Sat, Apr 19 2008 - Chestatee River Canoeing (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Steven K, Jason Hicks Participants: Steven K, Jason Hicks, Jacquie M., Ty Williams, Kim Williams, Joy W., Ryan S, Em, Kevin Boyce, Drew D., Kelli D., Kathy DeLong, Lynn B, Chris Kelcourse, Dennis Kelcourse, Julie Peters, Kimberly Fung, Hana, Sarah B, thaoist, Sy Tran, Ann, Ralph Howard

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Write Up:
There were a few sprinkles when we gathered at the Park and Ride but by the time we arrived at Appalachian Outfitters just south of Dahlongea the sun started peaking out. Everybody was on time and we obtained the necessary gear to go down the Chestatee: a canoe or kayak, paddle, life jacket plus any personal gear. We put the ten canoes and four kayaks in the river and we were off. By this time the sun was out and many people realized that maybe they should have packed sun screen. The first part of the river was fairly calm although one canoe had a chance to do a little “swimming” (they tipped over).

We then arrived at our lunch spot and we stayed there about 30 minutes. Although it had warmed up a good bit, it was still a little too cold on this April day to do much swimming at the beach. Then we were off on the second half of our journey. This was the slowest section of the Chestatee that we traveled on this day and many of us observed turtles on the banks sunning themselves. Others took it real easy and joined their canoes to form a floatilla. But the calm was not to last. Towards the end we had to navigate three class one rapids. Although most people stayed dry, about three or four craft did capsize. After going through the final rapid, Appalachian Outfitters was waiting for us in two vans to pick us up along with our canoes and kayaks. They drove us back to were we started and then we used their changing rooms to clean up. Then most of the group enjoyed a dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Dawsonville.

A special thanks to Jason Hicks who did a great job in co-leading his first river trip, although he too was one that got to do some unexpected swimming. And as usual Appalachian Outfitters did a great job in taking care of our group.

Steven's Pics

Kelli's Pics

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