Sunday at Sutton Lake

Last Sunday, Kathy and I went to Sutton Lake to paddle. We chose the Gerald R. Freeman Campground to put in because it has a marina and a couple of boat launches. The water was more than three feet below normal pool. I estimate it was at least five feet below normal. Still, it was a pretty day and we had a good time. We took some pictures which I will post later.

Big Coal River Trip: Cancelled

I do not have much to post this week. I planned to go with a couple of people on the Big Coal River, but the trip was cancelled due to the lack of rain and low river levels. My Plan B was to go to Upper Mud River Reservoir or Sutton Lake to practice rolling, but I went to the Marshall v. Memphis game last night, and chose to sleep in late this morning. Besides, I have lots of work to do around here today, including some I brought home from the office. Hopefully, we will get some rain, and I will be able to boat next weekend.

PS -- Marshall won. Go Herd!

New River: Glade Creek to Quinnimont

Yesterday, I went boating on the New River from Glade Creek to Quinnimont. I went with four others from the WVWA. It was my first real whitewater. This particular stretch has two Class III rapids: Grassy Shoals and Quinnimont. Unfortunately, they proved too much for me. I made it almost to the end of both, and then flipped. I have never attemped a roll, not even on flatwater; but I think I will start practicing after this experience. Rolling skills would have been handy. Instead, I had to bail and swim.

The first swim at Grassy Shoals Rapids did not upset me or embarrass me too much. The second one did. I really wanted to make it past Quinnimont to prove myself, but once again I ended up swimming. My companions instinctively went into rescue mode. I could have rescued myself both times, but they rushed over each time to check on me and offer aid. They were really nice people. One was a 67-year-old woman. I guess it was Mother Nature's way of feeding me humble pie.

Despite the two swims, I had a blast and feel like I accomplished something important. That section of the New is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I had a great time on the Class II rapids in the middle. I know this blog is supposed to be about flatwater and Class I-II only, but if you are like me and want a little taste of whitewater, this stretch is the perfect place for that.

Labor Day on the Elk River

Queen Shoals Gage Height = 3.82

I made the run from Blue Creek to Mink Shoals again, 10.6 miles. It took me four hours because I had to stop and portage four times. The river is extremely low right now.

I did not take my camera this time, but I wish I had. I had opportunities for some nice shots: a great blue heron which let me get within ten yards; a dragonfly which landed on my hand and several times on my bow; and a flock of 40 or 50 Canada geese which also let me get close. I also saw a hawk attack a duck, but it happened so fast there is now way I could have gotten a shot of it. If you are curious, the duck got away safely.

It was hot, and now I am tired, but I had a good time. Each time I go, I learn a little more about this particular stretch of the Elk. Each time I try different routes around Pleasant Island and the island at Big Chimney Bridge. As of right now, I recommended going left in both cases.

Since I did not take may camera, I will share a picture from a previous trip. This is a shot of the boat launch at the Blue Creek Public Stream Access.

First Trip on the Walhonde Water Trail

Tornado Gage Height = 10.26 Feet

As planned, I went boating on the Big Coal River with some others from the WVWA. We were supposed to do the Little Coal, but even after the rain the water level was too low. All three rivers: the Coal, the Big Coal, and the Little Coal are part of the Walhonde Water Trail. I had a great time.

By the way, I love my new spray skirt. I wish I had bought it earlier when first got the kayak.

I am looking forward to doing the Walhonde Water Trail again sometime soon--preferably when the Tornado gage height is 10.5 or higher.

Kayak Spray Skirt

I joined the West Virginia Wildwater Association this week. I am going on my first trip with them Saturday on the Little Coal River or the Big Coal River, depending on how much rain we get. I am excited about the prospect of having some kayaking buddies.

I bought a Field & Stream Kayak Spray Skirt from Dick's Sporting Goods this evening. It was approximately $52. I tried it on in the backyard and adjusted the suspenders. I am very eager to try it out Saturday.

Elk River: Small Island near Youngs Bottom

Below is another picture from last Sunday's trip on the Elk. It is of the south end of a small island in the river. I had fun exploring it. I will share more pics of the island on future posts.