Independence

In the 'old days', I think the second rapid was called 'The Three Sisters' because it's multiple 'islands' forming multiple channels just before the Fat Lady.

As of 10/18/2014 there is a large root ball in the center line of Fat Lady, right at the base of the middle drop. Scout and run either of the other two lines with caution.

Edit: Root Ball removed this is no longer an issue.

As of 10/25/2014, the root ball was removed from Fat Lady. The center line is now runnable thanks to the rope work and efforts of at least 10 people.

Level 600
First section above Fat Lady 600 cfs was a Good medium level , its in majority class 3+.

Second section beginning at Fat Lady until take out 600cfs medium-high water level , class 4+(5), Fat Lady on 600cfs was pushy less water should be better for fat lady, after fat lady its a fun run on this level.

Bastien

This Fat Lady gonna give you a whuppin!
this Fat Lady got one gnarly bottom!

Hans boofs his Dagger Prophet.

I had walked this rapid the year before at 700 cfs and it bugged me all year long. I was happy to have another opportunity this year. After my first run, I promptly ran back for another.
It's hard to put into words. I shared the small eddy at the bottom with a girl who had just finished her run as well. We sat in our boat giggling uncontrollably. I promptly got out and ran up to do it again.

More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.

Unfortunately, this is a early spring release river. It has the best introduction to Steep creeking I've been on yet !

260cfs was a nice easy level, but, more water would have made for more options and less scrapey. The upper section sometimes got pretty boney and pins were a real hazard. I think 300-400cfs would be optimal.
This rapid has 3 options at this level. This is the middle slide.

Photo courtesy of the Monocacy Canoe Club.

I walked this one, even tho' 'Rope' made it look so easy.
This shelf was easy, missing the submerged rock was key to not flipping after landing.
She ran all her lines exactly the way she planned ! The best day to be had !

Map created with the aid of GPS Visualizer.

For shuttle, one can take either Bradish or Austin Rd. Austin is paved and always good. Bradish can have ruts, ice, snow...it can be a real mess.

To get a look at the Fat Lady and its associated drops, get off Pine Grove Rd. onto Rudd Rd., and drive a short distance to the closed bridge. You get a great view of some kewell rapids from there and from the bridge across Pine Grove Rd. itself.

In this map, you can also see the Otter Creek takeout, at the intersection of Otter Creek and Pine Grove Roads.

Check out all the Ratt Boy Maps by clicking here.