Raft the Big South Fork of the Cumberland

For as long as I can remember, my father has always talked about wanting to take a raft down the Big South Fork of the Cumberland. Being a native of the Big South Fork area I suppose had sparked that interest. I grew up in Robbins which is only a few miles from the put-in and take-out. I didn't realize what was in my backyard until I moved away to Knoxville and got into whitewater kayaking. Wanting to help my father achieve his dream meant finding the perfect time to accomplish the task. Over the years, it had been difficult as it was either too cold or the water was too low. Today, Sunday, April 26, 2009 was the perfect day. Water levels were around 1200cfs and the air temperature was well over 80 degrees with not a cloud in the sky. What a perfect day to go rafting down the Big South Fork of the Cumberland. I borrowed a raft from a friend along with with paddles, pfd's, and helmets and headed out for our adventure. The participants included my father Carlie Hughett Jr, my two newphews Cody and Josh Hughett, my brother-in-law Nicholas Botts and his girlfriend Joanna. Steve Krajewski came along also with his kayak to be our safety boater. We would put-in at the Confluence of New River and Clear Fork and our take-out would be the O&W bridge. We would paddle about 4 1/2 miles.



The first big rapid was Double Drop which we decided to run backwards...well...we made that decision when we clipped a rock on the right and we spun off the drop backwards. We had a good recovery and we ran the rest of the rapid fine. Next up was Washing Machine which sent the bow high into the air. Then finally, the Ell would finish the big three with a great line. Other rapids were to follow like Punch in the Nose, Honey Creek Rapid, Ass Kicker, and others. We had a great day on the river. I am extremely excited that I was able to help my father fullfill his dream of running the Big South Fork of the Cumberland in a raft. It will definately be a time I'll never forget.

Till next time, pray for rain!

Easter in the House of Tallulah 4-12-2009

What a great place to spend a beautiful Easter Sunday on the river...Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, Georgia. Anton Stevens, Tom Rannells, John Eskew, and myself met up for an Easter run on one of the South's crown jewels. This would be Tom's first run of the gorge.

Tallulah Gorge, Photo by Anton Stevens

Put-In, Photo by Anton Stevens

Oceana Falls, Photo by Anton Stevens

Over the years, Tallulah has dished out it's share of beatings and this day would not be any different. Tom's "Last Step" would prove to be more than a baby step and the Gautlet didn't let up for him either. Overall though, we all had good lines and sunny warm skies on this Easter Day.

Our Stunt Boater...Tom...on the last rock at the lip of Bridal Veil Falls. I know this rock well as it was a last resort for me last year, Photo by Anton Stevens

Till next time, pray for rain.