Looking down stream at the put-in. Photo by Steve KrajewskiIt had been 2005 since the last time I had been on Wilson Creek. Saturday October 25, 2008 was the day I returned. Rain pretty much missed Tennessee but reports of 1.5 inches around the Boone, NC area and south sounded promising. Upon reaching Wilson Creek just after noon, we found the bridge gauge to read +2". Alex Zendal, Tom Rannells, Steve Krajewski, Steve Sanborn, and myself drove upstream to put-on. This would be Steve Sanborn's first creek run. The day was bright, sunny, and warm. The fall colors were coming alive and the water level was just about perfect.
Wilson Creek Put-In. Photo by Steve KrajewskiWe paddled downstream and got out to scout 10 foot falls. After almost stepping on a Garter Snake, we ran the falls.
Tom Rennalls running 10 foot falls Photo by Steve Krajewski
Brandon Hughett running 10 foot falls. Photo by Steve Sanborn
Brandon Hughett running Triple Drop. Photo by Steve Sanborn
Razorback Rapid. Photo by Steve SanbornRazorback rapid has thrown out its share of beatings over the years. It had gotten me before and well...it got me again. This drop is a twisting slide that finishes in about a foot of water. 3 years ago, I flipped at the bottom of this rapid and tore my right labrum. Though I didn't dislocate my shoulder that day, it began to give me trouble until finally dislocating on Tallulah River November 2005. On Saturday, it was my return to Wilson Creek. After going off this drop, I flipped at the bottom. Knowing the beating I was about to receive, I tucked hard and began to take rocks to my back, hands, shoulders, and head. After losing my grip on the paddle and missing a roll, I swam. I came out of the water with a badly cut and scraped right hand and pain that really hurt. While I was emptying my boat, I saw another boater do the same thing I did.
Overall, it was a great day to be back on Wilson Creek. It was good to be back on natural flow whitewater again. Till next time, pray for rain!
