C-Forum

Turned out really well and did not even paddle the Gauley. Paul, Warren, Shawn, Eric, and Joey ( C-1s ) turned out to paddle the Cranberry @ 4.9' and the Upper Meadow @1960cfs. Everyone did really well and had a great time exploring some of West Virginia's classics C-1 style.
My only regret was not being able to hang out after paddling ( had to work Gauley Fest ) and not having that weenie Kneal show because of a gal named Isabel.
Keep the T, Stay wet, and call me if your in Fayetteville,W.Va..

First off Isabel was kind enough to dump rain on the area then move north. Unfortunately, she dumped too much rain on Richmond, VA so Neal and Mike couldn’t make it. Next time guys!
As for the weekend - What can I say other than lots of fun boating with good boaters!
It started off with my kayaking buds “punking” out on me. Something to do with a fear of paddling with the “cult of the C-blade” I think!
So after swinging through Morgantown to pick up Warren we were on our way. Sat. morning, after not being able to get in touch with Neal we head over to Mabel’s Dinner hoping to find some cboaters (we didn’t have Bernie’s number). After rumors of the Upper being so high that the company’s were moving of all the rafts to the Lower (just a rumor) we’re sort of low – with thoughts of raft hades in our minds. As we’re reading the guide books and thinking up alternates guess who shows up - Bernie, Shawn and a posse of boats. So off they lead to the Cranberry! What fun river (even if you swim one of the first drops – my bad ) with lots of twists and turns and drops that make you smile. Bernie guides us down with excellent instructions / directions and while Shawn makes all the Ks re-think the line at S-Turn with an innovative pivot turn and go-across-the-flow move in the middle of the rapid. At the take out Warren wants a two-fer and we shuttle him off while I meet up to chat with Joey and his posses at the take out. As we leave from the Cranberry we find the Jeep has a tire that’s losing air – ah, what would a fest be without a flat.
Day two – after a night of festing, fixing a flat, and getting some eats, it’s time for the Upper Meadow. Bernie and company first have to put up with waiting for a band of vagabond boaters that keeps growing in size (to 11 strong c and ks) and their related lateness!! He then graciously lends a kayaker a boat (Jason some how got high-jacked to the fest boatless, but at least was able to bring paddle gear).
The put in is after a long class IV drive which eliminated the flat water the guide books warn you about. Once on the river things start hopping with about 4+ miles of one continuous fun rapid with one large drop. Eric and Bernie swap out the lead often showing us great lines and lots of fun. The take out is just below Bernie’s house which adds to the runs sweetness. However, the vehicle retrieval shuttle is a waste do to lost keys and no spares – darn kayakers! I’m still waiting an update from Warren as to if he has to drive back down with a spare set of keys for he-who-shall-remain-nameless!!!

Thanks Bernie, Shawn, Eric and others for a great time. Post and let us know how the race went!

Truck keys found, all is well in WV!