One thing is for sure, there is a lot of hype about the Gragg Prong. And especially Dragstrip. You might have heard that is was a really easy rapid or you might have heard that is has broken legs. I have no comment. All I can say is that on the right day, with the right crew, and the right flow its a really special place. It may attract some Joey’s, but probably not when its running good. Eric “The Chancellor” Chance enjoyed his first time down the creek on a misty January morning.
Photo: Bryan Griesemer
This one goes out to my Homie Haaga. He used to cut trees with his chainsaw in Laurel Creek. That summer we played in the sandy pools of Trashcan Falls with Marietta. I wondered about kayaking then, but I was still quite Green. Wet behind the ears without being that wet at all. I finally got to run Trashcan in my kayak this winter and It was better than I could have imagined.
Photo: Clay Lucas
I always wondered how a kayak could fit through that slot. I found that it fit quite well, I didn’t feel a thing. I guess that’s why everyone likes kayaking so much. You think one thing but you never know untill you give it a go and let the river show you wassup.
The Laurel Fork of the Doe is also a special place. I had no clue what to expect. When I got gorged, I couldnt believe it. There are some serious vertical walls in there. This is a pic of Eli Smith just before the river constricts to about 6ft wide at Darwin’s Hole. It is appropriate that there are trees in the pic because there were trees all in that river! I even got poked in the eye! Nothing will ruin a good run like a poke in the eye just five minutes from the takeout.
We Paddled the Watauga on a cold day. Chance knows the best way to keep your face dry is by keeping your bow up! Seriously, this might be my favorite line on the Watauga. I’ll let you find it on your own. The Tauga has been running and I couldn’t be more happy to have that river In my backyard.
Mike Patterson runs the “Not Recommended” slot. Seriously, hes fired up about this line but I just wouldn’t go there. Its been a good winter. I can’t wait to see what will happen in March!
