French Broad River - September 23, 2006
Submitted by PP Admin on October 4, 2006 - 10:10am.
By Dennis Catoe
Distance Paddled: Approximately 9 miles (took about 3 hours)
We put in at Bent Creek and went past Hominy Creek takeout to Asheville Park off Amboy Road. The river was running at about 1100 cfs, thanks to a steady rain Friday night. The water was basically a Class I river, with minor rapids near the bridges.
Quickly we came upon riders on horseback that were riding trails inside the Biltmore Estate. Half way into the paddle we were rained on for about 15 minutes, but otherwise the weather was beautiful and in the 70s. About 3/4 of the way down, we came into view of the Biltmore House. Later we viewed the Biltmore Hotel which is also located on the Estate.
The take-out was a little confused thanks to the Asheville Art Sculpture Festival that was going on at the same park. Weirdoes (my word, forgive me) posing as sculpture along the river. Our hardcore paddlers coming off the river likely frightened the art people of Asheville. 17 boats were on the trip. Paddlers included: Dennis Catoe, Dave & Diane Mullis, Brian O’Cain, Mike Boone, Pam R., Mike Hollis, Carol Butterfield, Andy & Carol Anderson, Linda Gray, Marvin Phifer, Todd Beach, Silva T., Deb, Winkie, Greg Watson and Nathan G. I hope I got everyone (couldn’t read all signatures on sign-up sheet).
Ten paddlers camped at Davidson River campgrounds Friday and Saturday night. They endured all night rain and outbreak of copperhead snakes. Actually we didn’t see any snakes but were told 19 copperheads had been killed the week before. Rain wasn’t too bad as it came during the night while sleeping. Several paddlers were taken to Diamond Brand store Saturday morning for some good shopping. The dining at Twin Dragons in Brevard on Saturday night was wonderful. Most agreed that they would love to do this paddle again.
Distance Paddled: Approximately 9 miles (took about 3 hours)
We put in at Bent Creek and went past Hominy Creek takeout to Asheville Park off Amboy Road. The river was running at about 1100 cfs, thanks to a steady rain Friday night. The water was basically a Class I river, with minor rapids near the bridges.
Quickly we came upon riders on horseback that were riding trails inside the Biltmore Estate. Half way into the paddle we were rained on for about 15 minutes, but otherwise the weather was beautiful and in the 70s. About 3/4 of the way down, we came into view of the Biltmore House. Later we viewed the Biltmore Hotel which is also located on the Estate.
The take-out was a little confused thanks to the Asheville Art Sculpture Festival that was going on at the same park. Weirdoes (my word, forgive me) posing as sculpture along the river. Our hardcore paddlers coming off the river likely frightened the art people of Asheville. 17 boats were on the trip. Paddlers included: Dennis Catoe, Dave & Diane Mullis, Brian O’Cain, Mike Boone, Pam R., Mike Hollis, Carol Butterfield, Andy & Carol Anderson, Linda Gray, Marvin Phifer, Todd Beach, Silva T., Deb, Winkie, Greg Watson and Nathan G. I hope I got everyone (couldn’t read all signatures on sign-up sheet).
Ten paddlers camped at Davidson River campgrounds Friday and Saturday night. They endured all night rain and outbreak of copperhead snakes. Actually we didn’t see any snakes but were told 19 copperheads had been killed the week before. Rain wasn’t too bad as it came during the night while sleeping. Several paddlers were taken to Diamond Brand store Saturday morning for some good shopping. The dining at Twin Dragons in Brevard on Saturday night was wonderful. Most agreed that they would love to do this paddle again.
