Trip Reports '06
Big South Fork Canyon - Thanksgiving
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Josh, Jay and I met up at the Canyon on Saturday for
2 great runs on a warm Saturday in November. Mike
Goodman and Mike Brady ran the gorge and we saw them
at the bridge, but other than that I was very
surprised that no one else was out there paddling
this day. We did have a crowd of 4-wheelers at the
bridge to watch us run the last rapid of the day. The
water was very cold, but it was around 65 degrees so
it was a very nice day to be out there.Read
More...
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Red River Gorge Hike
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Jay and I met up with his brothers, Bill and John and
the four of us headed out into the gorge to try and
hike all the way to the Red River narrows where the
hardest rapids of the whitewater run are. We were
unsure of any trails that existed past Clifty Creek,
but we would try to stick to the river and see how
close we could get.Read
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Elkhorn at 4,500cfs?
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Even with GAF and the Rendezvous going on this
weekend there was still a good crowd running the
Elkhorn this day. The weather was pretty good and the
Elkhorn was running so of course I had to get on it.
I had never been on it this high. 3,500cfs was my
high before this. It was actually pretty washed out
at this level. The water moves fast, you don't even
need to paddle.Read More...
Red River Gorge
Saturday, October 21, 2006
On this Saturday Jay and I finally made our long
awaited run down the Red River Gorge. We were the
only paddlers on this stretch this day as the level
was a bit on the low side. But for our fist run this
just what we wanted. A low level, so we could test
the gorge and see what it is all about. And beauty is
what it's all about. Read
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New River Trip '06
Monday, October 09, 2006
First of all there is no alcohol allowed at Stone
Cliff. Any drinking of alcohol at Stone Cliff is in
violation of the law. The Bardstown Boaters had no
trouble with this rule because we follow all rules
and regulations. I'm just saying it to warn others
who might think they can out wit the park ranger. So
according to the signs at Stone Clif, there are bears
and there is no drinking of alcohol.Read
More...
Elkhorn Creek
Sunday, October 01, 2006
1400cfs
What a great capper to the weekend, after having the Poker Run on Saturday I was able to catch the Elkhorn at a good level for Sunday. I paddled with a group of Vikings.
Lots of little play waves were in. The left side at Angioplasty was the better option of the two at this level. The run this day got me thinking about having an Elkhorn race. Beautiful day for paddling.
Poker Run 2006
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Beech Fork
2000cfs
2000cfs
Thank you to everyone who
came out for the Poker Run this past Saturday. It was
a great success. We raised over $800 to go towards
bringing in the McLaughlin Whitewater Group to do a
site assessment for a Bardstown Whitewater Park. This
is our first step towards our goal of raising $2200.
The winning hand was three 9's beating out Kings and
6's. I had guessed trips would end up winning it.
Emerson Ballard, a local paddler, played the winning
hand and the winnings were donated back toward to the
effort.
Even if you didn't get to
come out for the Poker Run their will be more
opportunities in the future. You can make a personal
donation if you like on our whitewater park site:
http://www.bardstownboaters.com/whitewaterpark
And stayed tuned for our next fundraiser coming very
soon... The Elkhorn Creek Race!
Thanks to these sponsors for helping us put on the
2006 Poker Run
Boone's Butcher Shop
Horizon Hoppers
Keene’s Depot
Bardstown Mills
Sick Day
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Elkhorn Creek
2180cfs
Yesterday I played hooky and went kayaking on the Elkhorn instead of going to work. It was great. If retirement could be days spent paddling local rivers I would be in heaven.
The water was moving well this day as I paddled with a large group from the Viking Canoe Club. I caught one really great surf at the rapid just before the house on the river with the large cement landing blocks. I couldn't get on the big waves at surfers and Angioplasty left was washed out, should go right here in the future when the water is this high.
The weather was outstanding and I can't tell you how awesome it is to live 10 minutes from the whitewater destination. Sleep in, go kayaking, get home before dinner. It was perfect.
2180cfs
Yesterday I played hooky and went kayaking on the Elkhorn instead of going to work. It was great. If retirement could be days spent paddling local rivers I would be in heaven.
