Catawba, North Fork

Ran this today after about an inch of rain in the area. Had a foot on the old spray painted guage , which needs replacing. This is a good run for low intermediates looking to step up there water reading skills.It reminds me some of the U. Chattahoocee and it's good alternative to the Natahala or Upper Green. But probably a tad easier than either. It has two low class III rapids. The first is manky with a difficult scout if you find yourself in the steep walled eddy on river right just above the drop. You'll know it when you get there. The second is a nice granite slide with holes, best run on the right. Other than that there is an abundance of class II drops, some not being user friendly. A Big undercut wall and plenty of trees come to mind. A few good play waves and holes are sprinkled throuout, one of which i can't wait to hit at higher water. Then there's the obligatory rope swing and cliff jump.The scenery is trashed after the first couple of miles thanks to abundant loggin and mining. Suprisingly the water stays pretty clear. Oh and the old Gauge readings are wrong. Zero is a bare minimun, 1 foot good, 2 ft better and 3 ft high.