Day Three of Rob and Adrian's Adventures in the South East:
Today we headed south to South Carolina/Georgia to paddle the legendary Chattooga Section IV, best know as the location for that all time favourite hillbilly movie, Deliverance.
The day started with a bit of a quandary. The outfitters that we were counting on for a shuttle was closed. Apparently the creeking season here has just ended and we were the only two boater within 100 KM. Not to be undone, we headed to the NOC Outpost which was closed but we found an off-duty raft guide to run shuttle for us. To beat all he was a hockey fan who actually liked the Senators
Section IV of the Chattooga is renowned as a lethal stretch of river that has claimed many a life. Lacking a guide and common sense we figured that this would be perfect for two lone kayakers. The Chattooga has a number of named III+- V rapids and lots of Class three water that doesn't rate naming on this piece of river.
With medium low water at 1.28 on the gauge we could boat scout most of the rapids. This was reminiscent of the Upper Petawawa at high water, you think you know what is ahead but there is always a little suprise waiting for you. The highlight of was the Five Falls. Five Class IV rapids in close succession. The adrenalin rush was Corkscrew. Rob ran first looking smooth as he hit his planned line with minimal effort. I followed and missed the key sweep stroke and headed into the keeper hole that we just finished scouting and saying " whatever you do; don't go into the hole". The River God took sympathy on me and I punched the hole. It only took a few minutes to get my heart out of my throat.
Rob hairest moment was being attacked by a very territorial Canadian Goose who didn't recognize him as a fellow country man. The goose chased Rob for 100m and even went down a rapid after him. Other than the goose the local are pretty friendly.
Tonight rain is forecasted and we're hoping for the water levels to raise.
Gotta sign off. The hot tub is reading 104 degrees. A hot soak, a glass of wine and lots of Motrin. What a way to end a beautiful day.
Adrian, hijacking Rob's login.
