Cartecay

We were talking tonight about how the name of a rapid on the
Cartercay has changed names for some strange reason. I have been running this
river since 1976 - in fact my ex-husband's family owned all the land on both sides of the river at the covered bridge - actually back then there was no covered
bridge. However, after the ex's grandmother died the land was divided among the 11 siblings. Some chose to keep their land other chose to sell to development.

Now people are referring to the river's slide/fall rapid as Blackberry. It was and as far as I know always called by locals as Stegall Mill Fall. Just curious how it metamorphosed into Blackberry. Blackberry is the development that came about in the 80's. The developer even took control of the river trying to banned paddlers from using the river and take-out at the falls. Jay represented the paddlers and was able to get the Gilmer County Commission to permit paddlers to take off the river below the covered bridge. Blackberry Development has never done one thing to be
honored by the naming of the rapid. They were allowed to develop too close to
the river and when the river rises the trash/debris from decks, lawn
furniture and like have littered this river for years. And, it seems no on is responsible for cleaning up the homeowners messes. They probably
spend more on keeping paddlers off the river. Unless someone knows otherwise,
I suggest paddlers call the rapid Stegall Mill. Quit giving credit to those who basically ruined a great river.

Steve & Alice