The Smith River Festival location was our put in and the organizers included a free shuttle back for paddlers and boats from the take out. Nice!
The anticipated scheduled recreational release was delayed due to a generator failure at the dam. Nonetheless, we were there and were not to be denied a fun day of splashing around in cool water. The first 2/3’s of the run seemed pretty laid back with several boaters wanting for a little play.
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmG6cDmT
Somewhere in there included the largest drop, Eggleston Falls. Wouldn’t call that one laid back, but nothing crazy. Required attention and purposeful strokes. It was a little bony with a small potential flipper rock exposed mid-drop and pretty much mid center of the line requiring a quick zigzag move. Everyone made short work of it.
The water seemed to rise for the last third of the run. Guess that generator got fixed. Sensed a bit more flow and several friendly playful holes and waves appeared that were not ignored by the group.
The Festival itself was well attended, well organized and free access. The only requirement to enter was to provide your zip code. Family orientated with various vendors selling their wares, food trucks, live music, politicking, a very large inflatable pool for little ones to give kayaking a try, a lama unicorn, an inflatable fun house and more.
OCT: Smith River Festival Aug. 10
Moderators: admins, GinnyN, mod1, mod3, Raymond, slo2rol, mod2
