Cheat Fest / Spring Gathering Possibilities

Wallace · Post by **Wallace** » Mon May 02, 2016 11:03 am

Lower Yough

Stonycreek Canyon

North Branch of the Potomac

Dry Fork of the Cheat

Cheat Narrows

So there's plenty of intermediate boating fun to be had at or near Cheat Fest! I will plan on Dry Fork of the Cheat on the way up on Friday as long as the level holds. If it dries up, then maybe something else in WV. Right now, there's a lot of stuff going. Stony creek should go on a release on Saturday and possibly Sunday, and North Branch is releasing both days, I think, so we won't get shut out.

Let's call it class III-ish dealer's choice for the weekend. Just show up with your boating face and big girl panties on at the gathering campground and we'll get you on the water.

I do want to paddle the Cheat Canyon one day, if it isn't insanely high, but never fear - it's a Coastals' trip. Kind, competent boaters will go on a river you will like.

I'm copying this to Facebook to cast a wider net. Please be nice to me and post questions and comments here. Thanks.

rob_parker · Post by **rob_parker** » Tue May 03, 2016 6:08 pm

What time are you looking at for Dry Fork on Fri, Dave? I wonder if I can make it if I rush.

PrimaryColors · Post by **PrimaryColors** » Wed May 04, 2016 6:13 pm

I'm interested in the Dry Fork in Friday if the Cheat is too high. On Saturday I would be interested in one of the above too.

Paul

Wallace · Post by **Wallace** » Thu May 05, 2016 9:05 am

Sorry. I'm not ignoring y'all. I just don't know the answer yet. I'm watching the weather and the gauges. It's raining all over the Cheat drainage! I will keep an eye on the Dry Fork of the Cheat, Shavers Fork of the Cheat and Middle Fork today. Check here this evening for a plan.

Barb · Post by **Barb** » Thu May 05, 2016 9:28 am

Lee and I are hoping to do the Casselman one day and NB Potomac on the second day - glad to have others join us - but will also watch for what you decide.

Casselman section would be a 6 miles section from Markleton to Ft Hill - a fun class II/III river, not usually runnable in the summer: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conte ... l/id/1590/

Wallace · Post by **Wallace** » Thu May 05, 2016 12:03 pm

My agenda is scribbled in dust right now, so don't hold me to any of this. Friday - Dry Fork, Saturday - Cheat Canyon (it'll probably be too high for me), or Stonycreek or Lower Yough, Sunday - Lower Yough.

Wallace · Post by **Wallace** » Thu May 05, 2016 6:05 pm

Alright, this is the best I can do for tonight as it's still raining in WV and here in VA. In the spirit of paddling something 'on the way' to Cheat Fest, I'm sticking with the Dry Fork of the Cheat. Meet at noon in Hendricks WV across the street from the post office. That puts us at the takeout, we can change and set shuttle from there. If you plan to join this trip, please post your intentions here, so I know to look for you. Thanks! See yous tomorrow, good Lord willing and the creek don't rise!

(About the only thing that'll scratch this plan is the river getting too big. Right now it's at 3.5 ft and going up pretty quick. AW has the max at 7 ft. Check the gage HERE in the morning. If it's too high, we'll find something else.)

For now, plan on HENDRICKS WV AT NOON TOMORROW.

PrimaryColors · Post by **PrimaryColors** » Fri May 06, 2016 7:03 am

See you there