Ramblin' On...

3/25/11 After work shuttle ride with Brad and Travis

Brad and Travis were camping at the Tee Pee in Mortimer. We rode Upper Wilson Ridge and Schoolhouse Ridge. The trail conditons were good to go.

Amos' Epics

3/23/11 After work hike on Rock Jock with Paris and Scott, our colleague from Michegan

Amos' Epics

Monday after work, back up to the Watagua - Great to have the water and the daylight thanks to Mother Nature and daylight savings time

As planned I met up with Johnny Calhoun for his second run. He had already done one with Mike Huggins and Dave who lives next door to the takeout. We all four loaded up on JayCee's car and headed to the put in. The level felt like 300 cfs and most of the boofs were good to go. Unfortunately I did not take the camera. We took our time and enjoyed the run catching eddys, going for attainments and boofing away the evening. By the time we hiked up to the parking lot it was officially dusk. We got the most out of the daylight. Hopefully I can get back up there later in the week for more.
Amos' Epics

Happy Birthday Lou - Sunday on the Watagua

It was Lou's birthday and he drove down from Richmond for some Watagua. The level felt like 375 - 390ish. It was a blast. Johnny Calhoun came from Ashevegas with Eric and Russell. I think a good time was had by all. The weather was off the hook.

Russel at the slot

Eric at the slot

It's yer Birthday

Amos' Epics

Two Runs on Wilson Ck Monday @ 6", 2 on Tues @ 0, and one on Sat at 1".

The wave is now a hole at both 6" and 1". Lets hope the wave comes back.

Amos' Epics

Finally some substantial rain. Got to get on Upper, Upper Wilson Creek. BRad and I scouted out some of Little Wilson Creek.

Gaston, Layla, Mike Huggins, BRad and I met at the Wilson Creek bridge a little after 9AM. Wilson Creek was 3.5 feet. The drive up 181 went fast and the Parkway was open enough to get us to Roseboro Rd. Gragg Prong was big, we headed to the Wild and Scenic section of Wilson Creek. I had run it once before at a low level and it was much lower than today. We had a good water level and the run was a blast. I didn't bring the camera but hopefully I'll get a few pics from Layla and BRad. We took Brads truck to the put in and after I dropped him at his truck we headed on up the mountain and scouted some big drops on Little Wilson Creek. Some of the big ones got dropped today, my hats off to them it was some very impressive steep and tight drops.
Amos' Epics

Tuesday, 2/22 I managed to get back on Little Fork and part of Upper God's Country

Stopped at the end of Ripshin / start of Hedleys for a view of Grandfather Mtn.

The double track entrance with Table Rock in the background.

I had not been on Little Fork in a few years but had gotten information around Christmas from 2 reliable sources that it was in good shape. I spent about 25 minutes of the ride way picking up limbs but I am glad to say it is good to go for awhile. Still a lot of leaves in some of the steep sections but otherwise the trail was in good shape.

A Little Fork switch back
A few easy to manage creek crossings.

The section of Upper God's country I rode was also in good shape, just needed some branches picked up. Since the sun was getting low, I just rode down to the creek and turned around and climbed back out. Some guys at the dirt mounds said it was hit hard by an ice storm last year. I'll check out the rest of is soon

Amos' Epics

Back out to one of the most special places I know: South Harper Creek Falls. The Wilson Creek Autobahn (Raidercamp) got me there in no time.

Parked at the concrete bridge over Wilson Creek and started with the Craig Creek climb.

I climbed up to Raider Camp and headed for the upper falls.

Of course I had to pass Grandfather Mtn on the way.

Amos' Epics

I had to miss out of the Cheoah due to unforseen circumstances but I still managed a Big O and Spike

I got a late start and didn't get on the bike until 3:20. I started riding at the Wilson Creek day use area trail head for the Lower Wilson Ridge Trail. It is a few miles from there to Craig Creek Rd but makes for a good warm up and exceptional scenery both out and back.