Yakdaddy’s River Ramblings

2007 was without a doubt an incredibly dry year but still turned out to be a great one for me and my whitewater adventures.

I spent some time tonight creating/updating/reviewing my sorely neglected paddling journal for 2007 and simply can’t wipe the smile off my face from reliving so many great trips.  I’ll be posting summaries of the trips that have pictures or video associated with them as soon as I’ve figured out how to do so.

Until then, here’s a summary of a year in the life of this 30 something family man with whitewater on the brain:

Paddling days: 24

Rivers Run:  Wilson Creek, Greenbrier*, Watauga*, Pigeon, Lower Nolichucky*, Lower Watauga (dam to E-town)*, Lower lower Watauga (E-town to Watauga), Nolichucky Gorge, Nantahala, Whitetop Laurel*, USNWWC*, Lower Gauley*, Upper Russell Fork, Clear Creek*, Little River (ran Sinks for first time).   

* indicates personal first descent

Injuries: 1 shoulder dislocation

Gear additions/losses:  Red 2007 Jackson 4Fun (add), Lendal 4-piece breakdown paddle (add), PeakUK drytop (add), Gerber river knife (add), trusty old werner straight shaft paddle w/ P4C stickers (lost), snapdragon pogies (lost w/paddle)

2007 was indeed a good year and I must give thanks/credit where due:

• Thanks to God who was on His A-game when creating whitewater rivers
• Thanks to Tonya and the kids for allowing me to go boating and hoping I returned safely
• Thanks to my paddling pals - if I called you or you called me, this means you
• Thanks to American Whitewater, Boatertalk, APEs, Paddlers 4 Christ, and TVF

Looking forward to another great year-

Stuart