Winter News

The membership fund raising is going very well.  Soon I will have us listed with American Whitewater as an affiliate club.

Also last night Justin and I discussed the January meeting a little further, so be ready for that come this winter.  We'll make this an annual event and from now on this is when we can renew memberships.  We may start raise club funds so we can expand club operations.

The first goal in that field will be to hold winter roll sessions in Bardstown.  Justin is going look into Nazareth and try to get the pool there once a month.  It'll be around $5 to help cover the cost of renting the pool and to raise money for the club.

So get ready for these up coming events!

January 2006 - Winter Meeting
*Paddle Pick-Up Report
*Membership
*Club Trips
*2006 Expedition Trip
*Roll Sessions
*Gear Swap

December 2005 - March 2006
Rolls Sessions at Nazareth Pool
$5 per person

Lost Dog

Our dear friend Beastie has been lost in Frankfort, KY. She has been missing since Friday October 21st. Hopefully she will return soon. She is the best damn river dog that ever was and we need her back.

Russell Fork with the Vikings

Russell Fork River

Release level ~800cfs

Jay and I went to the Russell Fork with the Viking Canoe Club and had a great weekend.  On day 1 we ran the Pound and Upper Russell Fork at the standard release level.  There were about 25 Vikings in the group.  A very strong showing.  It was fun to run a rapid then turn around and get to see about 20 more runs of what you just did.  We camped at the Breaks Interstate Park ($9 per night), we were off by ourselves there in section B.  The camping down at Ratliff Hole ($10 per night) looks cool too.  This is where the gorge runners camp.

The upper has some really good technical rapids. I always forget the order and how far until 20 Stitches each time I go. But after the Railroad rapid there is one more rapid and then you are at 20 Stitches. It's right after a big turn in the river. Afterwards there are 3 or 4 more good class II-II+ rapids.

After our run down the upper we hiked into the gorge and checked out El Horrendo and Triple Drop.  We hiked in from the Garden Hole side. I think hiking in from Garden Hole or the road close to the gorge take out are about the same in time walking the tracks.  The more I look at the gorge section the more I start to think I can run it. But I ain't going to. Yet.

On day 2 we rant the Lower Russell Fork, putting on above Rat Hole which is a pretty good surfing spot.  The damn released water didn't reach the lower section until 12:45 so we had to wait for that.  It was cool to watch the water rise so fast and I was able to get 6 kayaks onto my truck. A new record.

Meat Grinder on the lower section was the scariest rapid.  It turned out to be pretty easy, but it was exciting to run.  I guess it shouldn't be rated higher than 20 Stitches, but it looks like it should. I have video of my run through on it here.

Awesome trip.  I hope to do the Russell Fork every year in October.  Great weather and a great river that's only 4 hours (from Louisville) away!

Rockcastle Trip

Canoeing, Kayaking, Camping

Canceled due to lack of water, but we hope to reschedule this for November.

This is a trip for anybody of any level.  It will be in honor of Jay's 31st birthday.  The Rockcastle is an amazing and beautiful place.  If you haven't been you should really check out this Kentucky jewel.

It's a 16 mile run that we will cover in 2 days.  Day 1 consisting of calm class I water, great scenery and a cool night camping.  Day 2 will have the whitewater and the excitement.  Class II and III drops through an awesome gorge. The Rockcastle is hella fun through here!



You can choose to run only day one stuff and/or you can give the narrows a try.  We'll be taking canoes and kayaks.  Maybe we'll even give the raft a try if we can squeeze it through.  They don't call it the narrows for nothing. If you have been watching this website, seeing us do these paddling trips and wishing you had joined in, this is the time join us. The Rockcastle is my favorite place and it is close to home. Only 2 1/2 hours away.

Go to the forum and let us know that you want to go to the Rockcastle in honor of Jay's 35th birthday.