The water was moving well this day as I paddled with a large group from the Viking Canoe Club. I caught one really great surf at the rapid just before the house on the river with the large cement landing blocks. I couldn't get on the big waves at surfers and Angioplasty left was washed out, should go right here in the future when the water is this high.
The weather was outstanding and I can't tell you how awesome it is to live 10 minutes from the whitewater destination. Sleep in, go kayaking, get home before dinner. It was perfect.
The Vikings and I, on the Cumberland
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Flow: 580cfs
Lake Level: 705' (Last Drop was in)
I joined up with the vikings this day for a trip on the Cumberland. It was a great run with all of the rapids in all the way down to last drop. Surfers was good and we spent an hour and a half at just that one rapid. Surfers would be the perfect example of rapid for the Whitewater Park.
Screaming right was still the hardest rapid out there. Not that it was hard, but we had lots of flipping going on in our group at that rapid. Center Rock had some carnage as well.
Stairsteps and Last drop were good, they make the trip better since it is quite a hassle to get towed out on the boat and all. It is nice to have a couple more rapids to run.
Lake Level: 705' (Last Drop was in)
I joined up with the vikings this day for a trip on the Cumberland. It was a great run with all of the rapids in all the way down to last drop. Surfers was good and we spent an hour and a half at just that one rapid. Surfers would be the perfect example of rapid for the Whitewater Park.
Screaming right was still the hardest rapid out there. Not that it was hard, but we had lots of flipping going on in our group at that rapid. Center Rock had some carnage as well.
Stairsteps and Last drop were good, they make the trip better since it is quite a hassle to get towed out on the boat and all. It is nice to have a couple more rapids to run.
Ocoee
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Normal release level.
Jay, Zack, Jim Fahling and I went down to the
Ocoee for our maiden voyage this past Saturday. We
left Lexington at about 7pm on Friday and it took a
little over 4 hours to get to Chilhowee campground.
The next day we broke camp and got ready for our one
day pass at running the Ocoee. We scouted Grumpy's
and Broken Nose, warmed up in the pool above the run,
then decided to just go for it. David Ackerman led us
down and it was a perfect run. Everyone did great and
we had no problems at all. Jay had a couple of swims
at some opportune moments. Now he swears he is going
to get his roll down and stop procrastinating about
it.
The Ocoee is where my love of rivers started. We used to come here back in high school and every summer after with the Mathews' raft. Seeing all the kayakers here made me want to become a kayaker because it just looked so damn fun. Well now after running it I can say that it is even more fun than it looks like. I loved it. Can't wait to do it again!
Pictures from our trip.
The rapids:
Grumpy's Ledge: Stared at this for too long. Make the ferry and it's all good.
Staging Eddy: Easy
Gonzo Shoals:Easy
Broken Nose: Ran the sneak, it was not hard to make. Should have ran it.
Moonshoot: Surf Wave
Double Suck: Almost ran the sneak, did not. Glad I didn't.
Double Trouble: Big waves, they take pictures here. Got some air.
Flipper: Surf spot? Don't really remember.
Doledrums: Shallow stuff
Surprise Ledge: The end of the Doldrums.
Tablesaw: Biggest rapid. Don't flip. Ran with no problems.
Diamond Splitter: Fun, ran the far right side.
Witches Hole
Accelerator: Fast water, just like the name suggests.
Cat's Pajamas
Hell Hole: Got hella air. So I here, all I saw was the sky.
Powerhouse: Good thing I made my roll from Hell Hole, this one comes quick. Run the right side.
The Ocoee is where my love of rivers started. We used to come here back in high school and every summer after with the Mathews' raft. Seeing all the kayakers here made me want to become a kayaker because it just looked so damn fun. Well now after running it I can say that it is even more fun than it looks like. I loved it. Can't wait to do it again!
Pictures from our trip.
The rapids:
Grumpy's Ledge: Stared at this for too long. Make the ferry and it's all good.
Staging Eddy: Easy
Gonzo Shoals:Easy
Broken Nose: Ran the sneak, it was not hard to make. Should have ran it.
Moonshoot: Surf Wave
Double Suck: Almost ran the sneak, did not. Glad I didn't.
Double Trouble: Big waves, they take pictures here. Got some air.
Flipper: Surf spot? Don't really remember.
