Putting the Hypothermia back in the Hypothermia Challenge
| River: | Chattooga |
| Skill: | Intermediate |
| Trip Date: | 02/02/2013 |
We postponed the trip from its scheduled date because of cold weather. The following week was forecast to be warmer and sunny, so, why not?
During the week, the predicted temperature kept declining, and heavy rains on Wednesday sent the level of the Chattooga near 4 feet. By saturday the level was 2.44, and the forecast was low 40s in the morning dropping into the 30s by afternoon, with 30% chance of rain then snow later in the afternoon.
Discretion being the better part of valor, and respecting the cold weather and the rapids of the Chattooga, we changed the trip from 3 1/2 (Thrift's to Woodall) to Fall Creek to the Bull. 19 people showed up for this beautiful 4 1/2 mile run. With a strong group (only one swim all day) we played our way down the river. It clouded up early on us, and the temp began to drop. Then the snow flakes started, then the flurries, then a full bore white out by the time we reached Bull Sluice! The running and the portaging were accomplished in record time, and we carried our boats up the hill with snow covering the ground, and the trees all white from top to bottom.
We ran shuttle, loaded up, and 16 of us invaded Humble Pie Pizza just down the road. We ate like paddlers, and discussed the wonders of the day. When we headed for home we discovered that the snow ended less than a mile from the restaurant! It had been ordered up special for those crazy enough to venture out in it…
It was a fine day, and all were glad we hadnt tried to run more of the river in the cold. It pays to be conservative in your choices under winter conditions. If we had had more carnage the situation could have deteriorated rapidly.
Thanks to all who came, making the 14th Annual trip a memorable experience.