C-Forum

Hmmm. Seems like a lot of people are nervously talking about wet weather coming our way . Ellen and I had just come back from the Outer Banks and Hurricane Isabel has been THE main topic of conversation for the past week down there. Until the path of the storm system is actually known, I am posting my thoughts about paddling Gauley Fest this coming weekend.

For now, I would like to meet all boaters on Friday, who are paddling that day, at the New River Gorge visitor center right off of Rt. 19 around 11:00 in the parking lot. We will decide then what to go and paddle. If we get winds/rain on Thursday night, Mike Elsea and I will drive up Friday morning.

If the weather report looks bad (rain, rain, rain, and more rain) through the weekend, then I may just go ahead and cancel my trip. Look on the c-forum on Thursday to see my final plans.

These are my thoughts at this time and I leave it to you to decide whether it will be worth going this weekend or to stay home and stay dry. Continue using my other post to update whether you are coming or not. Use this post for your weather thoughts.

KNeal

Kneal- I understand your hesitation based on Isabelle- I would guess that you will be at the beach then to catch the surge!
I have not responded to call for the mini-armada for the Gauley Fest weekend because I can't make it due to a prior committment, but it sounds like you have a great group planing to come and I hope that the weather cooperates. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the beach house ( right on the water) at Sandbridge is still standing by the end of the weekend.
Be safe and have fun.

Brendan

Hey, a group of people I paddle with will be down for Gauley Fest this coming weekend.

We will paddle the New River Gorge or the Lower Gauley (<5000CFS) this coming weekend.

We can arrange to meet you at the Visitor Center, if I know you guys are coming, and suggest things to paddle.

Post back here.

WHAT?! Cancel a paddling trip because of RAIN! Shouldn't that be read as...BRING YER CREEKBOATS! Actually, I understand what you are saying. However, this is a public service announcement...IF YOU HAVE A CREEKBOAT AND LIKE RUNNING CREEKS THEN BRING YER CREEKBOAT! I want to do some creeking with some fellow Cboaters and there are no shortage of em' in this area. I'm getting there thursday night, but don't konw where I'm staying or whatnot. See yall there.
Will

Hee hee hee. Will, you just LOOOOVE to take advantage of an opportunity . If Isabel brings the rain, creekin will definitely be choice. I'm not a creeker (something about running down steep gradients, pitoning into rocks, pinning against rocks, trying to catch a micro eddy that may-or may not be-there, etc.). You youngsters can have it .

I hope I get to paddle with you, even if it is not on creeks. What boat(s) will you be bringing?

KNeal

Will-
I'll be getting there friday morning in time to paddle, equipped with the Vibe, the H2, and a spin thats for sale (K1). Where are you going to be camping?
Tim

The worst of the hurricane is currently predicted to pass around Richmond between 8:00 p.m. and midnight. Since I feel too old to be driving in tropical storm conditions tonight, Mike and I will drive up Friday morning, so whoever wants to hook up with us for paddling on Friday, meet between 10:00-10:30 a.m. at the Rt. 19 truckstop that is across from the road that takes you to the Gauley. From there, we will decide what to paddle.

If I do not arrive by 10:30, y'all are welcome to make your own plans and take off rather than wait on me. There's a good chance electrical power will be knocked out in the whole Greater Richmond area. If that is the case, then we will come up Friday night and meet everyone at the truckstop Saturday morning around 9:00-9:30.

See you then and be safe.

KNeal

Kneal you can use the Godzilla on Saturday but treat her sweet because she will be racing Monday.
The rain started here at 4:45 pm and 2"-4" are expected. As far as levels are concerned we may have the Meadow, Cranberry, Laurel, Glade, Mill, Manns, New ( Middle, Gorge, & Dries ) and many other runs to consider along with the Gauley.
I pulled a muscle in my back Monday paddling but I plan to be on Vitamin I and the water again tommorrow.
If the creeks are up I will be out of here by 9am. If you want an update you can call me @ 304 438-5145, otherwise I will see you Satuday morning at Mabel's Truck Stop @ 129/19.