Toccoa

Sorry Wesley, I didn't see your note until we returned. I hope you were able to go.

My group put in at Deep Hole on Tuesday, May 5th, with the water level around 500 cfs. Within 100 yards, the other canoe had already flipped (yes, we laughed). After we got them emptied out and going again, the dangers still lurked. About 30 minutes later, a goose, apparently upset at us for doing nothing more than drifting with the current, decided to charge the other boat (same guys that had just gotten dunked). We assumed it had a nest nearby, but we didn't see it.

We managed to escape the clutches of the angry waterfowl, and continued our journey. There was one downed log a short distance before the swinging bridge, but due to the higher water levels, we managed to slide across the top of it (along the left side). At normal water levels, I'm sure it will be a problem.

We stopped at the Swinging Bridge for lunch, and also noted the 'No Camping' signs on the left bank. We did not check the right bank. We scouted the shoals, both from atop the bridge and along the left bank. The second canoe was fairly inexperienced, and they were concerned about making it through safely, so they decided to portgage around. My partner and I decided to give it a shot, and somehow made it through with our dignity intact.

The remainder of the trip was uneventful, other than enjoying the rapid water flow (we averaged about 4.8mph for the entire trip). We did encounter an unmarked cable strung across the river about 3/4 of the way to Sandy Bottom. At normal river levels, it won't be a problem, but anything a foot or two higher than we had and it might catch an unsuspecting canoist in the head.

I warned the second canoe as we approached the takeout at Sandy Bottom, and suggested they stay close to the right bank (the water gets a little bumpy for the last 100 yards, and if you're on the left bank, you might have difficulty reaching the takeout). Sure enough, they blasted though a chute, and managed to turn sideways on a rock, swamping the canoe again! I laughed so hard I cried.

Due to the high water levels, we managed the trip in four hours exactly. We all had a wonderful trip (except for the bruised egos in the second canoe!) and can't wait to plan another trip.

Sam