Voice of the Rivers 2008

April 20. John Greene. We broke camp around 9 a.m. on a beach about a mile from where the Toxaway River enters Lake Jocassee. Our plan was to paddle the remaining 12 or so miles across the lake and take out at Devil’s Fork State Park.

As the first of many days in which we will be paddling for hours, I could not have asked for a better introduction to sea kayaking. The water was clear and beautiful, a blue green color in the bright sun. While Brian, James, and I were a little bit late in breaking camp this morning, I think that we all have managed to get a good grip on living and working as a team in only three days. Kelsey cooked a delicious sautéed granola breakfast that was surprisingly filling.
Directly afterward we hit the water and began making great time. With the wind at our backs we pushed across Jocassee at close to four miles per hour, putting us within sight of the boat launch by lunchtime. Most of the morning was spent growing accustomed to spending time in our kayaks, and I know that in only a few hours I personally learned a great deal on the water which will go a long way come May.
In retrospect, this weekend shakedown served to enlighten all of us on the many variables we will encounter on the longer trip. Not only the physical variables of living out of a boat, learning to paddle all day, or the potential of backcountry cooking, but we were also able to gauge the group as a functioning organization. Fortunately we have a great group which will make this trip less painful and create an incredible group dynamic that will serve us on the days when weather, constant contact with each other, and other stresses might push us toward conflict.
As the morning became afternoon we found an absolutely beautiful beach on the lee of an island across the main body of the lake from the launch we were headed toward. Normally this beach would be totally submerged, but since the lake is down 30 feet we were able to enjoy this secluded spot surrounded by piles of rock and pine forest. After lunch I managed to talk Brian into going for a swim since the sun was beating down on us and the water was a beautiful aquamarine. However, we quickly found out that water coming out of the mountains all winter was still very cold. Needless to say our swim didn’t last very long. Still, Brian and I couldn’t resist the temptation to add to our group development and “coax” John Wargo into the water with us.
After reaching the boat launch, packing up our gear, and tying down the boats, we had a short drive back to campus. Somehow nearly everyone managed to catch a nap after a weekend well spent.