Coastals

If you were not there this weekend for the clubs summer gathering you missed out on some fun big water paddling. Saturday we had 27 people and 1 dog. 2 rafts, 1 oar rig with dog, 6 canoes and the rest kayaks. The level was just above 0. We were all in little groups watching out for each other. After the paddle, back a Ray's camp ground We had a cookout "burgers and dogs" lots of side dishes and desserts. Sunday I helped with shuttle and headed back to Richmond. Looking forward to hearing about the Sunday trip.

Saturday's level was very close to 1 foot. Other than that, Dave's report is mostly accurate. Very little carnage to speak of, all easily cleaned up. I'm proud to say several club members gave of themselves to help those most affected by the recent floods. Say thanks to Raymond Williams, Sean Comer, and Ken Dubel next time you see them.

Sunday on the Glade Creek section on the New was a lot of FUN.! We had 6 paddlers. one swimmer - i was just having too much fun! love having the DOItNow sit-on-top - climb right back on, and keep on going. great views.

Please add Dave Bradford to the list of flood relief volunteers this past weekend (& for motivating others).

Sunday on the Gorge was another day of hot fun in the summertime! Around 20 boaters @ -1". In true Coastals spirit, veterans offered guidance & support to PFD-ers & those still fairly new to the Gorge. Thanks to all for a fine weekend!

Big thanks to John B for coordinating this one.

I had a great time with "da crew" in a raft (THANKS BRADFORDS!!!) on Saturday. One sorta-carnage report, we drew a little blood out of me at Lower Railroad. As usual, a commercial raft group was taking turns plonking guests into the hole on river left. They had a guy on shore directing traffic. Our group waited, then got waved through. A few hardboats ran through then it was da crew's turn. Just as we were committed to the drop a raft started ferrying across in front of us. Faced with the choice of chopping off heads or going right into the hole I chose the latter and it was as though we landed on a sidewalk. Ouch.

Not that I'm bitter or anything ....

Great times. The river was a little under a foot at Fayette Station which is a great level. Middle Keeney has reportedly seen some changes since the recent high water. At this level the usual marker, Moss Rock, is under water so disorientation ensued in a rapid which defies definition of a clean line anyway. Lower Keeney was big. Suggestion, finesse aside for a moment, just run the meat, baby, as the usual holes at lower levels at the bottom are just giant cresting waves. Woo-dee-hoo! Fayette Station at the end, similar category!

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I don't know what to say about the little bit of volunteer time I spent in Rainelle beyond being glad I did it. The town felt like it was mostly in a limbo time between where huge volunteer efforts did the muck out, demolish drywall and fiberglass insulation, and open the windows .... and come up with an actual plan to figure out what comes next. .... Most meaningful moment? I received a "God bless you" from a resident as I was leaving town.

There is a family living at Ray's Campground in one of the very-basic cabins. In an informal scramble some Coastals folks made donations on their behalf. I don't know the full story.

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'twas a mighty fine weekend!


Cheers,

Ken Dubel

Here is the Dropbox link to my video of our Surprise Rapid Run ... And it was too!
Thank you to all that helped put this trip together. It was our first New River Run and even though we stayed on the porch and did not run with the big dogs, Jan and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you so much. A special thanks to all the guides!
Jan and Allen



https://www.dropbox.com/s/koiwz86d5odjq ... d.mp4?dl=0




Paddle Allen

Nice one.

There is a family living at Ray's Campground in one of the very-basic cabins. In an informal scramble some Coastals folks made donations on their behalf. I don't know the full story.

several of the $25 gift certificates from the trip coordinators quarterly drawing were given to them. and then at Dren's suggestion, Martha instigated a passing of the "hat" to get them a cooler. With what she gathered in about 5 minutes they could get a couple of nice coolers ... or whatever else they needed at the moment.

At the end of the trip while waiting to retrieve the vehicles from the top there were 7 persons who tubed through Fayetteville Station. Everybody did multiple runs because it was so much fun. Sounds like the start od a new tradition. Better than just hanging out and waiting.