Chattooga River - May 19 - 21, 2006
Submitted by PP Admin on May 30, 2006 - 11:16am.
By Dave Mullis
Eighteen Paddlers trickled into the Long Creek Campground at Long Creek, S.C. late Friday, May 19th and early Saturday morning. After missed turns and reversals and a long hike down to the river, we put in at noon at Falls Creek on Section Three of the Chattooga River, Section Two being too low to paddle. Trip leaders Dave and Dianne Mullis were joined by Ernie Stogner, Rembert Milligan, Dennis and Nicole Catoe, Ed Brown, Joe Hartzog, Brian O’Cain, Sheila Snow, Nathan Groscost, Al Burner, Sean, Carrie and Michelle Zornes, Aaron and Christian Wells and Skip Archer.
The beautiful scenery along the Chattooga was admired though frequent rocks and ledges demanded close attention to the river. The clear, temperate water was appreciated by swimmers--intentional and non-intentional--and excitement was provided by numerous rapids, a kayaker becoming pinned requiring rescue by Aaron, and an afternoon storm complete with booming thunder, bolts of lightning, pounding rain and fears of rapidly-rising water. Because of low water levels, everyone in the group elected to portage Painted Rock and Bull Sluice Rapids but had thrilling rides down Roller Coaster, Eight Ball, Hounds Tooth and numerous other unnamed rapids. Our thanks go out to Skip who set the line down most of the river and who lives up near that neck of the woods.
After a dinner at Brasstown Barbeque (excellent) or camp cooking, an evening of tall tales and campfire camaraderie ensued. The trip members turned in early to a well-deserved rest lulled by rain drops. Continued downpour throughout the night led to spiking river levels and necessitated the decision to cancel the Chattahoochee paddle on Sunday.
All in attendance had a great time and are looking forward to future trips. We may even have a few new whitewater converts!
By Dave Mullis
Eighteen Paddlers trickled into the Long Creek Campground at Long Creek, S.C. late Friday, May 19th and early Saturday morning. After missed turns and reversals and a long hike down to the river, we put in at noon at Falls Creek on Section Three of the Chattooga River, Section Two being too low to paddle. Trip leaders Dave and Dianne Mullis were joined by Ernie Stogner, Rembert Milligan, Dennis and Nicole Catoe, Ed Brown, Joe Hartzog, Brian O’Cain, Sheila Snow, Nathan Groscost, Al Burner, Sean, Carrie and Michelle Zornes, Aaron and Christian Wells and Skip Archer.
The beautiful scenery along the Chattooga was admired though frequent rocks and ledges demanded close attention to the river. The clear, temperate water was appreciated by swimmers--intentional and non-intentional--and excitement was provided by numerous rapids, a kayaker becoming pinned requiring rescue by Aaron, and an afternoon storm complete with booming thunder, bolts of lightning, pounding rain and fears of rapidly-rising water. Because of low water levels, everyone in the group elected to portage Painted Rock and Bull Sluice Rapids but had thrilling rides down Roller Coaster, Eight Ball, Hounds Tooth and numerous other unnamed rapids. Our thanks go out to Skip who set the line down most of the river and who lives up near that neck of the woods.
After a dinner at Brasstown Barbeque (excellent) or camp cooking, an evening of tall tales and campfire camaraderie ensued. The trip members turned in early to a well-deserved rest lulled by rain drops. Continued downpour throughout the night led to spiking river levels and necessitated the decision to cancel the Chattahoochee paddle on Sunday.
All in attendance had a great time and are looking forward to future trips. We may even have a few new whitewater converts!
