Wet and wild weekend

Should have known better, but alas, I still answered the call. Good friend of mine, lets call him "Bill", called and inquired as to what I was doing this coming weekend. Upon replying "ummm, I don't know, what are you doing?", he proceeded to virtually paint a wondrous picture of us rafting down a clear cool stream in the shadows of the beauty of hills near Erwin, TN. Long story, short, of course, I could not refust his offer to do that, along with hiking and camping in these beautiful hollers. Suffice to say, I owe Bill a big hug - was most excellent weekend, did wonders for and to my soul, as was able to forget for a brief time all the trials and tribulations of the 'real' world, and just get lost, literally and figuratively, within these ancient mountains.

We met upon the way to the campground, stopping for some petrol and fuel for our own bodies. Our goal was to be at the camp before the 1pm departure of the bus to take the troop to the put-in place upstream. Making that, Bill and I joined 4 others + the guide in a raft, there being three other rafts following our lead. Our guide was by far the best of 'em all, knowing very well the tricks and turns of the Nolichucky River. We traversed over some Class II and IV rapids, being tossed about at times. Two fellas in another raft immediately were dunked as they went overboard during the first rapid, so with us being downstream we paddled upwards to meet them. For more info, check out: http://www.e-raft.com/Regions/SouthEast/Nolichucky.asp

Suffice to say that the white water trip was very satisfying - only wish that could have taken more time, along with having my camera along for some beautiful shots. Only main negative was the piss-poor snacks and water served - cookies were Wal-Mart store brand, only one package to feed ~30 people, and then the water was dispensed directly into your mouth via the community nozzle... yummmm, share them bacteria! ;)

Anyhow, after the ~4.5 hour trip, floated back into camp, took a shower, grabbed a bite to eat, and then sat about the campsite. The campsite was quite good, flowing stream in the front, soft grass under our tent, the stars and clouds our ceiling. Later that evening, a semi-severe storm provided entertainment as we watched the random strokes of electricity discharge around the hills, booming thunder throughout the valley. The local traintracks also provided much auditory enjoyment, as the coal trains delivered their load down the steep valley, and then travel back up with other items.

After waking up the next morning, we buggered out after talking with some locals about ideas. We decided that Bill would follow me [me in my Celica, him in his Jeep SUV] as we made a very large triangle through the hills, up hollers, searching for the twistiest and narrowist and scenic roads available, as we desired to see the real countryside, while in search for waterfalls and related sights.

Will post the roads travled later as well as add some photos, but suffice to say that it was totally awesome! For now, can imagine a triangle, with Erwin, TN at the apex, going south then along the Cane River to Hwy 19, and then through Burnsville, NC and Bandanda, NC to Roan Mtn area, and then over to Tiger Valley, where Bill and I parted ways, him treking north, me back home via Erwin and Knoxville. Over this course, we scampered about wild and wooly hillsides to glimpse and wade amongst streams that danced upon rocks, falling waters here and there. Drove slightly more than just a tad way too fast, upon twisty roads neither had ever been upon, during intermittent rainshowers. Hiked upon Mt. Roan and its neighboring sister. Saw remains of previous storm's dumping of hail upon the ground in the bushes.

Was goooooooooooooooooooooooooooood.

Thanks Mister Bill!