GOOD GAULEY!

SEPTEMBER 22ND-24TH–GAULEY FESTIVAL

We arrived to the fairgrounds in Summersville, WV around 9:30pm on Friday night and already found a very happening campground. Kayakers abounded, and the fairgounds were already so full that we had to settle for a parking spot out by the ballfield for the night.

Saturday was the official day of the Gauley Fest., and after an early morning run on the river, Don and I headed back to the fairgrounds to see if we could convince more people to sign up for the free trip e-mail lottery we are holding. (Go to www.smallworldadventures.com to sign up).
A big thanks to both Wave Sport and Dagger for helping us to spread the good word about the excellent whitewater in Ecuador. Hobie and Dagger were kind enough to share some of their booth space with us, and it was great to visit with old friends and meet lots of new paddlers at one of the best whitewater festivals around.

We spent Sunday and Monday running the river, and being amused by the rafters. Don almost took out some legs at postage due, but luckily they were all agile enough get out of the way at the last minute.

A rare moment–Mr. Beveridge swimming. He claims he was just cooling off before the hike up Panther Creek, but I think that flat water was just too much for him.

Monday we did the “Marathon” Upper, Middle, Lower all in one fell swoop. Don hand paddled the upper–here he is boofing or trying to fly.

Don dropping into Sweets Falls sans paddle.

Darcy doing it with a paddle.

It’s true what they say about the great play spots on the Lower Gauley! We were there on a Monday, and had about 10 paddlers to share the wave with. Interestingly, all but 1 of them were from Colorado…hmmm, it must be the off season.

Here is Darcy figuring out the wave.

That little yellow Project sure is a great boat!