Our intrepid band of 6 (James, Tom, Donna, Chanel, Matt and I) met at the “new” post-Helene gravel takeout. No longer muddy / swampy after a rain. Since fewer private boaters paddle the Pigeon post-Helen it also doesn’t get crowded. …
The purpose of the trip was to prepare paddlers to lead a trip on the “new” Pigeon gorge for WOR and afterward. We chose the “secret” put-in upstream of the crowded bridge put in. Not a lot of parking up …
We braved the crowds on the Dirty Bird and survived! Our crew of 11 was joined by two from the takeout looking for a group. We had a handful of PFDs, no mishaps, and we’re pretty sure everyone had a …
Paddlers – Joe, Sam, Jay, and Lee The base plan was to paddle the Pigeon Gorge on Saturday and French Broad section 9 (FB9) on Sunday. We were hoping for enough rain to bring the Nolichucky, Big Laurel, or the …
Left to Right – Curtis (back), Frank (waving), Anna, Melissa (back), Kim, Russ (back), Kurt, Steve (back, partially hidden), Eliot, John. …
We had 8 paddlers today on the dirty bird. Always a fun run. Got to see a raft pinned hard on tombstone rock on the second ledge at double reactionary. Paddlers: Donna Murphy, Greg Murphy, Nathan Anderson, Doug Willenborg, Tucker …
Asheville Area – Dealer's choice weekend Oct 27 & 28
Rain had brought changing water levels and several choices. On Saturday, the group divided between the “regular” Pigeon Gorge (2 turbine release) and the Hepco section of the Pigeon (at 1,000 cfs). I was the trip coordinator for the Hepco trip.
Pigeon Gorge – May 31st
I had posted the trip as a “participant's choice” between French Broad 9, Pigeon Gorge, Nolichucky, and Big Laurel (if it came up). Not enough rain so Big Laurel was out, I was a little surprised when the Pigeon came in first.
The Pigeon doesn't have scheduled releases on Sundays, but the lake level was high and there was substantial inflow so we knew that Duke would generate at some time during the afternoon. There are several creeks that enter the 'Dries" between the dam and the powerhouse. Among them Hurricane Cr, Cold Springs Cr, and Big Cr, which can be seen from the put-in. On this morning the natural flow from these creeks was 700 cfs (minimum to run the Pigeon is around 300 cfs)
