OCT Staunton River Sat. Aug.22

[Vertpaddler]

9 boats, 14 paddlers, 2 1/2 inches of rain, not a bad day.
We started the trip in cloudy skies, hoping it wouldn't rain. The first mile was a nice low water run on the Staunton, a little bumpy, a little twisty and turny, just right for a relaxed paddle. Then the gentle pitter patter of rain drops began to accompany our chitter chatter. It might rain? The distant thunder began to fill in gaps in our conversation and the rain began to fall in earnest. Yep, it was going to be a rainy day.
The distant thunder became thunder and lightning and we headed to shore. We flipped the canoes against a wooden fence and most of us huddled under them to wait out the storm. The rain came in buckets and small creeks began to run down the hill and under our canoe village. We entertained ourselves by making a cool white water course for twigs and had a marvelous time racing 2 inch "canoes".
When the thunder subsided, we continued our paddle, trying to ignore the steady cold rain. At the half way "lunch" stop, Papa Sue (my mother and head shuttle bunny) met us with fresh, scratch baked chocolate cake. The rain stopped and we all had cake. Thanks to the hard work of some of us (thanks Jann and Joey), no cake had to be thrown away. Some of our group was whisked away to the takeout in the shuttle bunny mobile and the others of us continued on to Brookneal, the sun shining and the water level perfect.
It had been the worst of paddles, it had been the best of paddles. Our new young paddle buddies had a memorable tale to tell when they got home. Thunder, lightning, and the guy who "ate" a live frog . Thanks to every one who paddled. Next time we'll order up a sunny day.

[RangeRon78]

Thanks for leading and making such terrific shuttle arrangements for us Saturday, Ronnie. I vote for you (and your family, especially your Mom) as permanent leader and shuttle crew for all future N/I OCTs! My god-daughter seems to have enjoyed herself in spite of the lousy weather and getting chilled. She's got a whole new insight into her crazy godfather.

Thanks for noticing the stuff I left in your Jeep and getting Joey to take it back to C'ville, too. As much as I enjoyed the paddling, it would have been a long drive back to pick up my gear! Across town is way better than down to Lynchburg or Brookneal.

Ron Wiley, Jr.
Charlottesville, Va.

[bambam]

... and the guy who "ate" a live frog .

Oooh, mystery and intrigue!

Sounds like grand fun. Thanks for the report.

Ken

[alex]

ate a frog?

We need details.....was there money involved?