Doledrums: Shallow stuff
Surprise Ledge: The end of the Doldrums.
Tablesaw: Biggest rapid. Don't flip. Ran with no problems.
Diamond Splitter: Fun, ran the far right side.
Witches Hole
Accelerator: Fast water, just like the name suggests.
Cat's Pajamas
Hell Hole: Got hella air. So I here, all I saw was the sky.
Powerhouse: Good thing I made my roll from Hell Hole, this one comes quick. Run the right side.
Nantahala 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
This past weekend we had a big group down at the
Smokies...Read
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Floyds Fork Trip
Saturday, July 22, 2006
By Tim Wheat:
Went on a river that I've never been on before. Floyds Fork in southern Jefferson Co. can be a pretty fun 3 1/2 - 4 hour float paddle.Read More...
Went on a river that I've never been on before. Floyds Fork in southern Jefferson Co. can be a pretty fun 3 1/2 - 4 hour float paddle.Read More...
Just Another Elkhorn Weekend
Saturday, July 15, 2006
We had 2 great days on the Elkhorn this weekend.
After Friday nights storms hit the area, we were all
set for a whole weekend of great levels on the on
backyard whitewater run.Read
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Rockcastle in July
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Jay and I got in a day trip on the Rockcastle. We
thought all the lowers narrows would be covered up,
but the lake was only 718ft so we got to run rapids 1
& 2. Rapid 2 was very strong at this level, a big
drop and threw you hard into the river left eddy
after running it. We both ran Stairsteps a couple of
times even though there was a tree fallen into the
river at the bottom of it.Read
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Cumberland - Mohawk Canoe #2 R.I.P.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
We lost a valuable friend today. The green Mohawk now
rest beneath a log on the Cumberland. Maybe one day
we will see it again. But until then we only have
it's matching partner Mohawk Canoe #1. Their will
never be another #2, nothing will
compare.Read
More...
Sheltowee Trace
Friday, May 26, 2006
To begin our big
memorial day weekend hike of the Sheltowee Trace Justin and I got in some
kayaking on the canyon section. The level was a little
higher than I thought it was at the time. It
looked very low and scrapy while running it, which
it was but not as low as I had thought. In fact I
have run it at a lower level before. Jake's
Ledge Hole looked bad, but it actually had a very
easy line through the middle. The left side
pour over was probably good to go as
well.Read
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Elkhorn Clinic
Monday, May 08, 2006
Today Jay and I took John Thomas out for his first
kayaking experience.Read
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Canyon Section X2
Saturday, April 15, 2006
I went back to the Big South Fork on
Saturday...Read
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April's Fools
Saturday, April 01, 2006
On this trip it was Toby, Tim, Jay and I and we met
Josh...Read
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Last Day of Winter
Sunday, March 19, 2006
The Mighty Elkhorn
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Lower Green Playspot
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Driving down into the Green River gorge.
I went to Asheville this past weekend and while I was there Jennifer and I checked out the Green river area and got in some play on a spot of the Lower Green. From Asheville it was fairly simple to drive to. Maybe took about 45 minutes. The river was releasing at 100% the normal flow. The Put-in for this lower section run is the take out for the class V Green Narrows. There were many people taking out there. There is also an upper section that is class III. May have to run that one next time I am in Asheville.
Lower Green Playwave
The play spot is a pretty simple spot good for front surfing and side surfing. It had excellent roadside access, you just pull right up to it and park. This is exactly what the Beech Fork rapid should be like. A nice little park n' play wave.
Elkhorn before the Winter Meeting
Saturday, January 28, 2006
850cfs
Jay, Tim and I ran the elkhorn all in kayaks this fine Saturday. This was Tim's first time out in a whitewater kayak and he seemed to do real well. Jay got a combat roll at the last rapid, his very first combat roll. I guess Jay is ready for anything now! Justin and Toby had to bow out this day due to un-whitewater related circumstances.
After the paddle we all met in Bardstown for our first annual Bardstown Boaters Meeting. We had some very good chili, and discussed all the year's upcoming events. We had about 8 or 9 members present. The highlight from the discussions was talk about a park at te Beech Fork and an idea for the Bourbon Challenge.
