THE PADDLER TATTLER VOLUME 47, ISSUE 10 ~ OCTOBER 2014 Newsletter of the Tennessee Valley Club

LIFE’S A TRIP! BRING A !

The last month has a been full of end-of-summer fun for Inside this Issue many TVCCers, especially the newbies! The training trip Calendar 2 Restaurant Report 14 season culminated with Ocoee PFDs for many of those in the Paddle School Class of 2014. October Events 3 Throwback 15 2014-2015 Officers 4 Sea 16 Here, Jessica Alexander boofs the slot on the left side of Flipper during the Ocoee Sampler Trip. Ocoee Race 6 Overnighters 17

(Photo: Larry Boothby) TN River Rescue 8 Boundary Waters 18 Trip Reports 10

OCTOBER 2014 SUN MON TUES WED THU FRI SAT

Sept 28 29 30 October 1 2 3 4 IRONMAN TN River Triathlon Rescue Support GAF @ NOC

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Women, 6th Annual Whiskey & Ocoee Race Whitewater

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Board TN River Meeting Gorge Overnighter

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 TN River Nickajack Gorge Bluffs Overnighter

26 27 28 29 30 31 Nov 1 Boo Run 19th Annual Green River Race

See Page 3 for Events in Detail THE PADDLER TATTLER 2 OCTOBER 2014

by World . Race for time from Grumpy’s to Oct. Events in Detail... below Powerhouse, or watch the competition. After party benefiting First Descents and Team ALL PADDLING TRIPS ARE WEATHER AND WATER River Runner to follow, 6pm at the OAR Pavilion. DEPENDENT. IT IS MANDATORY THAT TRIP LEADERS Volunteers are needed. See page 6 and contact BE NOTIFIED BY PHONE BY THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR Jen Maxwell: [email protected]. TO THE TRIP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS WILL October 14th—Board Meeting (C). 6pm, Outdoor ALLOW THE TRIP LEADER TO NOTIFY YOU OF ANY Chattanooga. CHANGES MADE. October 18th-19th—TN River Gorge Overnighter (S, Most events are detailed on the calendar section of ON). Paddle from the Suck Creek Ramp and camp the TVCC Website. on the bank at the Pot House. You must be able to Contact the trip leader for specific training trip carry all of your own gear in your boat. Contact meeting times. Ben Johnson: [email protected].

(WW = Whitewater; S = ; C = Club Event; October 25th—Nickajack Bluffs (S). 10am. Meet at ON = Overnight ) the Shellmound Ramp at Nickajack Lake for a 3 hour paddle. September 26th-28th—Guest Appreciate Festival @ NOC (WW). Enjoy the festivities at the Nantahala October 26th—Ocoee Boo Run (WW). Celebrate the Outdoor Center. http://noc.com/events/guest- last Ocoee release of the season in the Halloween appreciation-festival-gaf Spirit. Meeting time TBA.

September 28th—Ironman Triathlon Support (C). November 1st—19th Annual Green Race. 12pm. 6am. The Ironman Triathlon is coming to Green River Narrows. Watch the best of the best Chattanooga, and they need volunteers to compete in the Ultimate Southeastern Steep support the swim portion. For more information, Creek Race Experience! Psst...I heard some contact Debby McRae: [email protected]. TVCCers might be competing this year!

October 4th—TN River Rescue (C). 9am. This is an event that TVA sponsors annually, and Jim Ledbetter is leading a team of volunteers on the West Chick at Camp Jordan. You can help on the bank or in big that Jim will bring. Contact: [email protected].

October 10th—Women, Whiskey, and Whitewater (C). 7pm, Rock Creek Ocoee. Women Only. A fun evening to discuss women and paddlesports, featuring several special guests. Contact Rebecca Hendrix or Ashley Teel: [email protected]. Past President Brandon Beaty and Pirate Rob Taylor show October 11th—6th Annual Ocoee Race (C, WW). their Halloween spirit at the 2013 Boo Run. 9am for registration, 10:30am for race. Sponsored

THE PADDLER TATTLER 3 OCTOBER 2014

President’s Message

By Don Fletcher, TVCC President

First I would like to thank the outgoing president and board for an outstanding year. Paddle school was the best in my memory. We have more certified instructors than ever. The board's leadership on teaching, safety, and community support is a big reason we are the best club in the South.

The new board will try to make the club even stronger. You can help by emailing any suggestions to [email protected].

Incoming President Don Fletcher with Terra McGill and incoming Vice President Ashley Teel. Welcome 2014-2015 TVCC Officers!

Let’s all give a warm welcome to the new and returning officers for the 2014-2015 year. Thanks for your commitment to making TVCC an active and excellent club, and a fantastic resource for paddlers of the Tennessee Valley and beyond!

President: Don Fletcher Vice President: Ashley Teel Assistant Vice President: LaDawn Wolfe Secretary: John Hubbard Treasurer: Debby McRae Safety Chair: Mike Shillinger River Conservation Chair: Jim Ledbetter Webmaster: Teri Zur Newsletter Editor: Meryl Stark PR Chair: Katie Larue Non-Paddling Cruisemasters: Jen Maxwell & Rebecca Hendrix Class II/III Cruisemaster: Spence Lycan Class III/IV Cruisemaster: Brandon Koch Overnight Cruisemaster: Ben Johnson & Carolyn Rand Sea Kayak Cruisemaster: Eric Fleming

THE PADDLER TATTLER 4 OCTOBER 2014

Annual Member Meeting Campout: Sept. 6th

marshmallows and off knives show McRae Debby and Lautzenheiser, Anne Greg Foster,

—

a winning combination. winning a

Families share food and conversation together.

