Balcony fun run Saturday and Sunday August 5-6

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AndyLee
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Balcony fun run Saturday and Sunday August 5-6

Post by AndyLee »

Heat wave is expected to peak tomorrow and back to "normal" by weekend. Balcony is as low as it usually ever gets, so this is a good time for novice and low intermediate paddlers to come out and have some thrills and spills, and for the more experienced boaters to play in some new features at this water level. We'll be paddling both Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. so contact me if you're in the area and want to join us. We enjoy leading first timers down this run. We'll scout the two big ones, and if you don't like their looks I can show you the easy sneak routes. This is Class I-II water (at this level), so please have a helmet and proper PFD, and a spray skirt if you're in a sit-in kayak. If you don't have the boat or gear let me know and maybe we can find a loaner for you. The James River Gorge is one of the most beautiful areas of Virginia, and the James River at Balcony offers more fun per mile than just about any other Class I-II run in the state. We invite you to come out and enjoy it with us.

Andy Lee at tinyhomes dt com 540 784 0016
gosrytr
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We're game....

Post by gosrytr »

I have three folks that are interested in paddling Saturday. I sent a message, but figured I'd post here in case you didn't log in to see it. We'll be in kayaks with the requested gear.

What are the logistics? We're new to the club and haven't paddled that part of the James yet.

Jeff
gosrytr@hotmail.com
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John
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Post by John »

I may join on Sunday, depending on river level and weather. Thanks for putting together the trip coordination and open invitation, Andy. I hope I can finally paddle with you, instead of just doing river rescue class together.

--John
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bcoada
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Questions

Post by bcoada »

It's my understanding that Balcony is alot like the Upper James. True? and also, how long will it take to make the run after put-in?? And last, where is Balcony Falls?
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John
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Post by John »

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GinnyN
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Post by GinnyN »

The Am Whitewater site can certainly give you answers to more questions than you can think of to ask, but the short answer is yes, the Balcony section of the James is very similar to the upper section @ Richmond, with Choo-choo being a little less of a drop than the Balcony Falls rapid. Keep in mind that is the name of the rapid, the actual Falls is a slight hike away.
The section is south of Buena Vista.
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guy66
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Re: Questions

Post by guy66 »

bcoada wrote:It's my understanding that Balcony is alot like the Upper James. True? and also, how long will it take to make the run after put-in?? And last, where is Balcony Falls?
It's a fun and very senic run Bill, you will love it.

BTW it is just over a 2 hour drive from Richmond.
Envelope – Free stationary taken from the Marriott while on a business trip.
Snowflake address label – sent to me free and had to be used up.
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ol' Dawg
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Post by ol' Dawg »

See you at the put-in at 10:00
"second star to the right; straight on 'til morning!
AndyLee
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Post by AndyLee »

Saturday's fun run is shaping up nicely, probably a couple dozen paddlers coming.

However, for Sunday I don't have any inqueries, so am canceling the Sunday trip and going to C'ville to see Inconvenient Truth, if anyone wants to join us "for the scariest movie you've ever seen" you are certainly welcome.

I seem remiss in answering some of the emails on this post, but I've spoken or emailed all of you directly. The Maury and james gauges combined put it at 900 cfs. We've paddled at this level before and had fun. Much lower and it will be scrape and bake.

Hi Ginny, can you lead a hike to the real Balcony Falls? I've never been there and I'm sure our group would like to see it.

My cell phone if you need directions is 540-784-0016
SYOTR
AndyLee
AndyLee
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Re: Questions

Post by AndyLee »

bcoada wrote:It's my understanding that Balcony is alot like the Upper James. True? and also, how long will it take to make the run after put-in?? And last, where is Balcony Falls?
do a mapquest.com search for Glasgow VA, near the intersection of Routes 501 and 130. Look for the fishing access sign across the street from the Petro gas station on route 130

We're planning a 4 hour trip, including lunch and swims and hopefully a short hike to the real Balcony Falls

SYOTR
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