Participants Choice
| River: | Pigeon |
| Skill: | Intermediate |
| Trip Date: | 05/31/2014 |
Pigeon Gorge – May 31st
I had posted the trip as a “participant's choice” between French Broad 9, Pigeon Gorge, Nolichucky, and Big Laurel (if it came up). Not enough rain so Big Laurel was out, I was a little surprised when the Pigeon came in first.
It was a carpooling trip. Les Case brought a carload of 4 from the Columbia, SC area. I had 3 in my vehicle from Asheville, John & Steve rode together from the Raliegh area. Mary Ellen was the only one traveling from west to east. Fortunately we knew about the rock slide and lane closure on I-40 and left early before the traffic built up and we breezed through. People meeting an hour after us, were not quite so fortunate (unless you enjoy sitting is stopped traffic for a mile or two).
The “Pig” was running at around 1700 – 2000 cfs for our run(s). The typical summer release is 2 turbines (about 1250 cfs) plus the inflow from Big Creek and the creeks in the “drys”. This can add up to 1300 in a dry period or 1400 with moderate inflow. All 3 turbines were on but not all at full power. Almost all the lines remain the same with the higher flow, the waves are a little bigger and the current a little faster and pushier. A couple holes get a little bigger, a couple somewhat wash out.
It was mostly a veteran crew but we had a couple 1st timers and 1 or 2 who wanted a little refresher. At Lost Guide the rocks on the right are attached to the earth's crust and don't move. The rocks on the left are mostly loose and of variable sizes; if there is a high water event in the spring, they get re-arranged. Thus the left line(s) tend to change from year to year. This year the left line is pretty easy but doesn't look as easy as it is. Most of the crew elected the tried and true “kayak line” on the right – at least on our 1st run. At the higher level a couple new lines open up on Double Reactionary. Again most of the crew elected the traditional line, even though it was a bit beefier than at the usual water levels. At Accelerator we had our only swimmer of the day. Since said swimmer paid this author and “honorarium” he shall remain anonymous.
For our 2nd lap we were down to 6. One had a hot date and the other preferred dry clothes and cold beer to the Pig. Another fun run but more people tried the alternate lines. On our way home at a decent hour (before 5 pm). A good time was had by all
– Lee Thonus