Coastals

If you haven't been there before here's a little more information.

The New River Rendezvous has been happening over Labor Day weekend for at least ten years. MCC, CCA, GBCC, Coastals, CCC, whoever, folks rally near Fayetteville, WV to run various sections of the New River. Loosely organized is the general theme. We gather up in the mornings, mill about, and go boating, biking, and hiking to various places.

In keeping with the theme, this is one time when it's ok to just show up. We'll be camping at Ray's (304)658-4386 on Sunday Road near Hico. Find Fayetteville and look north to where 41 crosses 19. No need to reserve tent sites. $8 per person per night.

At ordinary mortal water levels the New River Gorge is class III / IV. Various sections upstream from there are more like class II / III. The "III" parts of that are generally sneak-able. Most typical is big river friendly deep wave trains. Andy L. plans to attend again this year for trips on the upper sections. I'll probably hang out on the gorge unless more help is needed on the uppers.

As to the gorge, 1st timers are welcome (and subject to friendly interrogation). My personal benchmark was to be comfortable on the Lower Yough in order to move up to the New River Gorge.

If we have some actual rain then other runs such as Gauley, Cranberry, and Meadow are available.

A big part of the tradition on this one is to make newcomers feel welcome. Please feel free to contact me with questions.

Ken Dubel

Thanks Ken! I'm hoping to go again this year and hope everybody is planning on coming. It's an annual event not to be missed! Terri

I understand from the Va Paddlers group message board that Andy Lee will not be able to be there Labor Day weekend after all. I also understand it is hoped/expected someone else will be willing and able to lead runs on the upper section.

I'd like to try some more challenging runs than our typical central Virginia summer time low water runs. Would the upper section qualify? And, what about that "friendly interrogation"? Is the gorge do-able by an intermediate-beginner in an IK? I've never done the Yough or any of the western Pa/WVa rivers, but I've run the Nantahela in an IK with an NOC raft group, the lower James through downtown a few times, and Goshen Pass twice (although I did portage the Kitchen because the level was too low for me to scout a manageable run in my fat boat--that's "boat", not "butt")

And, I'd like to arrange a carpool from the Charlottesville area leaving after work late Friday afternoon, if possible.

Ron Wiley, Jr.

My first preference would be for someone to step up and run trips on the upper sections of the New. At minimum, I will run an "icebreaker" on an upper section on that Saturday. After that I should think the gang could work it out for Sunday and Monday. (Theme = "loosely organized".)

The upper sections are mostly bigwater class II where the river necks down, develops big deep friendly wave trains which then dump into pools. A few places edge into class III particularly if the water is up but again, dumping into pools. And, yes, there is significant flatwater, er, sections calm enough to enjoy the scenery.

I'll send you a p.m. for the friendly interrogation part.

Ken

Hey, Hunter and I will most likely be at Rays friday and saturday. paddling sat & sunday I have never run the upper before but Hunter ran it at 7 with his mom and said it was long and flat with a few surprises We get to see how good his memory is after 8 years. I think I will drive the land crusher it holds 7 paddlers and as many boats we can strap on 78"bars.In other words. I'm open to shuttle. I hear its not one to forget. David 434-996-7410

Hows the Gorge look at -2. something feet? Is the trip still on if there is no rain in the forecast? I plan to attend, just wanting to know what to expect.

Thanks

Matt

Years ago, I did the NRG @ about 2.5' below zero - still very doable. I recall the pools seeming longer, but plenty of water in the rapids. I'm hopeful for some rain, but am looking fwd to going, no matter what (yes, I'm sure the trip is on regardless). I just want to get in my boat!

Does anyone remember the level of the New last year?

minus 1.7 feet according to my record book! That seems high compared with the flow at the moment!!

mm

Any idea about meeting times and places Saturday morning for the Gorge run and the Upper run? I don't think I can make it down friday night but will probably head up Sat. morning and stay Saturday night. My family will be in tow, and my dad and brother plan to run the Upper. Thanks

Gromit wrote:minus 1.7 feet according to my record book! That seems high compared with the flow at the moment!!

Yeah, I remember it at that level too last year. Looks like Fay may lend a hand. If nothing else a Middle Gauley nostaglia run may be in order! I'm game.

I plan to be at Ray's at ten on Saturday morning to be loosely organized and wing it from there.

Note to folks wanting to run upper sections, Ed Evangelidi will be running trips all weekend. It's fine too to spin off your own trips. One BIG bonus, in my view, is that the road to Glade Creek is finally open again. This allows for a six mile river run with a six mile shuttle on a section with more rapids per mile than any other that I know of.

It's tough to predict what rains might come. We should know in a couple of days. I've seen forecasts ranging from multiple (like five) inches of rain to "showers".

Ken

Whats the best way to get to Ray's or do you have an address to type into Mapquest. Also, is the Savage a go and something everyone is doing Sunday?

Matt

Google Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&g ... 32744&z=15

Directions (from Ray's CG website):

From I-79 near Sutton
Take U.S. 19 South, proceeding through Summersville to U.S. 60 at Hico. Turn right onto U.S. 60 West, then right onto Sunday Road. We're one mile out Sunday Road on the left.

From I-77 at Beckley
Take U.S. 19 North, proceeding 23 miles through Fayetteville to U.S. 60 at Hico. Turn right onto U.S. 60 west, then right onto Sunday Road. We're one mile out Sunday Road on the left.