Camping in NC

[BirdbyBird]

We got down to the campground by driving through the Smoky Mountains. The drive was beautiful once we passed the touristy attractions. We got to meet "Lucas' family". And Kate's brother took time from his globe trotting to fly down and rent a car to spend a weekend with all of us. (His girl friend has been working in Dubai for the past three months...she couldn't come, go figure) Anyways , sweet daughter did overestimate her mother's kayaking ability. Kate and Lucas had everyone else take the inflateable kayaks (Duckies). Her brother over estimated his own ability and forgot that he is older now. Both os us ended up in the water. Ben several times. His center of gravity was off somehow because he could not stay stable in the playboat/kayak that he was in. Kate wondered later that it may have been too small for him. In my case, she really didn't think I did too bad but once I flipped and had to swim out of the kayak it was way more difficult for either she or Lucas to chase the kayak down safely and it took them much longer than they thought, especially with all the rafting groups going by. The chance of me going over again was very probable so it was decided that I would abort the trip along with Ben (who was valuing his life a lot more about now) After making my way downstream to find where they had finally caught my boat (can we say Poison ivy here!) Lucas helped us pull our kayaks up the steep wooded hillside to the road. After getting us safely on shore Kate and Lucas were then able to turn their attention to the other 5 members of the trip that were in the duckies. I caught a ride back to the Outdoor Center and returned with the MH to pick up the two boats. We hung my kayak on the back and just threw the smaller playboat inside the door...so glad not to have carpeting!

The two Goldens were happy to see me and enjoyed playing around in the water at the Outdoor center waiting for the group to make their way down the river. Now of course, I need to go back sometime and take a Duckie ride down. It did look like fun (Hey I enjoyed what little water I got to ride). An important detail to note is that the water is a dam release which means that it comes from the bottom of the lake and was averaging 56 degrees. We all had wet suits on and after going into the water I was very glad. My daughter keep describing the water as "splashy"" so staying dry was not an option.

The Duckies are basically the inflatable kayaks like the Sea Eagle. They definitely are more stable! I don't think they are quite as manueverable as a regular kayak and would probably catch some wind on a lake but definitely more stable and suitable for moving around on the water with grandchildren for those who have them or for dogs in my case.

Lucas' family were wonderful and experienced hikers and travelers. Sorry, no pictures of the run itself. But a few of the campground and the kids.

Daughter Kate and son Ben


Kate's Hannah (10 years old) and My Herschel (8 yrs old)


Kate and Lucas. It was their turn to cook. The two of them are out kayaking several times a week. Kate works at the whitewater center outside of Charlotte and gets to kayak there for free. They both were "slumming" on this particular river because they usually go on much more challenging rivers with multiple class 3 and above rapids. It was awesome to watch how skilled they both were in their boats.


The Short Bus... and if you look closely you can see Remi watching from the right of the table. By Saturday night he was comfortable enough to want to come over and sit quietly in the circle with us at the campfire. My husband and I were the only ones not sleeping in a ten. The hike to the bathrooms was a way also. Bless my little Short Bus! I noticed that Kate was quite willing to borrow the facilities rather than take the hike.


Ben with Hannah and Herschel

[VickieP]

Seems like yall had fun and you got some experience for next time! Thanks for sharing your family pics with us.

[avalen]

wow, how fun!!

[Cedar518]

good looking kids! and sounds like even though you didn't get to do the whole kayak thing you had fun. any after effects from the poison ivy? sure hope not!

[mitch5252]

Really fun pictures!

[Liz]

What a great kayaking adventure! Don't ya' just love it? I like the way that kayak fits on the back of the rv. How long is it? I haven't figured out how to carry one yet.

[OutandAbout]

What a lovely time you had/are having. Thanks for sharing us with your family and friends. linda

[Nasoosie]

What a fun time! I love your pics, too! Yes...how did you mount that kayak on the back of your rig? Is there a ladder under it that you bungie or strap it to?

Sounds like a fun time was had by all, in spite of the spills! I need to get my canoe out for the summer, come to think of it, and get Molly's life jacket handy, too.

Thanks for the pics!

[BirdbyBird]

There is a ladder on the back and we put a set of hook on the ladder that the kayak rests on. The straps are then strategically placed to hold the kayak on the strap from the top and to cradle or support the bottom of the kayak on the bottom. The middle one is for overkill..... Problem is that I am not sure the I want to lift it up by myself and will have to bring a separate short ladder in order to fasten the straps. I got my daughter and Lucas to crawl up there is weekend. I think the kayak measures 9.5 feet. I know that it also JUST fits inside my KIA Sportage after folding the passenger seat down so that for local rivers I can easily load and unload by myself!