Jenny Leaderer and Past President Past and Leaderer Jenny

Paul Shoun are excited about the about excited are PaulShoun

evening! Sandra Walker, Betsy Westerfield, and Lisa Lemza enjoy drinks.

TVCC Members gathered at OAR on Saturday, September 6th for the annual fall meeting and campout. New officers were elected, beer and pizza were enjoyed, and John Kern and Jenny Leaderer recounted their wilderness adventures on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho.

(left) John Kern presents about the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

roaring bonfire! roaring a without complete is celebration No

Carin Burford has a new, spicy spin on the traditional booty beer.

THE PADDLER TATTLER 5 OCTOBER 2014

6th Annual Ocoee Race: October 11th Sponsored by World Kayak; Benefiting First Descents & Team River Runner

By Jen Maxwell & Meryl Stark Now that Ocoee season is winding down, it’s again time for the Ocoee Race. The race will be on Saturday, October 11th. Come to race, volunteer, or watch the competition! Volunteers are still needed on land and in the water. Contact Jen Maxwell ([email protected]). More information on the race and specifics about competing, including online registration, can be found at http://tvccpaddler.com/ocoee-race-2014/. Following the race, join everyone at the OAR Pavilion at 6pm for the after party with beer, paddle videos, live music, and a flip cup tournaments. $5 to party and all proceeds will benefit First Descents and Team River Runner! (Details on charities below.)

Schedule of Events 9:00 - 10:30: Registration and number pickup at the parking lot at the Middle Put-In (Roger’s Branch). 10:30: Mandatory Safety Meeting. Updated race information will be provided. 11:00: Racing Begins!

“First Descents offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same.” For more information, visit http://firstdescents.org.

Team River Runner aims “to create an environment of healthy adventure for healing active duty and veteran service members through paddle sports.” TRR provides boats, gear, instruction, transportation, etc. for participants and volunteers through the generosity of donors and subsidies from providers. Team River Runner has local chapters in Chattanooga and Atlanta. For more information, visit www.teamriverrunner.org. THE PADDLER TATTLER 6 OCTOBER 2014

Women, Whiskey, and Whitewater!

By Rebecca Hendrix October 10th, 7pm at Rock Creek Ocoee Ladies of the club, join us for a female bonding experience as we talk about our favorite thing (besides shoes): Whitewater! Adrienne Levknecht from Liquid Logic, Emily Shanblatt from Confluence Watersports, Kat Levitt from Jackson Kayak, and more have agreed to join us this evening where we can discuss Girl Power! TVCC Ladies pose at a cold-weather Nantahala what it's like to be a female involved in paddle sports. run. This is a LADIES ONLY EVENT (so no boys) as we will discuss things like our feelings, emotions, paddling obstacles (boobs), and maybe even our moon flow. If you are a lady paddler or you If you have questions about this even, feel free to contact Jen have a daughter or friend who is interested in paddling, feel free Maxwell, [email protected], or Rebecca Hendrix, to bring them. We also ask that you bring a CAMP CHAIR and [email protected]. maybe your tent, as the Ocoee Race is the next morning--feel free to stick around and race or help out!

Kayak Polo at Warner Park

By Meryl Stark During the month of September, Outdoor Chattanooga started a new program—Kayak Polo!

For several Thursdays, the Warner Park Pool was converted into a playing field of fierce competition, as kayakers on the green and yellow teams battled for the ball and charged towards the goal posts to score.

Thanks to everyone from TVCC who came out to play this fun and high-energy game!

THE PADDLER TATTLER 7 OCTOBER 2014

Tennessee River Rescue: October 4th

THE PADDLER TATTLER 8 OCTOBER 2014

Guidebook Re-Release Party

By Meryl Stark On Thursday, August 28th, club members gathered at the Mellow Mushroom in Downtown Chattanooga to celebrate the re-release of Jeff West’s Middle Ocoee Guidebook and Training Manual. Joe Gudger from Ace Kayaking said a few powerful words about Jeff West and mentorship on the river. The guidebooks arrived hot off the press (and just in time) from Whitewater Porn in Nashville. Everyone had a great time, including the Birthday Boy, Tony Hill, and his colorful cake. If you missed your chance to buy a guidebook at the party, contact Ace Kayaking School: www.acekayaking.com.

THE PADDLER TATTLER 9 OCTOBER 2014

Trip Report Treasures Tell us about it, why don’t you?

