I am sizing up my line above Triple Drop (got rocks?)
Kevin Ratliff, Marc Miller, and I ran Wilson Creek for the first time on Christmas Eve. Trän was working, and the river was running. Santa doesnt drop whole rivers into a stocking, so we had to go to it. It did however rain just before the holidays which made for a Christmas Wish come true so to speak. Somehow, we had just never made it to this river yet.
Getting ready to boof the flake at Boatbuster
This was a fun run. Not too much danger, but lots of slides and slots to hit. Markably less difficult than the Watauga Gorge. It was just pure fun. There was not alot of "impending doom" as sometimes experienced on harder rivers. This is, I guess, good and bad. Good for just enjoying the experience, bad for leaving and still wanting more! Kevin and I ran it pretty clean. Marc did so as well with the exception of one out-of-boat experience (obe) as a result of a lodged paddle on the river bottom. He likes his paddle, but he likes to breathe as well! As he was working things out (under water), his skirt imploded and left him no choice but a cold swim. He bailed on the entrance to 10 foot falls in the tight boulder jumble. Fortunately, he did not go through 10 foot falls swimming - though his boat washed over. He made shore before the real fun and we collected up gear below. Just a little added adventure, thats all!
Kevin busting through Triple Drop
Intrestingly enough, I took Shaphan again during the week after Christmas, and he had a swim in the same place. It is a real good spot to get out of control, and punishing for it. Just alot of boulders clumped up together with alot of current as well.
Entrance to 10 Foot Falls (just below the swim site)
Hiking back for another go on Boatbuster
Getting ready for The Wall
punching through Thunderhole
Punching through the hole at 10 Foot Falls
typical Wilson Creek ledge
boofing the flake on Boatbuster
somewhere on the river
We met a fellow named Scott Houston. He is a semi-local which means he lives close enough to drive up everytime it runs. Here we are talking over some of our global domination strategies.
working my way through Triple Drop
Kevin making poster ready action shots while boofing at The Wall
Grant not to be undone at The Wall
All in all, this was a great river. In fact, I did it 3 times that week! You've got to love the holidays! I will be back for more. And for Andrew in AK, and Steve in NYC, I need to take you guys to this one sometime.
