Upper Little River and Tree HUgger

Morning started of with an issue, the original put-in Ross Rd, had down fall right after the put-in, with the water moving swiftly and a narrow river, I called the gang and changed the put-in to Titian Rd. Since I got there early, I unloaded my gear and put the boat at the put-in.

Gene and company was shortly there, he brought, Andy, ( which I was surprised to see ), Van and Omer. And Donna shortly after. Trucks and car unloaded and away we went to Erwin Take-out. I shuttled Donna and Gene back to put-in. Morning was not that bad alittle brisk, but sun was shining, must of this paddled is shaded, so anytime we did come to a clear patch it was welcomed, very little wind since the trees block it and high banks does the rest.

We got through the area that we had cleared earlier Oct., only to be greeted by some new downfall, one area was an issue, to avoid the down fall you had to do a hard left than right, which put you into some low hanging branched, this was where things went bad, one of the LRCC rules, the few we have, Don't grab over hanging limbs , well this happened and the results are always the same, pendulum effect and paddler goes over. We got the paddler to swim down stream some to an area were they could get safely out. The gang got them their paddle and the kayak was a different issue , it was pinned upside down against an out crop of the bank, lucky this on a pin side ways, many a kayak will just fold in half, destroying the boat. We left that to Gene and Van to get the boat, which they got a line too, and we was able to get the boat on shore and drain it, the paddler was not so lucky. I carry a rescue bag for this reason, with a complete change of clothes from head to toes, they where warm and dry, off we go again. Water is very cold and wet ;) I will say thing look better in my clothes than I do.

We had not a real issue but a small issue that a paddler got struck between a rock and down tree, but the water was very low, the paddler was able to actually straddle the tree, it looked my like the was riding the mechanical butt to me. There was as Andy said, " Several pucker factor areas ". We found a lunch spot, and decided to build a fire, we brought our expert fire start, Fire Marshal Omer, and with the help of a ball of lint and alittle cooking oil, we had a very nice warm fire going, there was laughing abound, I had to get Omer across a small area, so I had him piggy back on me, I heard the words, "Get mule!", there is so much love in this group. Andy was in rare form, and the scent of sarcasm from him was drifting in the wind. He did thank us for getting him out of the house only to be abused. I think we had an hour lunch. Gene and myself got everyone back in their boats, and not in the water. I was launching my boat when I heard a, can you get my paddle down stream, apparently, the paddler did not want to miss out on a chance to rip a small white water drop off. boat and paddler separated, the paddler did not get wet, apparently they can walk on water, this was a club first. and they are expert sponger, got to them, , You know you will be sponging 70 gallons of water right, so we tilted they boat and drain most of it. I will say, I will not have to hit the gym for a few days, I got a good workout. We also have a new position in LRCC for Aquatic fish greeter and river bed checker.

Rest of the trip was uneventful, the shenanigans began at loading the boats on Gene's truck. Andy was instructing Van on how to tie down a kayak, only later to have Van instructing Andy how to tie down a kayak, while Omer gave a class on knots. The interest part is all the straps are cam buckle straps, I am still scratch my head on that one.

Donna was kind enough shuttle me back to my truck, while Gene shuttled my boat, we all decided that ice cream was in order, on the way back we passed by the Correction Facility of Lillington, with all kind of Law Enforcement vehicles, and we are all speeding, not the smartest thing to do. Andy treated all to ice cream, THANKS ANDY!

Upper Little River 7.7ft

Cape Fear River 1.7ft

There is something I would like to address since it is winter time, when kayaking, please bring a complete change of clothes for yourself in a dry bag and with you

Wear cotton free clothing, suggest layers of quick dry, wool, or similar fabric, especially for feet, hands and head, this is were must heat is lost

Have a line on your bow, this makes it easy for rescue of you boat and also for portage, 6ft is fine

Wait for the person in front of you to clear the obstacle, you are the one that may have to rescue the person in front, when you clear the obstacle, get out the way and wait for the group to gather up, Safety, Safety, Safety.

Want to Thank Andy, Van, Donna, Omer, Gene for coming along and being such enjoyable paddlers

Thank You Sondra for your donation of " Cookies for Veterans "

Janet, for selling me the Dagger Stratos, she did great, especially in the rapids, was very surprised how the boat handled.

Also of Note, since this came up, when I sign Scott n Patrick, I am not homosexual, I am Ammosexual, Patrick is my service dog and kayaking buddy, so that issue is clear, ;)

This is based of actual true story, the names have been changed for the protection of the, not so innocent.

SRG

Any grammar or spelling errors the author does not care ;)