T Ocoee Sampler (8/23) close by her, and Spence started to ferry toward river right, trying to intercept Debbie and gear. I followed, and once again By Larry Boothby the river had other plans. I had a good angle, was paddling my Run the Ocoee Sampler they said. It will be fun, they said… butt off, and I wasn’t going anywhere. I am slowly getting flushed down into the main body of “Hell’s Half Mile”, and Actually it was fun, and I’ve run this one time before. But, there everyone else is now up river of me. At that point I tried to go are a few things I learned today. First, the Ocoee River during back to river left, got sideways, and the boat flipped up on its the week and the Ocoee River on a Saturday, when they have an side. With the boat completely up on its side, I was bracing like a upper release going too, are two very different rivers. At least fool. All I could think was I have no support, and if I swim here, I for a noob like me they are. Let us start am going to get my butt kicked for the from the beginning. next half mile, and then end up swimming The plan was to meet at the private “Double Trouble”. All of this went through boater takeout at 1PM. Everyone was on my head in a split second, when suddenly time and a truck was loaded with what my paddle bit, and I braced back upright. appeared to be about 15 and one The problem is I am now on my own in a open canoe. Brandon told us that the rapid I really don’t know, and there are no most dangerous thing we would do was eddies anywhere in sight. When in doubt unloading the boats on the side of turn down river and paddle. So that’s Highway 64 at the put in. He wasn’t what I did. Finally I spotted a little rock kidding, but we got all the boats down sticking up river left and I knew there the hill and everyone put on below “Slice would be an eddy behind it, so I drove as & Dice”. I was with Spence Lycan’s group. hard as I could. Sanctuary, sanctuary! I I think we had more support boaters than made it and was very happy to sit in my new boaters, but that turned out to be a little eddy waiting for everyone else to good thing. come down. After a little briefing, we peel out and Class V Boat Tetris skills are almost as With Deborah sorted out and her boat in head down river following the far left line important as river running skills during an eddy, everyone regrouped just above, through “Moon Chute”. We eddied out, large training trips! (Jennifer Whitlock) and left of “Double Trouble”. The plan river left, above “Double Suck”, and then was to run the sneak line to the left of the proceeded to run the chute on river left, avoiding the two large waves. No problem. Been there done that. Wrong! Off I go, monsters holes that give the rapid its name. For me, this is trying to follow the line, but NOOOOOOO. The river had other where the wheels started to come off the wagon. I’ve run this ideas, and I got run right into some rocks, spun sideways, and chute before, but this time I was having a bear of a time getting once again flipped up on my side. Visions of running the rapid the line I wanted. Apparently the river had other ideas for me, upside down flashed through my head as I tried to brace. With and although I made it through, it was sloppy and not the way I the boat on the verge of being completely over, my paddle hit wanted. something solid and I hip snapped, righting the boat, and ran the rest of the drop backward. When I hit the eddy, I was a little Next up, “Hell’s Half Mile”. For those that have never been here, shook up. I had two close calls on two significant rapids, and we this rapid is aptly named. It’s a half mile of fast moving water, had two more to go. and shallow rocks. Small holes, crazy waves, and partially submerged rocks lurk, just waiting for the unwary or in- With Deborah now re-united with her boat, we were facing “Left experienced. Coming into the whole thing are two ledges with Right Left”. Spence offered to take us down the “weasel” line on some rather large hydraulics that completely caught me off river right. I jumped at the offer. I just didn’t want to tackle the guard. I made it through OK and had just hollered to Meryl to waves on the normal line. It started out OK but quickly became have Spence slow down when I heard someone shout that we more difficult as we were forced to dodge a growing number of had a swimmer. I turned around in time to see Debbie swimming rocks. All this, plus the river manhandling me and my boat, it beside her upside down boat just below the ledges. Terra was was only a matter of time until the loose wheels finally came Continued on next page THE PADDLER TATTLER 10 OCTOBER 2014

Continued from last page Maybe I'm not relevant anymore," I said. "What are you talking about woman? You could have ran it two completely off the wagon. When it happened it was ugly! I went years ago, but you didn't. You've paddled in Chile, and now the sideways over a rock and was instantly getting pummeled. Rock Animas River and Arkansas River in Colorado. They've not done after rock after rock was pounding my head, my back and my that," he said, encouraging. shoulders. What was probably only about 10 seconds, felt like a "Well, maybe I'll run it when we go home," I said. whole year of a never ending beating. When it was done, I didn’t know which way was up, left or right, and I had to stop and think It was settled. I would run it when we came home Labor Day about how to pull the spray skirt and exit the boat. Surfacing, I weekend. I told Ashley I was thinking of it, and she said do it. So, grabbed the boat and started for the river bank. Unfortunately I Thursday night, eating dinner at Mellow Mushroom, I asked Don was only getting dragged down river, so I was told to ditch the Fletcher what he thought. He said do it. I looked at Tony and boat and swim. That turned out to be the easy part. The really Tyson, and said, "So I think I want to run the Upper on hard part was the climb up to the road. I then took the walk of Saturday..." Grins all around. shame, about 100 yards down to where my boat was, climbed back down, and back into the boat. At this point all that was left I had only paddled a few times since Paddle School--living in the was a quick ferry river left, and the small drop at “Flipper”. That desert and all, there's not a lot of whitewater. I didn't know if my turned out to be actually pretty cool and I managed to get a few game was there, so Tony decided I could get ready on Friday. So decent pictures. The trip ended with the paddle out to Goforth we started at 9:30am, and did two very long laps. There was Creek and running shuttle. ferries at Grumpies ,eddies in Broken Nose, ferries and S turns at Slice and Dice, and more eddies through Left Right Left. Tablesaw was a breeze. I was allowed no cheats--just meat (except at Double Suck where I could boof). I was exhausted, and foolish enough to complain to my friend Joe Gudger about how tired I was after two laps. He smiled and laughed, "I don't want to hear it until you've done 20 plus laps."

Saturday morning rolls around. Mike and I get up and go to meet Tony, Tyson, and Rudy at the Chick-fil-a. In the car, I tell Mike, "maybe I'll just do it next year when I've been paddling more."

