Typically, by this time of year, the mountains of North Carolina have enough snow so that snowboarders and skiers can ride little hills and terrain parks. Not this year. While I am holding out hope that this winter is going to be a cold snowy one, it certainly is lacking thus far.
As a result of the mild weather, I had only been able to ride my local mountain once before a warm spell put a temporary end to that.
A lot of the time, sitting at the bar BSing about what you want to do or where you wish you could go is just that BSing. Fortunately, this time it amounted to running home, throwing my stuff together, and jumping on a plane the next morning headed to Denver Airport. We were settled in at a family member's condo that night. Travis and I have been friends since we were babies, so its really cool that he got into snowboarding.
The next morning we were on the mountain checking out what was open. The altitude and the fact that running in my neighborhood helps very little for being in shape for snowboarding, made fora bit of a challenge in the stamina department. But, it wasn't anything a couple of REd Bulls couldn't handle.
There was not much of a base while we were there, but the snow was great. Especially being from the east coast.
On a side note, it's worth mentioning that due to the recent changes in Colorado law, the air had a generally different smell than it had in my previous trips there.
Travis and I got in 4 solid days of riding in and its safe to say that I'm officially ready for our local season which is just getting back into operation. Can't wait to get out there. I have a list of tricks I want to put down this year as well as applying the ones I have to different features.
I am interested to know how many Get Your Gear On folks are snowboarders or skiers. Let me know. It's not easy for a South Carolinian to snowboard very much, but it can be done.
Quick tips on riding in elevation:
-water, water, water.
-if you drink, remember that the effects are greater at elevation. (I seem to forget this one at least once every time I go out there.)
-if you don't want a tan nose and cheeks, wear sunscreen, otherwise just rock it!
-Oh, and a general tip I picked up in Vermont, if someone tells you your nose is white, don't respond with "yeah, it's always been white." You say "thanks for letting me know.", because you have frostbite. (thanks Bernie!)
Get Your Gear On is proud of all of our soldiers. They are a constant reminder of sacrifice for our country and the protection of humanity. Many a Veteran kayaks, and Team River Runner does so much for our local heros as well as those around the country. President Obama mentions this in the last portion of this speech. I have witnessed this type of healing take place. It surely is a constant process. However, to see it happen is truly Heart-Moving.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much. Please, everybody, be seated. Good
morning, everyone.
Thank you, Secretary Shinseki, for a lifetime of service to our nation, and
for being such a tireless advocate on behalf of America’s veterans, including
your fellow Vietnam veterans.
To Rick Delaney; to Vice President Biden; to Admiral Winnefeld; Major General
Linnington; our outstanding veteran service organizations; our men and women in
uniform –- Active, Guard and Reserve -- and most of all, to the proud veterans
and family members joining us in this sacred place, it is truly a privilege and
an honor to be with all of you here today.
Each year, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we pause –- as a
nation, and as a people –- to pay tribute to you. To thank you. To honor you,
the heroes, over the generations, who have served this country of ours with
distinction.
And moments ago, I laid a wreath to remember every service member who has
ever worn our nation’s uniform. And this day, first and foremost, belongs to
them and their loved ones: to the father and mother, the husband and wife, the
brother and sister, the comrade and the friend who, when we leave here today,
will continue to walk these quiet hills and kneel before the final resting place
of those they cherished most.
On behalf of the American people, I say to you that the memory of your loved
one carries on not just in your hearts, but in ours as well. And I assure you
that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
For it is in that sacrifice that we see the enduring spirit of America.
Since even before our founding, we have been blessed with an unbroken chain of
patriots who have always come forward to serve. Whenever America has come under
attack, you’ve risen to her defense. Whenever our freedoms have come under
assault, you’ve responded with resolve. Time and again, at home and abroad, you
and your families have sacrificed to protect that powerful promise that all of
us hold so dear –- life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Today, a proud nation expresses our gratitude. But we do so mindful that no
ceremony or parade, no hug or handshake is enough to truly honor that service.
For that, we must do more. For that, we must commit –- this day and every day
-– to serving you as well as you’ve served us.
When I spoke here three years ago, I spoke about today’s generation of
service members. This 9/11 Generation who stepped forward after the towers
fell, and in the years since, have stepped into history, writing one of the
greatest chapters of military service our country has ever known.
