood offering, but the river gods apparently had understood that he wasn't too happy about it, that pity. Just below water level, the vertical rock wall I he might have already been gone (it was after all 3 was sliding down curved to horizontal. This levelled hours since he'd closed the road at 6:30), and that my boat and gave me a little lateral momentum. we shouldn't expect such treatment in the future. Rather than stop to thank the gods, and in so do- He also let us know we were foolhardy to have run ing lose the gift, I thanked them by taking advan- the thing in the first place. It's VERY dangerous. tage and paddling hard. Once away from the hole, NOBODY runs that section - except for a couple of I had little time to think. I was running the biggest guys he had to help search for. Apparently, a few
April/May 2010 Page 19 years ago, some paddlers got lost after quitting class 5". He ran it again in '96 at a much lower and trying to walk off from the middle. level (well below his minimum recommended) and gave a trip report. There the class 5 was After our experience, it wasn't too surprising to "considerably easier". hear that other boaters had decided to quit half way. Without Lee's experience and water reading That about wraps it up. Following the ranger to the skills, we would have been in trouble. And we car, we hoped the car would start. It had never ac- needed a little luck as it was. tually failed, but often threatened by requiring a lot of cranking. This time it took longer than usual, So what did we learn? This was mainly a reminder and each time it caught momentarily before dying that one shouldn't count only on the classification again, it engulfed itself in a huge puff of smoke. of the river and rapids to determine what the ex- That was a first. I finally got it going and we left. perience will be like. Rapids vary widely in charac- The ranger led on the way in so he could open the ter, and what is easier for one person may be gate, but tailed on the way out to close it. So for harder for another. Then there is the fact that a the slow five miles or so of the loop, the engine new, unknown run typically seems half a class to a was very rough and the car billowed smoke on the class harder (how much harder depends a lot on ranger behind. I thought it unfortunate that was the person) than an equivalent run that is known. the thanks he was getting for his trouble. On popular runs, one can be fairly sure that a line is open, and thorough scouting is less of a require- That was the car's last trip. It will be missed. ment than on sections of river that are rarely vis- ited. This means rapids too long to see from top to John Butler bottom, or too steep, will be more risky, or take more time. And finally, remoteness can turn a moderate problem into a very serious one.
We also learned the wilderness runs are more Different Strokes likely to have strainers now, with the return of the beaver population, and all the dying hemlocks. Kids, today? They’re on Facebook. Half of everybody else? A lot of Chota members too. For starters, we should have paid more attention to the fact that the author of the AW write-up is likely If you’ve made the jump to social networking one of the top local class 5 creek boaters. So when on the Internet, come on over to the Chota he talks about a "fun" class 3 section, we should Canoe Club facebook page and join. Over have realized that would translate to "intense" for a hundred fifty already have. Share us. Especially since it was all new to us. Then, we pictures and late breaking trip invites with should have given ourselves a lot more time for others. scouting. Some still favor the listserve for announcing Since then, Kim has done some searching, and Chota Canoe Club activities. If that’s your found another description of the river from 1990 by preference, join the listserve at Roger Nott, an open boater (the current one on AW www.paddlechota.org by clicking on the is I think circa 2007). It calls the intro section be- Members Online link. Some simply check our fore the falls "fun" class 2's and "easy" class 3's. handy website to get the info they need. The "fun" section had "continuous class 3 and 4 drops", often "complex" and falling "6 to 12 feet". And the rapid I ran accidentally was "christened 'Mind Bender'" and considered a "very challenging
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CHOTA CANOE & KAYAK SCHOOL
Chota's annual Canoe & Kayak School has been a great way to introduce our sport to new comers for many years. We offer beginner classes in whitewater kayak and canoe, as well as touring kayak and canoeing. For those who are already into paddling, but wish to advance in skill level, our school also offers advanced beginner and intermediate whitewater classes. Chota also provides the option of renting equipment from the club, depending on availability or from area outfitters for this event. This way you can still come and learn even if you do not have your own gear.
Pick your class from this list: Whitewater Kayaking - Whitewater Canoeing - Kayak Touring - Canoe Tripping Class descriptions are available on the Chota Website www.PaddleChota.org
Friday June 17 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Check in at Hiwassee Outfitters Campground 8:00 pm General Meeting / Orientation followed by Student & Instructor Meetings 8:30 pm Gear Check Out and Outfitting
Saturday June 18 8:00 am - 9:00 am Students & Instructors Meet to Begin Classes (Daily Schedule will be determined by Instructor) 6:30 pm Catered Dinner (bring a chair) 8:00 pm Auction, Bonfire Fun Begins
Sunday June 19 8:00 am - 9:00 am Students & Instructors Meet to Begin Classes (Daily Schedule will be determined by Instructor) End of Day, Return Club Gear
Hiwassee Outfitters in Reliance, TN will be our base for the weekend. Check their website at www.hiwasseeoutfitters.com for directions. Two nights camping is available for $15 per person and the campground has a bathhouse with hot showers. Bring your own food for lunches and snacks on the river and for breakfast. CHOTA is sponsoring a catered dinner, Saturday night for $12.00 / person.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: GARY KILPATRICK : 423-914-4070 : [email protected] Stay Up to Date on School Information at the Chota Website www.PaddleChota.org REGISTRATION FORM AVAILABLE ON NEXT PAGE