"Oh no you don't. You are paddling the Upper today. You're ready, and I'm not gonna hear about it all winter," he said. At Lisa Lemza hits the Flipper Slot during the Ocoee breakfast, Tyson and Tony reassured me I was ready. At the Sampler trip. (Larry Boothby) takeout we rearrange boats and bodies--Mike, Tyson, Tony, Rudy, LaDawn, and a last minute add on with Jamie Smith. Off to So that was my trip. I’m actually kind of glad I had the swim. It the top we head. I'm nervous. We get to the top, and off to the just gets it out of the way. In the end though, I had a compete bathroom I go (thank you John Kern for letting me know I'm not blast. It was huge fun and, although the Ocoee still intimidates alone). I threaten to stay behind, but there are encouraging the hell out of me, I am ready to go back and do it again. Big words from LaDawn and firm No's from the boys. I leave part of thanks to TVCC for hosting the trip and for everyone who helped my chicken biscuit in the parking lot. We're off. out today. Oh one last thing. If you get a chance, ask Spence how easy it is to jump out of a pickup truck on 64 and go tumbling I really wish I could tell you about the river, but this is all I down the hill. remember---Nantahala with trees/shrubs for a mile and half or more. Then there is Alien Boof which is much bigger than I thought it would be. Next is more Nanty with trees, and then Upper Ocoee PFD (8/30) catch a big eddy on the right before the bridge. They told me to By Rebecca Hendrix go through the gate and keep left. So we peel out. Tony in front, Rudy behind (I gotta follow a stick), and then me. LaDawn is "Honey, am I getting obsolete?" I asked. behind me, then Mike, Tyson, and Jamie. I'm looking for the "No, what are you talking about?" he replied. gate, but I still don't see it. Wow, there are few holes here--just "The Upper Ocoee. The girls are all running it, and I've not ran it yet. We've moved away and now, maybe I'm just getting behind. Continued on next page THE PADDLER TATTLER 11 OCTOBER 2014

Continued from last page say, I only managed to choke down one chicken biscuit. The other went into the cooler in hopes I'd survive to eat it later. line up and punch 'em. I hear screaming and notice EVERY ONE is After several nervous trips to the pit toilet, we make it to the put to my left. I'm punching holes, but where is that damn gate? Oh in and collect our plastic and gear. I had originally planned to put well. There's a nice flat water spot before/under the bridge. in at the rails...wherever that was. All I knew was that it sounded They're all screaming and smiling now. "You took the hero less scary than Grumpy's. Rob said we'd take a conservative right line!!!" they say. line down Grumpy's, it would be fine. He was very encouraging. "What? Where's the gate?" I ask. So I changed my mind and decided to go for the gusto. I shakily "Back there," they reply. put my big girl pants on and slid into the river amongst all the "Where back there? I didn't see one slalom gate at all? Actually, I rafts. I bumped down the right side for a wee little bit and still don't see it," I say. flipped. I managed to roll and earned a cheese-gratered elbow in Apparently, it's a rock gait, not a slalom gate. Whoops! We run the process. I continued on and made an attempt to get into a the first little rapid of the Olympic section, and catch the huge small eddy...and flipped again. This time, my nerves got the eddy on the left. Let's go. Tony first, then Rudy, then me, better of me and I swam. Fortunately, we were pretty much next LaDawn, Mike, Tyson, and Jamie. We line up some waves and to the bank and so it was a short one. With the help of Rob, I got punch some holes--it looks awfully big, but it's really not that myself back together. I took a few minutes to try to get my head bad--lots of fun! Wheee! We catch another eddy on the left, in the game and hoped that the swim was just me needing to there's a swimmer, so we split up. (My God that was a kick ass "get it out of my system." swim.) We head down the rest of the Olympic section and finally eddy out on river right. Wheee! We regroup. There's more hole We peeled out and off we went. My heart was pounding, my dodging, a little small Nanty with trees thing and then the low hands were shaking and, if I could have seen them, I'm sure my head dam, and then the crazy lazy river ride. We're back to the knees were, too. I don't remember much of the run to Goforth, Middle put in. just that we took mostly traditional lines (I think) and I combat rolled twice. It's a blur of rocks and water. By the time we got to Goforth, I was leaning towards calling it a day. However, the idea of thumbing to my car was a bit off- putting...I'd rather face Tablesaw. So down the river I went. We took a creaky, boney sneak line on the right into Tablesaw, bypassing the first wave. As I sat in the eddy and laid eyes on the monster for the first time, that chicken biscuit sitting like a brick in my stomach threatened to revolt. I did my best to ignore it and peeled out behind Spence. I hit the second wave and it was on! This was the most fun I'd had all day. The chicken biscuit was forgotten and the nerves were steady. Game time! "Honey, I'm so proud of you," he says. "Now we can do the Cheoah, the Numbers, the...... " I managed a clean run through Tablesaw and Diamond Splitter. While far from perfect, the rest of the run was a dry one. No rolls, no more swims. I did take the left line at Hell Hole, feeling that common sense was the better part of valor the first time Ocoee First Timers Part 1 (9/7) down. However, I watched my comrades catch some air and By Kristin Evans make it look good! Thank you to TVCC for the fantastic summer of training...I've Final tally: 1 swim, 3 combat rolls, 1 scraped elbow definitely become a better and safer paddler. Thank you to Rob, All in all, it was a very fine day that ended at the R/C pavilion Spence, JD, Jamie and Meryl for getting me down the river safely with beer with some very fine people. and encouraging me to push my limits.