The purpose of the meeting was because we expected January to be so light on paddling. But now with January ending I have been on the water 4 times and getting to paddle this day, the afternoon of the meeting was an extra bonus.
Jay, Tim and I ran the elkhorn all in kayaks this fine Saturday. This was Tim's first time out in a whitewater kayak and he seemed to do real well. Jay got a combat roll at the last rapid, his very first combat roll. I guess Jay is ready for anything now! Justin and Toby had to bow out this day due to un-whitewater related circumstances.
After the paddle we all met in Bardstown for our first annual Bardstown Boaters Meeting. We had some very good chili, and discussed all the year's upcoming events. We had about 8 or 9 members present. The highlight from the discussions was talk about a park at te Beech Fork and an idea for the Bourbon Challenge.
The purpose of the meeting was because we expected January to be so light on paddling. But now with January ending I have been on the water 4 times and getting to paddle this day, the afternoon of the meeting was an extra bonus.
Elkhorn Paddle II Saturday
Saturday, January 21, 2006
750cfs
Toby, Tim and I ran the Elkhorn on Saturday. The weather was 48 degrees and partly sunny. Tim ran his Rec Boat and I had my first run in my Rival OC-1. I loved the ride in that canoe. I look forward to using for an overnighter. I do need a longer paddle though. And maybe a better front airbag. It was good to be out on the Elkhorn twice this week, much less being on the water 3 times in January. The rain is still coming though and the weather still quite seasonably warm. May be able to get a paddle in the day after the yearly meeting.
Toby, Tim and I ran the Elkhorn on Saturday. The weather was 48 degrees and partly sunny. Tim ran his Rec Boat and I had my first run in my Rival OC-1. I loved the ride in that canoe. I look forward to using for an overnighter. I do need a longer paddle though. And maybe a better front airbag. It was good to be out on the Elkhorn twice this week, much less being on the water 3 times in January. The rain is still coming though and the weather still quite seasonably warm. May be able to get a paddle in the day after the yearly meeting.
Elkhorn Paddle I Thursday
Thursday, January 19, 2006
1700cfs
I called in sick to work and ran the Elkhorn this fine January day. The weather was great, 62 degrees and sunny. I met up with a couple of Viking paddlers, James and Scott. Many BWA paddlers were out as well. Be sure to take the left side of the island at this level. There are some good ledges to surf on that side.
The Elkhorn has been toying with us for the past several months, we get some rain, we think the Elkhorn will come up but it never really did. This when got these heavy heavy rains and we finally got a window. I plan on going back this Saturday to test out my new canoe.
This was my first run on the ELkhorn since living in Frankfort. Nice to only drive 10 minutes to get on the river.
One problem with this day. I lost the padding to my helmet, flew out of the truck. That sucks.
I called in sick to work and ran the Elkhorn this fine January day. The weather was great, 62 degrees and sunny. I met up with a couple of Viking paddlers, James and Scott. Many BWA paddlers were out as well. Be sure to take the left side of the island at this level. There are some good ledges to surf on that side.
The Elkhorn has been toying with us for the past several months, we get some rain, we think the Elkhorn will come up but it never really did. This when got these heavy heavy rains and we finally got a window. I plan on going back this Saturday to test out my new canoe.
This was my first run on the ELkhorn since living in Frankfort. Nice to only drive 10 minutes to get on the river.
One problem with this day. I lost the padding to my helmet, flew out of the truck. That sucks.
2nd Day of the Year, BSF
Monday, January 02, 2006
Big South Fork, Canyon Section
680cfs
The weather looked right. The water looked right. We were off from work, so that was looking right too. Now all we had to do was go, so we did.
On Monday Jan. 2nd 2006 Jay and I headed for the BSF. The weather was having a hard time reaching the predicted 60 degrees and in the canyon things were a little bit colder than up above. The fog was everywhere as well. But all of that just added to the mystic.
The run starts at Maria's Rock and ends with the O&W Bridge. The rapid highlights are Jake's Ledge hole and Moon Shot which is right after. I flipped in both of them. The water was freezing. Good times though.
The drive from Frankfort to the Canyon took 3 hours. Driving home took closer to 3 1/2 when huge thunderstorms began hitting Kentucky.