You toppled a dictator and battled an insurgency in Iraq. You pushed back
the Taliban and decimated al Qaeda in Afghanistan. You delivered justice to
Osama bin Laden. Tour after tour, year after year, you and your families have
done all that this country has asked –- you’ve done that and more.
Three years ago, I promised your generation that when your tour comes to an
end, when you see our flag, when you touch our soil, you’ll be welcomed home to
an America that will forever fight for you, just as hard as you’ve fought for
us. And so long as I have the honor of serving as your Commander-in-Chief, that
is the promise that we will never stop working to keep.
This is the
first Veterans Day in a decade in which there are no American troops fighting
and dying in Iraq. (Applause.) Thirty-three thousand of our troops have now
returned from Afghanistan, and the transition there is underway. After a decade
of war, our heroes are coming home. And over the next few years, more than a
million service members will transition back to civilian life. They’ll take off
their uniforms and take on a new and lasting role. They will be veterans.
As they come home, it falls to us, their fellow citizens, to be there
for them and their families -- not just now but always; not just for the first
few years, but for as long as they walk this Earth.
To this day, we still care for a child of a Civil War veteran. To this day,
we still care for over a hundred spouses and children of the men who fought in
the Spanish-American War. Just last year, I came here to pay tribute as Frank
Buckles, the last remaining American veteran of World War I, was laid to rest.
Frank stepped up and served in World War I for two years. But the United States
of America kept its commitment to serve him for many decades that followed.
So long after the battles end, long after our heroes come home, we stay by
their side. That’s who we are. And that’s who we’ll be for today’s returning
service members and their families. Because no one who fights for this country
overseas should ever have to fight for a job, or a roof over their head, or the
care that they have earned when they come home. (Applause.)
We know the most urgent task many of you face is finding a new way to serve.
That’s why we’ve made it a priority to help you find jobs worthy of your
incredible skills and talents. That’s why, thanks to the hard work of Michelle
and Jill Biden, some of our most patriotic businesses have hired or trained
125,000 veterans and military spouses. It’s why we’re transforming, for the
first time in decades, how the military transitions service members from the
battlefield to the workplace. And because you deserve to share in the
opportunities you defend, we are making sure that the Post-9/11 GI Bill stays
strong so you can earn a college education and pursue your dreams.
(Applause.)
If you find yourself struggling with the wounds of war –- such as
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injuries -– we’ll be there as
well, with the care and treatment you need. No veteran should have to wait
months or years for the benefits that you’ve earned, so we will continue to
attack the claims backlog. We won’t let up. We will not let up. (Applause.)
And as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, we have secured new
disability benefits for Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange. You
needed it, you fought for it, and we got it done. (Applause.)
That’s what we do in America. We take care of our own. We take care of our
veterans. We take care of your families. Not just by saluting you on one day,
once a year, but by fighting for you and your families every day of every year.
That’s our obligation –- a sacred obligation –- to all of you.
And it’s an obligation that we gladly accept for Americans like Petty Officer
Taylor Morris. Six months ago, Taylor was serving our nation in Afghanistan.
And as a member of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, his job was one of the
most dangerous there is: to lead the way through territory littered with hidden
explosives; to clear the way for his brothers-in-arms.
On May 3rd, while out on patrol, Taylor stepped on an IED. The blast threw
him into the air. And when he hit the ground, Taylor realized that both his
legs were gone. And his left arm. And his right hand.
But as Taylor lay there, fully conscious, bleeding to death, he cautioned the
medics to wait before rushing his way. He feared another IED was nearby.
Taylor’s concern wasn’t for his own life; it was for theirs.
Eventually, they cleared the area. They tended to Taylor’s wounds. They
carried him off the battlefield. And days later, Taylor was carried into Walter
Reed, where he became only the fifth American treated there to survive the
amputation of all four limbs.
Now, Taylor’s recovery has been long. And it has been arduous. And it’s
captivated the nation. A few months after the attack, with the help of
prosthetics, the love and support of his family, and above all his girlfriend
Danielle, who never left his side, Taylor wasn’t just walking again. In a video
that went viral, the world watched he and Danielle dance again.
I’ve often said the most humbling part of my job is serving as
Commander-in-Chief. And one of the reasons is that, every day, I get to meet
heroes. I met Taylor at Walter Reed. And then in July, at the White House, I
presented him with the Purple Heart. And right now, hanging on a wall in the
West Wing is a photo of that day, a photo of Taylor Morris smiling wide and
standing tall.
