Peeing in the woods: 2015

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Ocoee Race 2015

Starting from the put-in

Well… after 2 years of talk, I finally did the Ocoee race. Over the summer, I bought a long boat for racing, so I guess it was finally time to do it. Chris and I headed out Friday after work and drove to Ted’s. The next morning we all headed to the Ocoee and in typical kayaking time, we were late for check in and late for the safety meeting. The race is put on each year by the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club as a fundraiser for Team River Runner.

Trying to stay on line

The race course is from the middle put-in to below powerhouse, 5 miles of class III whitewater. I had two small mistakes that cost me some time, but I was able to finish in 32:06, not bad for a first timer and for not really training. I was exactly 2 minutes behind first place. After the race, ted and I did another lap and meet Chris at the Doldrums. First race for the long boat and first kayak trip with the truck, it was a good weekend. Here are some pictures Chris took. Enjoy, until the next adventure.

and I'm gone

Ted racing

Monday, October 5, 2015

Chain!

It was looking good from shore

After a summer of high water, the Mississippi final has come down to a level where the chain of rocks is surf able. Rick, Larry, Kelly and I headed out for the chain on Sunday. The level was about 6.5ft. Rookies was good, as always, but Primo was not in at all. Luckily, Cobblestone was rocking. Good surf with good people. I was lucky enough to have Larry take some great shots! Enjoy the pictures, til the next adventure.

Missouri side pump house

Larry looking at Primo

Rick getting some warm up surfing in at Rookies

Rick surfing Primo

Flat spins all day (Photo Larry Rapp)

Surfing (Photo Larry Rapp)

Dang the shore is far! (Photo Larry Rapp)

Deep thoughts (Photo Larry Rapp)

Rick waling back for another run (Photo Larry Rapp)

All smiles (Photo Larry Rapp)

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Rowing the Mississippi

This last weekend, a small group of us drove up to Alton, IL to paddle 12 miles down to the Chain of Rocks. We paddled the oar rigged raft and a kayak to help prepare of the grand canyon. The river was at just about 10 feet and the trolls were a rockin. Great day on the river, with lots of sun. enjoy the pics. Until the next adventure.

Alton bridge

Mike showing off his SUP skills

Coming out of the Melvin Lock and Dam

Amanda looking comfy in the fusion

Monday, September 21, 2015

Labor Day 2015

So this is a little late, but over Labor Day weekend the crew headed out to the Ocoee. We used the weekend for rowing practice in preparation for the Grand Canyon trip. I used the weekend to get some training laps for the Ocoee race that is coming up in October. We had a big crew with 15 people staying in the cabin. It was a good time with good friends. I was able to work on my photo skills a bit, too. Enjoy the pictures, until the next adventure.

Rick Shredding Table Saw

Ted boofing Table Saw

Looks like Ted is about to get ran over!

Mike styling the race course

Nicky trying to be funny

I don't know what this is, but he is not my friend

Professor looking good

Long boat at Alien Photo: Bill Eades

Rick doing work in the race course

I think Ted smelled a fart

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Costa Rica

Taylor and I both flew out of Greenville to Atlanta, and then down to San Jose Costa Rica. After dealing with the airport and customs we headed to the hotel. Our hotel was really nice and had a casino in it. After eating dinner we headed over where we lost most of the money we brought.