Ocoee Coordination
| River: | Ocoee |
| Skill: | Intermediate |
| Trip Date: | 08/05/2021 |
Ocoee Coordination
I was looking forward to a New River Gorge trip John McDonald had considered. However, John had injured his shoulder/neck, didn’t want to paddle a remote river, and wasn’t certain how he’d be feeling as the weekend approached. Some discussing back and forth– if he was able to be able to boat, he’d go to the Ocoee; a river with easy road access if his shoulder flared up.
· Sunday, August 1, 11:46 pm: I reserved a camp site at Thunder Rock
· Monday, August 2, 12:52 am: I posted trip to CCC website
· Monday, August 2, 11:59 am: Donnie started asking questions
· Monday, August 2, 2:52 pm: Les said he’d be arriving Fri night, to paddle Sat/Sun.
· Wednesday, August 4, 8:41 pm: Donnie commits to coming
· Wednesday, August 4, 11:38 pm: John commits to coming
· Wednesday, August 4: Two more people say they’re coming
· Thursday, August 4: I respond to the people who said they’re coming
· Thursday, August 4: Rick, Donnie, John, and Brett arrive
· Friday, August 5: Rick, Donnie, John run the Ocoee twice. Les arrives
· Saturday, August 6: Rick, John, and Les run the Ocoee twice
· Sunday, August 7: Donnie departs . Rick, John, and Les run the Ocoee twice. Kathy the first time.
· Monday, August 8: Les departs. Rick, John, and Brett run the Ocoee. John and Brett depart.
Some details:
For those who pay attention to timelines, only one person was confirmed before late Wednesday evening. One reason I prefer the Ocoee is that attendance doesn’t freak me out, but not knowing more in advance who’s coming can be harrowing for a trip coordinator. Be kind to your trip coordinator and let them know as far in advance as you can.
The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Light rain forced us to our tents about 10:30 on Thursday, but only a few raindrops fell the rest of the extended weekend. Temps at night were cool enough to be comfortable, and warm enough during the day to enjoy the water.
Donnie’s two runs were “Kinder, Gentler” Ocoee runs, putting in below Slice n’ Dice, and taking out at Goforth. It ended up neither kind nor gentle. Merely surviving a few Pigeon River runs is not always an indicator of your Ocoee experience.
Brett failed to lock his car on Friday. He went back to lock it, and realigned his day to paddle with Kathy.
On Saturday, we waited at the put-in for a half hour for the two people who asked about meeting us at 9 am. We finally set shuttle (leaving someone behind to keep an eye out), but they never showed up. We didn’t hear from them until Monday. Be kind to your entire group and communicate better.
Raft traffic across the entire weekend was light. At one point we had more private boaters in our way than rafts!
All told I ran the Middle Ocoee nine times, rolling once in Surprise (named for a reason!). A number of other rolls, and two swims. It was a great extended weekend; paddling with friends.
I don’t know if I’ll get up there again before Drawdown. But Drawdown is coming, Sept. 25 – Oct. 3!