The day started out with a fantastic breakfast with some of the TVCC crew at Whitewater Cafe. There were lots of encouragement and carnage stories to go around. Needless to

Continued on next page THE PADDLER TATTLER 12 OCTOBER 2014

Continued from last page We move along, loads of fun on the wave trains, rapids, whooping it up in the meat, a few combat rolls lord knows Ocoee First Timers Part 2 (9/7) where (Flipper?). Approaching Tablesaw (nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof) I swim By Alyce Wellons in 3 inches of water, couldn't roll up, couldn't push off and finally First and foremost, as always, thank you TVCC and the members swam. Brandon says "I waited for you to let me know you who volunteer their time, patience and river wisdom to us needed help." I say "Was that Tablesaw?" Rookies. We bow before you! None of this would be possible It wasn't. without your time and dedication to TVCC, and making Rookies safer, better, and terrified paddlers summer after summer. Tablesaw was me trying not to run over a swimmer and her boat. Other than that, I think I took that strong right stroke on A huge thank you to: the curler wave and then started heading left. Whatevs…no roll Brandon Beaty: NO cheat lines, only meat lines, and lots of rides or swim and it seemed fine. Makes me think next time Tablesaw on the back of his boat! Calm, steady and with a twinkle in his will sharpen its blades and say hello a little more loudly. eye each time he gave us instructions for the upcoming rapids! I Diamond Splitter (combat roll ferrying over to or below Diamond challenged myself in every way on Sunday only because he was Splitter) , Cats PJ's, Hell Hole (HELL YES! SO FUN!) and our leader! Powerhouse (combat roll) and the day is over. Carin, Ashley, Tony: You all were awesome! Ashley challenged Lies began in the Pavilion shortly after. me starting in the parking lot, giving me the eye that yes, I was starting at Grumpy's. Carin was always there with a smile and Drove home with the biggest smile on my face. making it seem easy! And paddling with her is a guarantee you Sunday, it was perfect! The highlight of my paddling life, will get a new Facebook cover shot! Tony, thank you for being beginning last summer at Paddle School. quiet and steady on the river. I have been in several pods with you as the sweep and it is such a safe experience. And talk about I woke up today with little stinging cuts in odd places, a few making it look easy and so at one with the water!!You are bruises, and my arms so sore I could barely lift them. awesome! Who cares…proud to have each and every one of them! Jim and Flyin': Thanks for all your support, especially dumping THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to the Rambos and the out a few wet boats here and there! Rookies yesterday!! So many other people who have supported me, given SO much gratitude to you all! encouragement, lessons, pep talks, and shared river wisdom. Too many to name here but hopefully will do so in person next time I see you! I will skip over all the pre-trip internal conversations, trying to come up with other things to do on Sunday, and reasons to get out at Goforth, feeling like I am going to throw up all day, etc. etc. We started at Grumpy's, scouted it and picked out lines. I rolled in the staging area, not in the current and not on purpose. Better than crying. Got it over and made it thru Grumpy's and on down the river. It was soon clear we were challenging ourselves, meat lines all the way down. NO cheats. The day was on people! A swim in Double something. I was going to run the boof and Jessica Alexander demonstrates proper pseudo-duo changed my mind at the last minute. Commitment issues. I need technique as she and Brandon Beaty boogie through a therapist. Powerhouse. Swam on down into Hell's Half Mile (is that right?) and got an undocumented ride on Brandon's boat. Commentary stays on the river!! Continued on next page THE PADDLER TATTLER 13 OCTOBER 2014

Continued from last page River Restaurant Upper Youghiogheny, Day 1 (9/16) By Don Fletcher Report We had a large group with varying skill levels and experience on By John Hubbard this Cass IV river. I was not the strongest, but not the weakest either—comfortably in the middle but a first timer. Walker’s Fried Pies & BBQ is the place to go after the Cartecay River was remote, clean, cool, shallow, channelized, and very River! technical. Weather was partly sunny with high in the low sixties. The Cartecay is a nice class 2 and 3 river right next to Ellijay, GA. A long section of flat water followed the put-in. A couple of Since we all like to top off a good river trip with good food, this Class II/III rapids were next. Gradient increased and the Class restaurant is one to try after the Cartecay. So wear yourself out IV's began. Tight turns through boulder gardens with few on the final rapid called Blackberry Falls, class 3. This is a nice recovery pools. Then came the miracle mile which had constant rapid you can easily run many times. The carry back up is so Class IV's with a gradient over 100ft per mile. easy. Take the right side line and be-bop straight romp to the At the top of a rapid called Triple Drop I found myself all alone bottom. Amp it up a bit by taking the left to right diagonal (such a lonely feeling). There were three consecutive ledges down to the foam pile in the middle you missed with the right with the line down the right side around the corner. I flipped at line. Then see how well you can surf the hole. I find it a bit the top and swam. My boat found a small eddy after the first hard to stay in the hole. It is kind of easy to flip, but there is a drop, but I went down the middle over ledges and through large pool to recover and roll up, plus big eddies on both river holes all the way to the bottom. Bruised, scrapped, and right and left. coughing water I made it to an eddy on river left. Group never saw me (dangers of paddling with a pretty woman - she got Now that you are worn out, you have a good appetite worthy of Hand of God and rafted up through last hole). eating a full plate of BBQ finished off with a just fried in time fried pie. You order at the counter. Tell them you will let them The majority of the run was left, but the fun was gone—just know when to cook the pie so you get it fresh and hot. Pour survival mode. Thanks to Rob, Brandon, and Rod for all the yourself a drink and wait just a short time for your BBQ to help. You may have seen the bruises on my Facebook page. Hope I didn't offend, but I wanted the group to know why I appear. If you are lucky as Pat and I were on our visit last July, didn't paddle the rest of the week. you'll have three men playing on banjos and fiddles nearby to listen to. Not too loud that you can't talk. Just pleasant. The Gauley Fest followed but others have better stories (PFD'S, Buck BBQ we ate and the pie we shared were totally good. I'd come Luck, won a boat). back.

