The HRL Paddlers ventured out on their first field trip this past Saturday to test their skills on a stretch of rapids in the heart of the Dan River. We paddled down a 5 mile section of the Dan River which is known to have continuous rapids and breathtaking scenery. We came to discover that not only was this true, but it was understated.
We entered the water at the Jessup Mill access on Collinstown Road in Francisco NC. This is a “Right-of-Way” access at the bridge that is not necessarily maintained or regulated but is however a hospitable site that seems to be welcomed by the community and is well known among the local paddlers. We exited the water at the Stokes County public “Hart’ Access” which is located next to the Hwy 704 bridge .Our group was introduced to this location by HRLP members Terry and Bobby, who led the excursion.
This adventure was prompted by our recent experiences on the Yadkin River that included some Cass1 & 2 rapids, and the recent rains which were hoped to create ideal conditions. Although optimum timing was narrowly missed, this trip would prove to be one of the most exhilarating days of paddling that many of us had ever seen.
The following is a brief account of the day submitted by Terry:
HRL Paddlers: A Day on the Dan
The rampant excitement of paddling some real whitewater seemed to escalate among the group from the moment of its announcement, that I even found myself consumed with a child-like anticipation as the 12 of us launched from the bank in the shadow of the bridge. The morning sun seemed to welcome us as it pierced the canopy of trees and cast a glistening symphony of light that danced on the water. I felt honored to be leading my HRLP friends on a trip that I had run numerous times over the years with my Dad (Bobby) and other paddling buddies. I had been nervously watching the USGS live data site closely to see what the nearby monitoring station was reading (flow/height), because I have been on this run during low-water conditions and will admit that passing a flaming porcupine would be easier. We actually missed the perfect window of opportunity by about 36 hours because the predicted rain showers for the area never came to pass on Friday. The ‘ole Dan emptied quick and we were attempting this at the bare minimum at which I would ever care to try it at.
About 100 yards into the run I began to think that I was bound for a sure lynching, as we hit some shallows in a cobblestone field, and began to bottom out in our boats. We pushed and scooted through several of these areas at the start but found that the Dan would reward us for our perseverance as things improved. We went through several Class 1 rapids at a nice pace as the first-timers spoke of the beauty that they were amidst. Then we heard that infamous sound of rushing water as it collides against rocks, we were listening to the call of the first Class2 rapid. This would turn out to be the beginning of numerous back to back hits of Class 1 & 2 tracks.
After a while, the heat, humidity and physical demands of the river would require us to take a moment of respite. We gathered on the stone beach to hydrate and found that most of us couldn’t resist the temptation of the cool water to escape the heat. I’m talking about the kind of cool that requires all males to acclimate their extremities to very slowly. In fact, Joe mentioned the “Shrinkage” episode on the Seinfeld show. We discussed our progress, gazed down-river at the upcoming stretch, and then continued on with smiles and escalating adrenaline levels.
We proceeded to encounter endless stretches of Class 1 & 2 rapids, with a couple of Class 3’s as a bonus, which would continue to test our paddling skills. We found ourselves plotting a course of action through the obstacle laden rapids only to have the river disagree with our intentions. None the less, my flat-water comrades done me proud, considering that this was the first time on whitewater for the majority of them. The skills and techniques we discussed and practiced in the past weeks proved to be priceless and I truly believe this was a huge factor in the type of experience that they would take from this excursion.
Shelia was battling illness and was unfortunately a bit under-the-weather, but never gave up despite being capsized, rock-wedged, spilled-out, tripped-up, toe-stumped, broad-sided and even charged by a Jurassic sized spider that lunged his way across the water right at her. Fortunately we had Tim along with us on this trip, which is with the Davidson County Rescue Squad, and he graciously administered First-Aid as we literally stood waist deep mid river in a rapid. This was due to a flesh wound Shelia received when Tim’s boat bull-dozed into her seconds after she collided with a boulder and her kayak became horizontally wedged in it. It took me and Tim both to pry the boat free from the grip of the boulder. We commented on how neither of us had ever witnessed such a predicament like that. Through all of this Shelia never once complained, lost her smile or let her determination be waivered. She gets my vote for the “Paddlers Purple Heart” metal. I am even man enough to confess that after Tim and I dislodged Sheila’s boat we both screamed like two panic stricken teenaged girls and abandoned the craft when we discovered that there was monstrously huge spider that had taken over the cockpit of her kayak and was floating just inches from us. This was the second encounter with one of these things and I ended up getting into mortal combat with this creature so that we could return to the rescue mission. You can read up on that in a later publication titled “Spider Meets Paddle”.
It was great to have Fred, Bess and Joe join us on this outing. I was very impressed with Bess’s performance as a point paddler in her Dad’s Old Town canoe. After witnessing this young lady follow her captains commands and precisely execute precision maneuvers, I think she may be a child prodigy and possibly an upcoming gold medalist as a future Olympic paddler. It brought back some great memories from my youth of when my Dad had me positioned up front of a canoe at the same age.
Big Joe muscled his barge through the narrow and limited passages as if he raced Greyhound busses for a living; it was a sight to behold. Jordon escaped with only one “full-filling” incident and handled his kayak like a seasoned paddler. Harry glided along at his usual laid back pace and just enjoyed himself while learning more about swift water paddling than he could have imagined. Even my lovely wife, Dana, proudly displayed her greatly improved skills as she picked her way through some fairly tough rapids.
I think that Fran may have attempted to overdose on water this week. Her enthusiasm for paddling is unsurpassed and she simply could not have grinned any bigger if she wanted to. She was totally absorbed in the moment and took on every challenge that the river could muster against her as if it was personal. I think she was testing herself, but I would give her an A+.
There is much more that I want to share with my readers but I think I’d rather leave you a bit curious in hopes that you might come paddle with us and have your own story to tell. However I will use this opportunity to say that it is a rare privilege to paddle with the class of folks that make up HRL Paddlers. I have met some really special people and consider it a blessing to call them my friends. The mix of personalities and positive attitudes always makes way for a fun day on the water. We are able to fellowship, laugh and enjoy the bounty of God’s beauty as we paddle each week.
I want to personally thank everyone who helped and participated in the excursion this week, it wouldn’t have been possible without you contributing something of yourself for the cause. It takes a tremendous amount of time and work to safely execute a trip like this and your efforts are commendable and greatly appreciated.
Terry
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