Roanoke Paddle Club

Roanoke Paddle Club Adventures

Winter Paddling & Camping in Goose Creek State Park

Read the Trip Log below for details of the
Goose Creek paddle

NEXT PADDLE CLUB MEETING

May 7, 2008 Wed. – 7:00 p.m.

State Employees Credit Union

Hwy 17

Williamston, NC 27892

Contact: Bill Webb

Phone: 252-792-3963

Email:

NEXT PLANNED TRIP

At this time no scheduled trip has been planned. But if you are interested in paddling this weekend call Bill at 792-3963 and we'll see what we can work out. Or, if you have a particular destination you would like to go to, call and let's arrange it! This is great paddling weather! So let's get on the water.

Love to paddle? Own, rent or borrow a canoe, kayak or anything else powered by paddle? Join us and explore the Roanoke, Cashie and other great eastern North Carolina and Virginia waters. Our biggest challenge is that there are so many beautiful creeks and other great spots--all within a day's drive--that we just don't have enough weekends to try them all!

Never paddled before? Don't be intimidated. We've got beginners as well as experienced paddlers among us and our goal is to have a great time, enjoy the scenery and be safe. (See Hunter's Trip Logs below each trip in the schedule.)

We encourage every paddler to WEAR a reliable pfd that fits and carry a change of clothes in a dry bag. Learn all you can about paddling and safety so you can relax and enjoy this great sport. It's simple, it's inexpensive and it's lots of fun!

Webmaster note: Keep checking this web site for other details including trip schedules, trip comments, changes in schedules, and other paddling news. And many thanks to Bill and Hunter for all their work to get and keep this growing club going!

You don't have to live in the area or be a member to paddle with this group.
Check here often for info about special trips and other events.

READ ABOUT OUR LATEST ADVENTURE

The New River - Ashe County, NC
Date:	05–02–08
Trip Miles:	20 miles (but many road miles to get here)
Trip Time:	3 days : 2 nights
Put In:	Gentry Rd Bridge
Take Out:	Mouth of Wilson, Va
Trip Log:	Ever since some of our members went to the New River last year they have talked about returning. So plans were made for another run at the river. This is one of the few rivers in the eastern US that flows north. So every time you look at the map you have to remind yourself your headed to the top of the page. It was decided that we could make the trip in three days and two nights. Victor Van Nortwick and Patrick, Matt Matthews, Jimmy Elks, Mike Biondi and myself gathered on a bright Friday morning around 6:30 am and loaded all six kayaks on Victor's trailer and with Matt's van, we headed for the mountains. Excitment was high. This was my first kayaking adventure in the western part of NC. It was about a 5 hour trip and we were glad when we arrived. Without unpacking we went to the Gentry Rd bridge and put in. The water was flowing at a steady pace and was clear and clean. Rocks lined the banks and bottom of the river. They were the obstacles we would have to deal with the entire trip. The scenery was beautiful as we moved along the rolling hillsides with fresh green grass and new leaves on the trees. The dogwood were still in bloom and azealas were colorful. We estimated they were about 4 weeks behind us in the seasonal changes. Victor diddn't paddle this leg of the trip and followed us on a dirt road beside the river getting good action shots as we passed him. There was a low wooden bridge that crosses the river that on the previous trip they portaged around. This time we ducked our heads and slipped under. In a couple more miles we arrived at our campsite at the US 221 Access Area. This is a part of the New River State Park. We beached our boats and met Victor at the parking lot and claimed our camping area. The park supplied a couple of construction style wheelbarrows to help in toting all the gear. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring. I think the charge was $9 a night. They also had restrooms and hot water showers available. It was a nice setup. It wasn't long before the park began to fill up. We had our usual good meal and campfire. Most of us were pretty tired from the long ride up here, especially the drivers. So we all turned in anticipating what tomorrow would bring on the New. The weather had been most pleasant all day Friday and that night and we awoke to another bright clear morning, but it wouldn't last. Today we had to load all our gear in and on the boats; a daunting task. Pushing, shoving, cramming, and sitting on the hatches got most of the equipment in but the remaining was either put back in the cars or strapped on top. All of a sudden these light kayaks built for speed became heavy, heavy barges with good sized men in them. We would pay the price for this weight as we progressed down river. Once in the water we could let the current do most of the work and we attempted to steer aroung the submerged and visible rocks. Some had more success at this than others. After a few miles we came to the New River Outfitters. We stopped here and went up the hill to the country store where we made arrangements with them to meet us Sunday morning to portage us back to our vehicles. During the summer months this is a booming place. They must have had a couple hundred canoes available for rent here. Anyhow, we reentered the river laughing and talking and having a good ole' time. As the river descended we had to pick our route through the rock filled water. It was kind of like follow-the-leader until the leader gets stuck. Or if you were lucky you went thru clean. But big men in heavy boats often scrapped the bottom of kayaks and (sometime) had to push their way along to get free. I'm not saying how often that happened but it was numerous (for me, anyhow). Then we came upon a section of the river that drops off sharply around a curve. Much had been said about this for it was listed as a Class II rapid. It looked pretty hairy, but it was just water, cold water! So off we went following the leader. Surprisingly we all made it in some shape, fashion, or form to the bottom. Then we reached a spot where the North Fork of the New River joins us and it widens out. Oh, by the way, somewhere along this stretch I got snagged on rocky slough and trying to free myself for the millionth time today; I reach too far attempting find a handhold and slid out of my boat and met the river up close and cold. I'm including this in the write up so the guys will enjoy it. They took pictures of me as I bailed out my boat. Thanks Guys! I'll do the same for you next time. We approached our campsite for the night. Still part of the New River State Park. It was called Alleghany Primitive campsite accessible only by boat. This time we were the only ones there. During the day the sky had darkened and as we set up our tents it began to sprinkle. But later it stopped and we cooked and had our campfire. At sunset we looked across the river at a huge rocky cliff and the light cast a beautiful glow on the rocks giving it an eerie look. Our photos dldn't capture the sight we saw. It was breathtaking. We turned in for the night thinking the rain had passed us by, BUT it was not the case. Around 2:30 am there was a downpour. It lasted a few hours and by the time we got up it was clearing but foggy. We broke camp early for a couple of the guys had to be back home by 4 pm. So we again loaded (I mean stuffed) the boats. As we entered the river, mist was still clinging the water and surrounding rocks. It was a sight. We went slowly knowing that in a few miles our trip would be over. We got to the takeout at the Mouth of Wilson near the Hwy 93 bridge and waited for our ride. After a few pictures were taken the van and trailer arrived and took us back to our cars. It had been a tiring trip but one with spectacular views and good memories. No one will forget the New River trip. Come with us next time, you'll enjoy it.

Past Paddle Club Adventures

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