Upper Gauley R., 9/6/08

After a successful run on Friday on the Upper Youghioghney we left Friendsville, MD and drove to Fayettville, WV for the first Sat release on the Upper Gauley River. The release was the standard 2800cfs from Summersville Dam. We all had our creek boats this year although we had run in playboats last year. The water was relatively warm and we had some concern about how the creek boats would do in big water. We were not disappointed. This year we all chose our own lines and it was interseting how each of us ran the river according to our own strenghts. Good paddlers make their own calls when the consequences are high. Terran took the boof line at Sweet's Falls and pinned as noted below. There was much less of a crowd this year and Susan was able to drive down to pick us up at the side of the river. We were sorry Gerry was hurt and couldn't join us. Great paddling today guys! See you on the New Gorge tomorrow! /hugh