7:15 AM at the Hwy. 9 Put-in as I start untying and unloading the canoes and gear.
For many, this was the first opportunity to paddle moving water and, for a handfull, the first time to paddle period.
Fun on the Etowah River
The course downriver had been blazed for us by Doc Stevens on Thursday as he wielded a saw, removing limbs and tree trunks from dangerous strainers which had been created or relocated by the past week's storms.
With a little help from my friends - everyone got under this riverwide fallen tree.
We quickly made camp upon our arrival at the waterfall which allowed plenty of time for the boys to discuss the Canoeing Merit Badge requirements, learn the various strokes, and put their new knowledge into action. Scoutmaster Stewart only half-jokingly commented that this was the first time he could remember setting up his tent in daylight.
We made camp beside this waterfall and slept to the gentle sounds of the stream.
Cooling off in the river right below our campsite.
Attentive students!
More attentive learners!
Even the adults sat and listened carefully!
Practicing canoe-over-canoe rescues
Learning to re-enter without capsizing the canoes
Trading places & learning balance
Everyone agreed that the weather was absolutely wonderful for paddling, although several thought the night got a little cold fro sleeping comfortably. I guess that was just another reminder from our heavenly scout"Master" that we should "Be Prepared." We stopped for a brief Sunday worship led by Jack, the Troop 87 Chaplain, on the river just upstream from Radioactive Rapid with a closing thought shared by everyone that with every thorn there is also a rose. Most of us found the roses too numerous on this trip to even consider the thorns.
We arrived at the designated take-out point literally minutes before some of the parents arrived to meet the boys. Like the Colonel on the A-Team - "I just love it when a plan comes together!" All in all a great time and we all talked about doing another trip together soon. I know that I'm looking forward to it!
Everyone agreed that the weather was absolutely wonderful for paddling, although several thought the night got a little cold fro sleeping comfortably. I guess that was just another reminder from our heavenly scout"Master" that we should "Be Prepared." We stopped for a brief Sunday worship led by Jack, the Troop 87 Chaplain, on the river just upstream from Radioactive Rapid with a closing thought shared by everyone that with every thorn there is also a rose. Most of us found the roses too numerous on this trip to even consider the thorns.
We arrived at the designated take-out point literally minutes before some of the parents arrived to meet the boys. Like the Colonel on the A-Team - "I just love it when a plan comes together!" All in all a great time and we all talked about doing another trip together soon. I know that I'm looking forward to it!
Teamwork + Common Goals => Success!
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