Now that you are totally full and ready to drive home, stop by the gas station next door and gas up. Just for amusement, check out the bathroom; well I only checked out the men's room. There you get a hole in the wall, add-on, clean bathroom with this sign on the wall. It totally tells the cost of you sitting on the throne and why their policy is 'No Purchase, No Bathroom For You.' Whoa, I was impressed, with the sign and with the costs of a bathroom in a small city in Northwest Georgia.

2183 Highway 52 East Ellijay, GA 30536 (706) 635-1223 Tues to Thurs: 10:30 - 7:00pm Fri and Sat: 10:30am - 9:00pm

THE PADDLER TATTLER 14 OCTOBER 2014

Throwback: River Courtesy (October 2002)

Archives of all past TVCC newsletters are available on the club’s Google Drive account. Contact John Hubbard ([email protected]) for specific information on how to access them.

THE PADDLER TATTLER 15 OCTOBER 2014

Sea Kayaking: Bat Cave

By Eric Fleming

19 of us met at 5:30 pm at the Shellmound gazebo on Saturday August 23rd at Nickajack Lake.

We unloaded and started our BBQ and pot luck dinner at 6 and just chilled at the lake before putting on at 7:30pm.

It was a beautiful, calm and clear evening, but hot and humid, but it felt better when we got on the water.

We paddled over to the bat cave and watched the grey bats coming out at sunset. Sadly there are less every year compared with the official TWRA count of 40,000 bats 5 years ago due to the white nose fungus that bothers them and wakes them up during hibernation. This forces them to go out to look for food in winter when there are no insects, so they starve to death. It’s a huge national problem, as these bats eat lots of bugs and help pollinate crops.

On the way over to the bat cave we got to the bridge just as a very long train came rumbling by. So cool to see it so close up and to paddle under it. It was one of at least six trains we saw, as they rumble by about every 30 minutes.

Special thanks to Ben and Beth for getting there at 3:30 to lay claim to the Gazebo, and to everyone who brought the great assortment of goodies.

Another fun evening at the lake. 2014 Sea Kayak Schedule

All dates and places are subject to change. All are  Oct. 11—Ocoee Race. Volunteers Needed. Contact Jen in TN unless otherwise noted. C indicates a current, but Maxwell: [email protected]. not more than Class I Rapids. S indicates a one-way trip  Oct. 18th-19th—TN River Gorge Overnighter. Trip requiring a shuttle. Check your email the night before a Leader/Contact: Ben Johnson: [email protected]. trip for any changes. All paddles are rain or shine. Unless Trip Leader is specified, contact Eric Fleming for  Oct. 25th—Nickajack Bluffs. 10am, Shellmound Ramp. details: [email protected] Eric.  Sept. 27th—Lookout Creek. Eric. 8am.  Nov. 1st—Ross’s Landing. Eric.  Sept. 28th—Iron Man Triathlon. Volunteers needed.  Dec. 6th—Christmas Party. Contact Jen Maxwell for Contact Debby McRae or Eric. details.  Oct. 4—TN River Rescue. Volunteer Opportunity.  Dec. 27th-Jan. 1—Yearly FL Week. Canoes, Sea Contact Jim Ledbetter: [email protected] Kayaks, Duckies, and Sit-on-Tops. Contact: Ben Johnson: [email protected] for details.  Oct. 11th—10 mi TN River Swim Support Boaters (S THE PADDLER TATTLER 16 OCTOBER 2014

Overnighter Report: Elk River

By Uwe Zitzow home, we began to reminisce about the wonderful time we had that weekend. It was a fantastic trip on the Elk River—no rain, The presence of two kayaks in our group was a welcome sight cool weather, clear since the relatively slow and easy flow of the Elk River makes water, a very nice flow such boats quite comfortable to paddle. Eric Fleming, who heads rate, and congenial the TVCC sea kayaking group, wants to encourage members of company. his group to join us in future Elk River trips. I think a mix of boats would be a fun addition to our usual entourage and it would be Those on our trip a great way to meet others of similar interests. included:  Ben Johnson  Buddy Wise  Daisy Blanton  Eric Fleming  Eric & Tina Zitzow  Gary & Judy Petty & grandson Max  Gary & Judy’s grandson Max and his father Ryan  Jane Bromfield  Kevin Zitzow & Judy Carruth  Uwe & Carol Zitzow (trip leaders) In all, we were a group of eight canoes and two kayaks.

We put in next to Farris Creek Bridge, stopped for lunch soon, and before we knew it, we had paddled the 7 miles to our campsite. Happily it was not already occupied and we had a spacious area to spread our individual camps. Plus we arrived in time to relax, cook and enjoy each other’s company. The Zitzow boys caught some trout along the way and made a tasty eating treat for supper. The cool night made for cozy sleeping.

