Saluda Whitewater Canoeing

This outing is planned to be a canoe trip on the Saluda that will include some instruction and a chance to run some whitewater. Tentatively we are planning to go from Riverbanks Zoo down to the Gervais Street bridge. This stretch includes several class I and II rapids.

These are the topics we will cover before going down the river :

• Boat control - some tips on what to do to make the boat go where you want it to
• "Reading the water" - some tips on how to know where to go when running a rapid
• Rescue - what to do when your boat tips over -

• how to swim in moving water

  how to use a throw rope

  how to perform a "boat over boat" rescue

We'll be practicing these in the water so be ready to get wet!

Schedule :

• 09:00 hrs we will meet at the Riverbanks Zoo Parking lot (Right side of the parking lot facing the zoo entrance)
• 09:30 hrs be in the water and start instruction
• 10:30 - 11:00 hrs head down river
• 12:00 - lunch
• 14:00-15:00 get out of the river!

Between the Broam "fleet" and the YMCA's canoes, we can provide 6-8 canoes and equipment. We know that a number of you have canoes, too. We ought to be able to come up with boats for all, but if not, we can rent additional canoes and share the cost (which should be minimal).

NOTE : While this trip will be suitable for even our smallest and youngest Trailblazers, note that having more than one child in your canoe will be more challenging (but not impossible). If you would like to bring more than one youngster with you, consider recruiting an adventurous uncle, grandpa, or mom to come along. Please contact Scott if you have any questions or concerns.

Watch this space for a checklist of things to bring!

Virginia Creeper Trail Trip

Some handy links

A map of various points of interest and a route from Lexington to the campground :
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=113743287332160291459.00046befe6f2e31c1fa6e

The campground - Grindstone Campground near Troutdale, VA :
http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Grindstone_Va/r/campgroundDetails.do?page=details&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70449&topTabIndex=CampingSpot

The bike outfitter : http://www.jcsoutdoors.com/
Trail information :
http://www.vacreepertrail.org/
http://www.vacreepertrail.com/trailMaps/trailMaps.htm