"Just another Ocoee trip" -- weekend of August 14, 15

Summertime maintenance paddling on the Ocoee.

We will paddle the Upper & Lower Ocoee on Saturday and just the Lower on Sunday.

Probably camp at River Rats, although "camping" at the Colonial in Cleveland is also a possibility.

Post your intent.

-- jt

p.s. not an official MWA trip ... just some friends paddling whitewater.

I would be up for another run by then, and "camping" at Mr Sanjeeb's Colonial Inn sounds like a nice option. I'll be posting an update soon. Gonna try and get the "Whistle Richards" to gather for our annual Ocoee thang. Mike W., Bilbo, Donaldo, Jason H., Delgado, MkViggers, Sir Charles, Coach and crew.... let's do it Old school fellas. Freddie

Ocoee trip August 6,7 & 8. Tracy, Byron, Bob, Alex, me and Tweezer! No can do August 14 & 15, niece is getting married in Mississippi

I plan on making it down for Aug. 14-15. Can't wait to get back on the water.

In time to stay at the Colonial (ya better get there before 9pm) Anyone else planning to stay at Mr Sanjeebs Colonial ? Anyway, say 10am at the middle Putin for shuttle ? Please advise, Freddie

i am a newbie and was wondering if i could hang on this trip ? and what all equipment i would need. I do have my roll down though. thanks

Wow, got cold all of a sudden. ;o)

It may be that we do not know you enough to fold you in, or that we are just getting our own time in on the Slowcoee, and want to keep our own pace. (that is my story, because I am trying two new boats) I do not want to sound arrogant, but there are better occasions for first times on the Ocoee, one coming up in about a month at GAF, when the Sunday usually involves many first timers in a slightly more structured time with folks that are ready to lead. Probably us, but we will be ready to lead then.

Nonetheless, I should not assume anything. So you have a roll. That is truly great. What rivers have you done, and how long have you been at it? Based on your response I will see if I need to eat some crow.
Bill

i totally understand. i am very new to this sport. i have only been doing lakes. and have done the mermeac river. did it on a sit on top kayak 80 miles in two days. it was hell. love my new boat though got the liquid logic remix xp 10. so sweet. just can't wait to paddle in some current. is there anything around here that me and a buddy can attempt that isn't too difficult or dangerous with some rapids ?

Milla-newbie,

Best to listen to Bilbo sage advice. The kind of trip you're looking for (the one for not-so-experienced Ocoee paddlers) happened about 3 weeks ago. One fellow swam about 10 times even though he only paddled the "milder" parts of the Ocoee and took out about halfway down the Lower. My son swam 3-4 times. The experienced paddlers spent a lot of time chasing people, boats, paddles and thus gave up playing a large part of the river. That was OK ... the trip was advertised as such and this is how we get new people into the sport. But on this trip, like Bilbo, I am looking to try different craft and also have to watch out for my still-learning son. Bottom line is that this would not be a good trip for a newbie.

I hope to eventually paddle with you and share stories, food, alcohol, etc. at the takeout and around campfire.

-- JohnT

p.s. Don't miss the MWA picnic!

Listen to Bilbo and John T.
It does not sound like you are ready for the Ocoee. Although a fun river and not overly tough, the rocks are sharp and swims can be long.
Check out the fall trip, it is fun and has great leadership.
Either take the class coming up this fall or come on Sunday evenings to help out and learn.

The paddler has done the Meramec, and some lakes ! Surely they are ready for the Ocoee by now ! If you get there, take a look at it. If you still wanna go, just get on down with it ... we'll be the paddlers in the Green, Orange and blue boats ,,, just jump on in with us !! (Are u Cwazeee?) Freddie