I should point out that Taylor couldn’t make it here today because he and
Danielle are out kayaking. (Laughter and applause.) In Taylor we see the best
of America -- a spirit that says, when we get knocked down, we rise again. When
times are tough, we come together. When one of us falters, we lift them up. In
this country we take care of our own –- especially our veterans who have served
so bravely and sacrificed so selflessly in our name. And we carry on, knowing
that our best days always lie ahead.
On this day, we thank all of our veterans from all of our wars – not just for
your service to this country, but for reminding us why America is and always
will be the greatest nation on Earth.
God bless you. God bless our veterans. God bless our men and women in
uniform. And God bless these United States of America. Thank you very
much.
Ok. We got the first two entries on our Photo Contest. First one doesn't count, but is included just to show we're good sports.
Julie and I (Mike AKA-Retro) went to TLC for The Isabelle's Gift Halloween Bash. It was Awesome! Julie was a Sugar Skull and I was "Mitsy" the Bearded Lady.
Here's one from Anne. Thanks Anne, for sharing your costume, a Russian Zombie Girl.
Here's Scoob as a Magical Pirate Gypsy.
Share your Halloween Costumes with us and we'll throw them up on here. Details of voting and prizes to come.
My wife and I were able to run in the Color Me Rad 5k this morning. I had reservations about breathing in the colored cornstarch, which were extinguished by the excitement and energy surrounding the event. The fun and sillyness was contageous. At the start of the run, everyone was dressed in white.
The run was staggered into waves, of which we were in the first. It took a bit for the crowd to spread out. It wasn't long before you entered the first color bomb station. I held my breath for this one,but decided that was probably more dificult than breathing it in. The next station was to spray runners with streams of water. Therefore, the color begins to stick. Before the end of the run, we went through several more stations, which were filled with volunteers, contributing to the mood of the event.
Upon finishing, I grabbed a water and stood allong the homestretch to wait for my wife and anyone I might know. I was surprized to see several runners I knew, including one of our local Saluda Paddlers. Everyone from the first wave, proceded to a spot with dance music for a big color bomb.
The final color bomb was so thick you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. It took a while for all the colored cornstarch to settle down. This was the aftermath.
Then, it was off to Drip for breakfast, then up to GYGO for another beautiful day of taking people out on the river. If you get the chance to do one of these, I recommend it, more for the fun, than the run. I would love to get a team from GYGO to participate in some of our local runs and challenges. Let us know by commenting if you would be interested in teaming up.
Get Your Gear On is announcing another photo contest. Send us pics or video of yourself or anyone else dressed up in some sort of OUTDOOR THEMED HALLOWEEN COSTUME!!! Crazy, Funny, Bloody, Scarry, Zombie, Vampire, Werewolf, Alien... Be a BOAT for Halloween!!! why not? or a Rock Star (climber)!!! or a Go Light distance Backpacker!!! A Bloody Raft Guide!!! Most creative concept and best production will be the winners... Winner will be announced in the first week of Nov.
Bring It On! Go ahead and start sending stuff in; lot's of partyin' happening over the next couple of weekends. Get Your Costume On....OUTDOOR THEMED HALLOWEEN COSTUME
Last weekend was Get Your Gear On's first presence at Gauley Fest, and Scoob's (Hartley's) return to Gauley Fest after a three year hiatus due and incident with a bear (non-Gauley related...we'll tell that story some other time!). Anyhow, this year was, as always, a blast... although, the greater paddling community certainly was feeling the affective whispers and shadows of the recent loss of Jeff West. However, everyone brought their A Game and effectively celebrated life, with the awareness that he would want everyone to be safe and "Growl On!". (Look for a post in the near future about safety and pleasure of the paddling lifestyle)...
Now, here's the low down for three days of West Virginia whitewater.
A few Saludaboyz started a week earlier. John D. and Scoob drove up to the Summersville Dam late Wednesday night to car camp underneath the most star filled sky that I (Scoob) had seen in quite a while. I awoke with slight butterflies in my stomach because I had not paddled anything other than our home river, the Lower Saulda in Columbia, SC (with the exception of one trip to the Nanty) over the last three years.
