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REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.



Etowah River Canoeing


The Basics:
Event Type:Water
Event Location: On Highway 9 west of Dawsonville
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Jun 1 2008  10:00 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, May 6 2008 12:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Tue, May 20 2008 11:59 pm
Event Duration:Likely 4 to 6 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Steven K
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:$34.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:14
Minimum Group Size:10
Number Registered So Far: 13 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
For many years the AOC has used Appalachian Outfitters for canoe trips down the Chestatee River. Whether a day, twilight or overnight they have always done a great job for us and everybody has had a good time on these trips. This year they are offering a new trip down the Etowah River for large groups like ours.

According to long time Appalachian Outfitters owner/operator Ben LaChance, this trip should be very similar in difficulty to the Chestatee River trip we have done many times expect a bit longer – nine miles versus six miles. This should translate into a nice blend of slow moving, faster moving faster sections along with a few class one rapids. On our Chestatee trips most canoers manage to stay dry, but there are always at least one or two that tip over. So there is good chance this could happen to you even if you are a fairly skilled canoer or kayaker. A good bit of the difficultly level of this trip will depend upon rain fall levels in the days before the trip.

The logistics for this trip will be a little different than the Chestatee trips. We will meet at a parking lot near the Etowah River on GA Highway 9 a little west of the Outlet Malls in Dawsonville. Appalachian Outfitters will meet us hear with a van that will have all of the equipment we need for our trip – canoes and kayaks, paddles and life jackets. From there we will begin our journey down the Etowah. When finish our river journey, an estimated four or so hours later, the outfitter will meet us with their van, load up the gear and drive us back to our cars which will take another 30-45 minutes. We will not be going by Appalachian Outfitters main site with changing room facilities.

This trip will have a pretty rigid limit of 14 participants since that is how many people will fit in a van. Appalachian Outfitters has asked us that we limit our participants to those that rent craft from them versus those that bring their own canoes or kayaks. Like many other businesses, high gas prices are hurting them these days. The company owner tells me they can’t be quite as flexible with the number of participants and bringing other craft on this trip since it is pretty good distance from their main site and those 14 person vans have a really low mpg.

You also have the option of renting a two person canoe or an individual kayak. The price of a kayak is $45 versus the default trip price of $34 for sharing a canoe. If you have a little experience, expert ability not required, and are interested in helping lead the group down the river, e-mail the trip leader. This will mainly involve keeping the group together and if needed helping anyone who has flipped over their craft. We maybe able to offer you a kayak for the price of a canoe.

After the trip we will have a good appetite so we likely stop in Dawsonville for nice early dinner.

Required Items to Bring:
On the river wear clothing you don’t mind getting wet or dirty. Bring a change of clothes for after your trip. Wear something on your feet for protection - old running shoes, sandals or river shoes - NOT flip-flops!

Dress according to the weather. Shorts, bathing suit and t-shirts are great for hot days and wind breakers, wool or nylon shirts for cool days. Cotton is not recommended. 		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Food or snacks in unbreakable containers
Bring plenty to drink on hot days
sunscreen
sunglasses (with keeper cords)
hat
change of clothes for ride home
waterproof camera
small cooler to attach to canoe (with bungee cords)

Do not bring:
Alcoholic beverages
Large coolers, styrofoam coolers, glass bottles
Radios
Non-waterproof cameras – (the trip leader’s digital camera was ruined on a past trip)
Glass

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Appalachian will be providing detailed directions to parking lot where we will start. It should on Highway 9 near Dawsonville.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):70Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 9:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $28.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

     - Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

     - Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

     - Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

     - No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

     - Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:$34.00/Person
Non-Member Cost:$34.00/Person
Cost Includes:Share a canoe - $34.00 per person
Kayak for one $45.00 per person
Price includes paddles, lifejackets, and return shuttle.

Please make the appropriate payment to secure your desired craft.

It is your responsbility to get the payment in on time. Please allow two days for processing a PayPal transaction and one week for a check. No checks accepted after RSVP date

Not included is parking at a private lot on the Etowah River for $3 per person. We also encourage giving $2-$5 tip per person for all the work the outfitter does in getting us set up and shuttling us.
Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Tue, May 20 2008.
Make a Payment:Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

Refunds less a $5 handling fee are available if someone pays and fills your spot.