James near Buchanan this weekend

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nancy
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James near Buchanan this weekend

Post by nancy »

Anyone interested in paddling a section of the James in the vicinity of Buchanan this weekend. Perhaps the Arcadia section?
Please post here or reply today.
Shorn and I would be coming from Va Beach and would camp in the area for the weekend.
It would be scrapy, but should be doable.

nancy
TedMc
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Saturday James at Buchanan

Post by TedMc »

Last Saturday Caroline and I were so desperate to get on the water we paddled the two mile long lake at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield Co.

This weekend is the next to last summer weekend and we want to get on moving water, so we will join you. We have wanted to do this section but have not, so will research the access points.

At the Coastals summer gathering, the Buchanan gauge was 700 cfs....today it is 500 cfs. We will bring the tandem and hope we won't have to drag it much.
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Rockdoc79
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Post by Rockdoc79 »

Led a bunch of teachers down that section this summer. Very pretty section, not too much action, unless you are sheparding a bunch of beginners down it. One canoe broached a rock and tree above the island about 8 miles into the trip. That was fun. :-P There is a really cool rope swing into the water on river left a few miles into the trip. Have fun.
I Got a Rock!
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JJ
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Hi there-

Post by JJ »

If you do Saturday I would like to join y'all.

Nancy if need to call me 804-273-2107 days and 804-749-8132 nights.

JJ
nancy
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Post by nancy »

All are welcome.
We are thinking about Sat on the section of the James from Springwood to
Arcadia. Just under 9 miles. River is at boaters zero, just enough to paddle.
Meet at the take out--Arcadia DGIF landing, along RT 614.
Time not yet set, but not too early since I think Ted & Caroline will be driving out Sat morn from Richmond.
Shorn & I will be driving from Va Bch Fri after work, camping in Buchanan area.

nancy
nancy
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Shorter trip

Post by nancy »

DGIF lists Springwood to Arcadia as 8.6 miles.
The web site for outfitter in Buchanan lists it as 11 miles.
Anyone know which is correct?

After talking with Ted, at the current loooow level, a shorter trip may be better.
We'll meet at the take out Rt 614 Bridge near Arcadia at 10am Sat and
plan to put in at Buchanan for a 6 mile trip at a relaxing pace.

Post before 3pm tomorrow if you'd like to join us.
After that I'll be offline.

nancy
AndyLee
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Post by AndyLee »

To confound matters even further, Corbett says from Springwood to Buchanon is 11 miles and from Buchanon to Arcadia is 6 miles, meaning a 17 mile trip. My GPS readings for those two sections are 5.1 miles from Springwood to Buchanon and 5.8 miles from Buchanon to Arcadia.

The stretch from Springwood to Buchanon is of lesser appeal because of the I-81 crossing and long, shallow shoals that require dragging. Below Buchanon you'll have plenty of water except for two river wide ledges that have just a small chute on river left.

Look for the sluices where the batteau companies dynamited the chutes so they boats could get through in low water. Those blasted chutes date back to the late 1700's, when one man was heard to say, "we blowed about ever rock up there". Also at low water look for remains of footers for the old crib dams. They are log timbers laid in a square and filled with boulders.

Enjoy your trip, wish I could go with you
Never let the absolute truth get in the way of a damn good story:)
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JJ
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Hi Nancy

Post by JJ »

Hi Nancy got you email. Thanks.
I will be riding up with Ted. See you tomorrow.
JJ
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