The sun shone brightly in a blue sky the next day, yet the temperature stayed quite comfortable. And the water level seemed to push us along much quicker than we have experienced on previous trips. But, as always, the last two miles seemed to take forever. It’s a ten-mile day and by the end, exhaustion tends to set in.

What was particularly apparent the last two miles from the Shiloh Bridge to the take-out was the destruction of trees, with dead trunks and branches sprawled along the river banks and further inland. A tornado had struck last spring and caused quite a bit of damage in the surrounding area. Even the usual take-out spot at the Elk River Outfitter was hampered by tree trunks and branches which blocked the creek we use to get a little closer to our cars. But with everybody chipping in, we managed to haul all the boats and gear up the steep embankment to our cars. And by the time we started heading

THE PADDLER TATTLER 17 OCTOBER 2014

Boundary Waters August 2015: Save the Date!

By Ed Park & Carolyn Rand pounds packed (the food pack). One paddler will carry alone the Note: Ed Park has volunteered to lead a boundary waters trip for boat, one the food pack, and all others the personal gear. the overnight group next summer: August 8-17th, 2015. Everyone carries paddles and life jackets, except the boatman. Each canoe will be packed similarly. One food pack will be the TVCC expedition trip to Boundary Waters Canoe Area, food for 6 people generally. If 6 are in a group, there will be only Minnesota and Canada border. Max size of group is 15, however, one food pack, 12 people 2 food packs. It works out that 3 to a the rules for camping at a single camp site are nine. If more than boat crosses a in one pass, has one food pack and two 9 sign up, the party will split up for nightly camping. Most camps boats. That is 3 hearty people to do the heaviest carrying across are in the vicinity of other camps. a portage in a set of 6. Personal gear packs usually weigh 40 The BWCA-Quetico Wilderness has remained unchanged pounds (gear for 3 paddlers). through the centuries. Paddle and portage from lake-to-lake and Contact Ed Park for much more information at explore the same routes that the Chippewa Indians and French- [email protected]. Ed has been part of 6 trips to the Canadian Voyageurs traveled years ago. Hear the echoing call of BWCA and Quetico Wilderness. The auto trip to the area is 2 the loon, the splash of a beaver tail, the howling of wolves, the days one way. Important gear will be rented from an Outfitter. sound of a paddle as it rhythmically dips into the water. Search for Boundary Waters Canoe Area and read details of the Photograph wildlife that includes moose, deer, bald eagles, park and things you might be interested in doing. Outstanding beaver, otter, and loons. Fish for walleye, northern pike, lake anglers welcome. trout, and scrappy small mouth bass. As you sit at your campfire, turning crisp fish fillets in the fry pan, you realize that you’re in the midst of a virtual fisherman’s paradise.

Special notes from Ed Park: While traveling on portaged waters, the size of the party working together is of utmost importance. Parties that take many trips to cross a portage enjoy the canoe wilderness much less. It is paramount to cross a portage once. This means there are 3 to a boat, the boat is 18’, and the gear is specially packed for the ability of the traveler to carry his/her part. All gear will be packed in Duluth bags, supplied by the outfitter. Duluth bags come in 4 sizes, and some weigh up to 90 2014 Canoe Overnighter Schedule

 Sept. 26-28th—GAF at the NOC.  Oct. 18th—TN River Blueway SK and Canoe. Trip Leader/Contact: Ben Johnson: [email protected].  Sept. 28th—Iron Man Triathlon. Volunteers needed. Contact Debby McRae.  Oct. 26th—Boo Run. Ocoee River. Arrange for own raft and buddies.  Oct. 4—TN River Rescue. 9am-1pm. Volunteer Opportunity; Jim Ledbetter is leading a team at Camp  Nov 8th-9th—Etowah River. Dawson Forest tract Jordan. Contact Jim Ledbetter: [email protected]. between Hwy. 9 below Dawsonville to Kelly Ridge Road. Contact Jamie Wendt: [email protected].  Oct. 11—Swim the Suck. National swimming event in the TN River Gorge. Thanks to those who are  Dec. 6th—Christmas Party. Contact Jen Maxwell for volunteering. details.  Oct. 11—Ocoee Race. Volunteers Needed. Contact Jen  Dec. 27th-Jan. 1—Yearly FL Week. Canoes, Sea Maxwell: [email protected]. Kayaks, Duckies, and Sit-on-Tops. Contact: Ben Johnson: [email protected] for details. THE PADDLER TATTLER 18 OCTOBER 2014

Lookout Wild Film Festival: Accepting Entries

By Andy Johns Submissions for 3rd annual Lookout Wild Film Festival open June 13

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Looking to continue the momentum from an outstanding 2014 festival, the Lookout Wild Film Festival board of directors is excited to open submissions for LWFF 2015. For the 2015 festival, which will be held in March at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, the board and screening team are looking for films that tell stories about wild places and the people they inspire. Filmmakers can submit their projects through the “Submit” link at lookoutfilmfestival.org or through a variety of online platforms including FilmFreeway.com and festhome.com. Selected films will screen at the 2015 LWFF and/or Outdoor Chattanooga’s monthly winter film series “Camp Chair Cinema.” Already, the board has identified about 40 films worthy of consideration including topics such as free diving, ice climbing, antique bicycles, dam removal and nude snow skiing. “It’s always exciting for the board and the screening team to get our first look at the films,” says festival director Andy Johns. “Each time you push play, you never know where the filmmakers are going to take you. We’re thrilled to bring the best outdoor adventure and conservation films in the world to Chattanooga.” Submission fees increase after the early bird deadline on August 1, and the final deadline will be Jan. 5, 2015.