DAY 1
The New River was the decision for the first day. My nerves calmed and as I slid into the water, last of the group as usual... everything came into harmony and it all felt like putting on an old baseball glove and playing with the confidence of an old hand never forgetting how it all works. I was sure it was going to be as bright an experience as the day was beautiful. John and I joined friends from Ashville (Phil and Johanna) with the intention of meeting up with the Saludaboyz, squirting at the Halls later that afternoon.
Here's Phil and Johanna on the Lower Keeneys. I'm realizing that an iphone might not be the best way for me to shoot distant images.
Here's John paddling an Ol' Wavesport Transformer. If you can see him in the middle, it'll provide a sense of scale.
The New River is ancient. Although I am not a geologist, I've had the pleasure of paddling it with someone who is, and at every point of interest he would explain exactly what it was that I was seeing. I remember being truly fascinated then and remained just as engaged on this return trip. Here's a link:
(I think You will need to cut and paste into a new window to make the link "Live") http://www.wvexp.com/index.php/New_River#Maps
Next, we met the Saludaboyz at the Halls of Karma... They were with a bunch from Chattanooga...
Here are a few good rides and some images from that spot...
That's Andy (BDK) and Big Josh letting some blood get back into their legs...It was just a big 'ol down time love fest for those boyz and girlz that day!
I didn't know these folkz. However, it's always heart warming to see a sunny day in West Virginia. Good Timez!
After a little break at the Halls, we mozzied on down and I continued to have the best day on the water that I had experienced in three years. Here's John lookin' happy to be under the longest arch in the Western Hemisphere!
Here's The Grin!
'Cause I know the previous pic is going to be posted on this Blog!
We continued on down to Fayette Station, effectively completing a truly glorious day re-entering the wonderful world of class 3 / 4 boating. We also had the pleasure of stumbling across the Stand Up in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia Sup Race. That was a hoot!
Here are a couple of Links:
(I think You will need to cut and paste into a new window to make the link "Live")
Here's some of my own video of the event, plus our crew paddling through afterward.
Sorry, about the sideways orientation, still learning my iphone features.
However, if you make it full screen and turn your head; you'll get the idea!
Like I said before, the day could not have been better. We got back to the parking lot and left with great anticipation for more. Good By to the Bridge! Thank You! To everyone and everything that promoted such a fabulous day on the water! Why had I waited so long to get back in my boat? Silly Scoob!
That night it was back to the Bear! The Gauley Fest home of the Cola Crew, Saludaboyz, Saludayakerz, Team V, Pirates, Ninjas, and all sorts for the last ... Well, long before I ever started going to Gauley Fest...Here's to the Bear! and a Good Night's Sleep!?
Stay tuned for day 2...probably will be ready at the end of Monday! I'm posting this now to test it at home. I appreciate your patience!
Day 2
Waking up to a sunny morning in West "By God" Va. is a great place to be! Cars and people were coming in all night long and the "village" grew exponentially. After some conversation with the nice folkz from the Redneck Kayak Club http://www.myspace.com/redneckkayakclub, and several hits from their coffee pot, it was time to load up for the Lower Gauley.
Today' crew was Big Josh, Andy (BDK), Jill, Bailey, Lauren, Robbie, John D., and myself (If I've forgotten anyone... A. sorry! B. post on the blog and give me some "stuff" or "malarkey" or $#!* about it...)
Again, It's been a while since I've been on consequential water. My theory was to run the lower, see how I felt at the end of the day, and then decide on an aqua-vehicle for the Upper. We put in about half way down the Middle, which was nice... The walk down was way shorter, facilities available, etc. As usual, I was the last in the water and part of our group had already taken off and Josh, John, and I didn't find them until the official put-in for the lower G.
It was a surprisingly uncrowded day on the water. Plus, just like the day before, I remembered all the old lines and I felt my confidence returning. As a rule of thumb, the big stuff on the Lower Gauley is like the little stuff on the Upper. http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2379
Canyon Doors, and Kuntz Flum were as fun as I had remembered.
The Mashes were pick and run. And of course, I had completely forgotten about Pure Screaming Hell, so that was a nice surprise there toward the end.
Here is Josh and John enjoying some of the flats before the take out.
for what it's worth...Still, working on the iphone techniques, but the river is gorgeous.
