April Day on the Eno
| River: | Eno |
| Skill: | Beginner |
| Trip Date: | 04/01/2021 |
April 1, found me on the Eno River (@4 feet) with CCC friends, John F, Bob B, Rick S, Jeff D, and John McD. “My Goodness Joanie,” I could hear my mother say, “You are blessed with the best!” The sun was out, the dogwoods and redbuds were blooming, the reunion smiles were genuine As we launched from Pleasant Green, I was a wee bit nervous and wobbly, but I knew this expert crew understood and had me covered.
The Eno from Pleasant Green to Cole Mill is quite tame…flat water and ripples until you get to Bobbit’s Hole. This gave me a chance to warm up tight muscles, get used to my daughter’s paddle, and laugh with friends I had not seen for 2 years. Yep, I put on my nose clips at Bobbit’s Hole but did not need to. All well.
One member of the crew took out a Cole Mill – and the rest checked in with me to see how my body was holding up. I stretched but then got back into the boat, ready for more of what the Eno has to offer. I was pleasantly surprised!
From Cole Mill to Guess Road, there are several Class 2ish rapids with surf spots for the playboat crowd. I loved watching everyone from my eddy vantage point. John F pointed out good rock climbing spots along the banks, “You could wade over to them from river left in the summertime.” File that away in your brain for those hot July days.
This section and the following, Guess Road to West Point on the Eno, has historical interest with two former mill locations. These also allowed for more rapids and surfing excitement. Some spots were a bit bony and I found myself faced with a narrow slots and cross currents to negotiate. This gave me a chance to get my head game back on. “Commit to it, Joanie!” I lifted my chin and confidently maneuvered through. The final rapid was a thriller for me. I ran the 3-ish foot chute drop straight through upright and confident. Afterwards, John F exclaimed, “Joan, look back at it!” From downstream, the sun sparkled across the rapid. Friends help us to see the beauty and blessings of life.
Thank you to my CCC friends who helped reintroduce me to paddling. I want to also appreciate Joe B, Donna M, Vince D, who, during the month of March encouraged and assisted me with an intro trip on the Dan River so I could began paddling anew. Three plus years of battling cancer has taken a toll on the bod but with CCC friends supporting me, “I’m back!”
Just keep paddling Pink Warrior. Just keep paddling.