Building on success LWFF 2014 exceeded expectations quadrupling the attendance from 350 audience members in 2013 to 1,400. For 2014, the board received 140 submissions from around the world. Of those, the LWFF team selected 34 films to show at the festival, held in March. Selections included a wide variety of outdoor adventure films including kayaking the Congo River, snorkeling in the Smoky Mountains, water conservation in Georgia, mountain climbing in Antarctica, fly fishing in Virginia and mountain biking in the Alps. “The filmmakers have set the bar pretty high for themselves,” says board member Sam Silvey, of Silvey+Huffaker Creative. “I can’t wait to see what’s coming in next.” Beyond the stunning locations, the 2014 selections told incredible stories, such as a skier’s recovery from terrible injury, a man reflecting on his -50 plus years of scuba diving, the fight against dams in South America and one man’s struggle to ride in New York City’s bike lanes. “If you look at the LWFF films from 2013 and 2014, you see not just beautiful images, but great characters and stories,” says board member Christina Holmes. “For anybody thinking of submitting for 2015, that would be my biggest tip: tell us a good story.” Lookout Wild Film Festival, Inc. is an independent Tennessee non-profit. For more information email [email protected] or visit www.lookoutfilmfestival.org.

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THE PADDLER TATTLER 19 OCTOBER 2014

Need Some Release (Schedules)?

Here is what remains of the 2014 Release Schedules for our local rivers, Middle Ocoee (#2) and Hiwassee (Appalachia). Check the TVA website, mobile app, or phone number for the most up-to-date information. Hiwassee Middle Ocoee (TVA Apalachia) (Ocoee #2)

Boats & Gear for Sale TVCC Logo Knives

Perception Dancer—$300. Dancer Kayak for sale in very good condition. Stored under covering with cockpit cover in place. $300 OBO. Contact Judy, 423-338-3897.

Missed your chance to buy a TVCC Logo Knife at previous events? We still have plenty left! Knives are $15, and will be for sale at club events. Contact Debby McRae with questions ([email protected]).

THE PADDLER TATTLER 20 OCTOBER 2014

Tennessee Valley Canoe Club • P.O. Box 11582 • Chattanooga, TN 37401 www.tvccpaddler.com

2014-2015 TVCC OFFICERS PRESIDENT Don Fletcher Our Mission: [email protected] The Tennessee Valley Canoe Club brings together those interested VICE PRESIDENT in , kayaking, and related activities; increases the Ashley Teel knowledge, safety, and appreciation of paddle sports for those who [email protected] are interested; and supports conservation and preservation of ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT recreational waterways. Membership is open to persons of all ages. LaDawn Wolfe Both families and singles are welcome. [email protected] TREASURER The club’s activities include: Debby McRae  Whitewater& flat water kayak and canoe training. [email protected]  Whitewater& flat water river trips for all skill levels. SECRETARY  Water safety & rescue training. John Hubbard  Extended canoe & camping trips. [email protected]  Annual & monthly meetings. NEWSLETTER EDITOR  Community service! Meryl Stark [email protected] WEBMASTER TVCC Yahoo Group… All club members are invited to join the Teri Zur & Jamie Wendt (Asst.) club’s online paddling forum. The Yahoo Group is a great place to find out [email protected] about paddling trips in addition to those posted in the newsletter, post RIVER CONSERVATION CHAIR pictures and trip reports of your latest adventures, or just find someone to go Jim Ledbetter paddle with. [email protected] SAFETY CHAIRPERSON The only requirement for the forum is active membership in the club. To join, Mike Shillinger go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tvcc/ and click on “Join This Group”. [email protected] Please be patient and allow a few days for the page administrator to respond and accept your membership. Send an email to the group moderator at CRUISE MASTER I, CLASS II/III [email protected] with your name. See you on the river! Spence “Dogpaddle” Lycan [email protected] CRUISE MASTER II, CLASS III/IV Sea Kayaker email list… The TVCC Flatwater Flotilla uses Brandon Koch an email contact list to send out information about upcoming events. To be [email protected] added to this list, please send an email the TVCC Sea Kayak Cruise Master at CRUISE MASTER III, OVERNIGHTERS [email protected]. Ben Johnson & Carolyn Rand [email protected] The Paddler Tattler Advertising CRUISE MASTER IV, NON-PADDLING Jen Maxwell The deadline for ad copy is the 20th of each month. The ad must be [email protected] prepaid and can either be submitted electronically or in print. Please CRUISE MASTER V, SEA KAYAK contact the editor about pricing for advertising in The Paddler Tattler at Eric Fleming [email protected]. [email protected] Past issues of the Paddler Tattler can be accessed online at: http://tinyurl.com/tvccpastnewsletters.

The Paddler Tattler is the newsletter for the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club. The Paddler Tattler invites submissions of articles, trip reports, “Video of the Month”, and any other news or information of interest to the paddling community . Submit an electronic copy no later than the 20th of each month to the newsletter editor at [email protected]. Submissions may be edited.