Afterward, it was back to the Bear. Some grub, some walkin', Talkin', catching up with 'ol friends & meeting some new ones. Nothing too nefarious to talk about that night. So, I went to bed with the satisfaction of having had another excellent day. (just to let ya know): I had NO INTENTION of jumping in my kayak for the Upper Gauley the next day. I just didn't feel like rolling the dice that way. So, I was thankful and satisfied with the knowledge that BDK would have room in his raft the next morning. Sleep that night was sugar-plums, unicorns, and cotton-candy pillows.
Day 3: Gauley Fest Proper
As hearding cats always goes, BDK was over booked in the raft. Thankfully, Sean McGreevey graciously decided to kayak, which opened a seat for me. Getting every one together, as always, took a little longer than expected. Our crew was John D. and myself in the front; Caroline, and Robie F. in the middle; and BDK guiding from the back.
Putting in at the Dam. Where's BDK?
Ryan, Big Josh, Coon Dog, Sean, and others in our extended party were all in hard boats. We put in at the Summersville dam beneath a sunny September sky. As we paddled through Initiation, I was glad that I had decided to raft, while knowing that Initiation is simply that. My memories of running the Upper Gauley are all good, even after an eventful swim a few years ago. However, I knew I would have been pushing it to be here in a kayak, this year. Still, this was the first time I had ever rafted it. Honestly, I was terrified of rafting. The possibility of getting knocked out, bounced out, or simply falling out weighed heavy on my imagination. The Upper Gauley is loaded with undercuts and sieves. It's just not a good river to take a swim in many of the rapids. http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2378#rapid140
The holes in Insignificant were larger than I had remembered, and from the raft perspective the undercuts were even more visible. After Insignificant, I was feeling REALLY GLAD to be in a raft with this crew. BDK is a talented and adventurous paddler of all watercraft, but he can make a raft climb a tree (or at least I believe he can). That's him scouting the line at Pillow.
always and audience!
Jonh framed by BDK and Robbie
... for a sense of scale, but realistically the camera just doesn't do it justice.
Pillow Rock rapid was every bit of a tumult. Still, we all stayed in the raft and styled the run. Lost Paddle, the next large rapid happens to be the spot where I swam a few years ago; at the bottom of the Third Move in a nasty boil and I ended up going deep in the slot move at Tumble Home. Needless to say, I was a little nervous about the next several minutes. Again, the precision of the instructions and the results produced were outstanding. We even hit the boof move (in a raft) on river left at the Third Move. Unfortunately, we almost ran over a friend of ours (kayaker) who works at another Cola. outfitter. Still, all is well that ends well and he really didn't need to jump in front of a raft about to boof.
This is when the ol' adage, "The big stuff on the Lower is like the little stuff of the Upper..." really begins to settle in. Because at this point, aside from the hazards at Ship Wreck and few other places, Iron Ring and Sweets are really what everyone looks forward to, or remains nervous about. Iron Ring went seamless. I should note here that we were "loosley" gathered with several friends who were kayaking and not everyone was having as flawless of a run as ourselves. I only say this to reiterate that I was, now, still, very pleased to be in the company in which I found myself. Although, I didn't want to count my chickens, if ya know what I mean!
Sweet's Falls... That's a kayaker there in the center, again just for scale.
Sweet's is a fairly straight forward run, if all the moves are handled well. There is a keeper on the bottom river right side that can swallow a raft and hold onto it indefinitely. To surf a raft in there is quite an exciting prospect. Here's a video of some folkz doing exactly that!
Everyone in this raft made it out safe and ironically a couple of weeks later one of the folkz came into Get Your Gear On and had a good time watching the video. She gave us permission to put it up on the blog. Now, that was cool. At any rate, Saludaboyz were there to get the raft out. Team Effort, way to go! Here's another video of a Saludaboyz' own Coon Dog drinkin' a booty beer about the same time. (If ya don't understand why, then ya probably haven't been paddling in this particular circle much. Let's just call it a friendly anti for a swim!)
Anyhow, the day ended up being a another "dry hair" day for everyone in our raft. Topping out the weekend as an excellent way for me to return to the active boating community. I was feeling again. ...Thankful and Empowered
That night of course, was Gauley Fest! Here are some photos of friends...
at the put in.
