Tuckaseegee River Trip May 2015
Submitted by: Houston Winbigler
On May 17th Gretchen and I were past ready to refresh our spirits. After
leaving work, we finished packing and decided to put as much distance between us
and the Bluff City as we could.
We arrived early the next afternoon at the Lost Mine Campground in
Wesser, North Carolina. The Lost Mine is the kind of campground that was
around when we were kids - no concrete pads, no generators and no buzzing air
conditioners. There are cozy campsites surrounded by trees and the constant sound
of crystal clear Silver Creek rushing down the mountain through the campground
on its way to join the Nantahala River.
The next day we drove to Fletcher, N.C., to pick up a a new kayak at the
Liquid Logic factory.Their sales office did not typify corporate America-we were
greeted at the door by several friendly canines who were enjoying the company’s
dog friendly policy.
Thursday night’s temperature dipped into the forties and I had some
concerns about paddling an Appalachian stream in cool weather. By ten Friday ,
Chuck,Diana, Gretchen, Kelly, Meg, Russ, Teresa, Spencer and I were on our way
to the put in at Dillsboro, a picturesque town straddling the Tuckaseegee River.
The Tuck is a great stream for honing whitewater paddling skills. American
Whitewater states that the Dillsboro run has seven class two rapids and Double
Drop, a class 2+. There is enough current to improve ferrying techniques and there
are many mid stream boulders to practice “must-make eddy turns.” We had such a
good time, we ran the same stretch the next morning joined by Teresa’s daughter,
Lauren and her fiance, Stephen. After we passed Shark’s Tooth rapid Meg asked if
she had been through a class three. I replied that I didn’t think there were any on
that section; but the next day she Kelly, Chuck and Spencer ran the Nantahala
from class three Patton’s Run on through the class three Falls upright and with dry
hair. For most this was their first trip down the Nanty and all paddled remarkably
well and were great sports.
We had perfect weather and a perfect group of paddlers. Thanks to all who
made it possible.
Check out the
Photo Album for some great pics of this trip.