Novice trip on the Fear
| River: | Cape Fear |
| Skill: | Beginner |
| Trip Date: | 04/26/2014 |
I've tried to run a novice trip every year on the last weekend of April. Usually late enough that it's warm, and early enough that there's still rain somewhere. In recent years we've managed warm, but usually the water was lacking, and we'd end up on the Fear at about 1.6', a level I've sworn (twice) I'd never run it again.
This year we had a series of showers on the week leading up to the trip, and where we were headed was actually in doubt even up to Sat. morning. But while things more local almost popped up, in the end it was headed to the Cape Fear. However, THIS time the Fear was running about 3.5' which is a decent level, and the weather was gorgeous.
The departure had the usual confusion. Most folks were headed to my place, to pick up boats and gear. Included were Ryan, Chris, Galen, Eric, Carolyn, Alan, and Matt. We met Jen at REI, and Camille, Steve, and Elliot at the take-out. But everyone was on time at all the various places, and it all worked out just fine.
The water level was a great level for novice/beginner. Enough to get people's eyes open wide, and not enough for carnage. We had only two swims, and Chris was mostly because the sit-on-top he was paddling was slowly sinking.
Most of us headed to Howard's Barbecue after the trip, to revel in our comraderie.
See everyone next year!