Al from Green Light Ink
Repping with the Pyranha Folkz
Ryan, Elizabeth & her Rotty, Keelan, & me.
Who? LaHoop?I have no idea, but, very talented!!!
The band was fun, beverages were flowing, the band was great, shenanigans were beginning, (no mud wrestling this year, and only one late night match with boxing gloves), and then like always the lights went out at midnight. Then the zombie fun started with the Canadians. All ya gotta do for Canadians is shout through the megaphone, "1, 2, 3, act like a ZOMBIE !!!" Then they all immediately hold there arms out and start gruntingly howling. I was impressed at first. Then after about 45 minutes, of that, it was time for me to head back to the campsite. The rest of the night//// well, Let's just say it was an exzzzellent Gauley Fest, yet again!!!
& Tha'z Tha Zkinny!
post note: We had a fun & SAFE weekend. Yes, whitewater boating can be inherently dangerous. However, there are many common sense rules of thumb. Boat with people you trust and people who trust you. Boat within your comfort range. Know your limits. Know what is a stretch, for yourself and those in your group. Keep Calm. Help when you can. Learn How, first.
Know and practice River Etiquette.
Be self-responsible.
Play nice! Play pretty! Play Fair!
Monday, September 10, 2012
The winner of our GYGO Blogspot Photo Contest has been chosen! Congratulations James Segroves, your Saluda Fog photo submission sealed your victory! You're prize, as promised, is a Grand Trunk hammock.
We would like to extend our thanks to those who entered their photos. Also, we want to award superlatives for our runners up.
Best "O Face" Submission goes to Phil! Thanks Phil!
Most Likely to Crush a Group of Miniature Rafters Award goes to Daniel! Thanks alot Daniel!
Best "Anti-Theft Technique". Way to go Cassidy, AKA "Mamma Jamma"! Thanks Larry and BJ.
Boofiest Boof Stroke Award goes to Rick! Thanks Rick.
Best Use of a Sharpie to Simulate Grill Marks Award goes to Scarby! Thanks Scarby.
We had a great time conducting our very first photo contest. We are looking forward to the next one and are taking what we've learned through this experience and applying it to our future contests. Thanks again to all those who submitted photos.
We've got a couple of entries from the shop that won't count, but wanted to share anyway. Our next entey will be to announce the winner of our Photo Contest and Grand Trunk Hammock.
Well, It's been a fantastic summer, and here in Columbia, SC, we all know it's not quite over. Still, our thoughts here at Get Your Gear On lead us to anticipate cooler weather and Autumn Excursions.
We are placing Fall Orders and ... HERE'S THE CALL FOR FALL & WINTER CONSIGNMENT ITEMS!!! PLEASE, BRING IN YOUR LIGHTLY USED GEAR AND APPAREL FOR THE WINTER SEASON!
We are looking for Patagonia, North Face, Mountain Hardware, Solstice, Columbia, Marmot, Prana, Siera Designs, Sims, Burton, Rome, Volcom, DC, etc. All Outdoor Oriented Labels and Outerwear.
"Lightly used to New" condition...
Concerning Gear: Sleeping Bags, Tents, Climbing Equipment, Paddling Gear and Boats (recreational, whitewater and touring), Camping Equipment, Backpacks, Knives, Multi-Tools, Snow Boards, Snow Skis, Bibs, etc. (again, "Lightly Used to New" condition)
To offer our consignors the best opportunity for re-sale of their items, we would like to have the store fully stocked for the cooler months by the end of the first week in October... So, Bring It On!
Also, The "SHOW US HOW YOU Get Your Gear On!" PHOTO CONTEST HAS COME TO A CLOSE... LAST ENTRIES DUE TODAY! So, look for a winner to be announced in the very near future; receiving a GRAND TRUNK HAMMOCK!
We will continue offering Trips and Tours throughout the cooler months. Think about Fall Colors, and Winter Wonderland Tours on Congaree Creek, the Upper Saluda, and Lake Murray! Autumn and Winter is a beautiful time Paddle.
We are also considering a Fall Color Photo Trip to the Jones Gap, Raven Cliff Falls, DuPont Forest, Pisgah area. This would be a weekend staying in a Mountain Cabin, cook in or restaurants in Brevard, NC; nights in front of the fire... If this is something you might be interested in, Please, Respond to this blog, or Face Book us, or email us... The leaves should be on fire in that area the weekend of November 10th. SO, That is our Target Date! Let Us Know If Interested!!!
Riverbanks begins work on fence that cuts off revelers to river
By JOEY HOLLEMAN - jholleman@thestate.com
Frustrated by drunken revelers using its parking lot, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden next week will begin work on a fence that will cut off easy public access through that lot to a popular section of the Saluda River.
“This is absolutely the extreme last option,” said Satch Krantz, Riverbanks’ executive director. “This doesn’t make us happy to do this, but everything we have tried to do to control the foolishness in our parking lot has failed.”
One evening last week, Krantz said, he had to break up a parking lot fight when he was leaving work. “Two women were slugging it out in bikinis behind my pickup truck because one of them had lost their car keys,” he said.
The new chainlink fence will connect to the zoo’s current perimeter fence just west of where it runs under the pedestrian walkway over the river. The fence will enclose the picnic area – cutting off that area from the river – and then run around the west end of the zoo’s parking lot.
Kayakers, anglers and people who simply want to hang out on the river rocks have parked in that area for decades and followed dirt paths to the water. While the fence will have a gate near those paths, it will be locked and opened only for commercial outfitters who contract with the zoo and for emergency personnel. Adventure Carolina, Palmetto Outdoors and Get Your Gear On currently have contracts allowing access in return for a $3 per person payment to the zoo.
The revenue from outfitters doesn’t cover even one-fifth of the additional cost of security upgrades in the parking lot in recent years, Krantz said.
On most weekends and holidays, the east end of the parking lot will be open, allowing access to another popular section of the river just downstream of the zoo. Upstream of the zoo, many people now park (often illegally) along Candi Lane west of the zoo and walk (illegally across railroad tracks with no pedestrian crossings) to the river.
But more people have accessed the river through the west end of the zoo parking lot than any other place in recent years. After this weekend, they’ll be shut out.
“It’s disappointing,” said Congaree Riverkeeper Bill Stangler, whose organization deals with water quality and access issues on the Congaree, Saluda and Broad rivers in the region. “We’ve tried again and again to work with the zoo on alternatives, but the zoo has decided rather than to build relationships they want to build fences.”
The next legal public access point upstream from the zoo, commonly called Gardendale Landing, is about three miles upstream off Bush River Road. It’s a long trip downstream from Gardendale, five or six miles, to the next public takeout point at the Gervais Street bridge.
One major plus of the zoo access is that it allows kayakers or tubers to get in the river below the dangerous Millrace Rapids. Stangler is worried about the safety of people who now will decide to get on the river upstream of Millrace.
The problems in the zoo parking lot have been escalating in recent years, Krantz said. The crowd that hangs out on the large rocks along the river has gone from mostly laidback a decade ago to dangerously drunk and violent recently. At the same time, the number of tubers on the river and walking through the parking lot has exploded, and the attendance at the zoo has jumped to an annual average of above 1 million.
“Over the course of the past few years, what we call revelers have basically run off kayakers and fishermen,” Krantz said.
Video surveillance cameras installed in the parking lot last year cut down on auto break-ins but had little impact on general rowdiness. Krantz said a video last week from one of the cameras showed a motorcycle driven through the parking lot at high speeds barely missing a zoo employee.
Columbia police come out to the zoo parking lot often, but they haven’t had enough of a presence in the area to discourage revelers, Krantz said.
Krantz and Stangler agree that the long-range answer to the access problem is the long-delayed construction of the Three Rivers Greenway section around the zoo. Funds for that section were added to Richland County’s penny sales tax proposal during final negotiations this month on the tax. The greenway would include parking areas and a paved walkway, which will run between the zoo’s current perimeter fence and the river. Those amenities have made it easier for police to patrol river areas along greenway sections already built in Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce.
Even if the tax increase is approved by voters, building the greenway will take several years, Stangler said. In the meantime, people who want to get on the river west of the zoo will face major challenges.
Map: New fencing planned for Riverbanks Zoo
New fencing announced Wednesday by Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will restrict access to the west parking and picnic area from the Saluda River. This map shows the rough pathway of the new fencing (blue line) and the location of the picnic area (blue marker).
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is taking additional steps to increase security and improve the guest experience by erecting a new fence along the perimeter of the west-end of the Zoo parking lot – closest to the lower Saluda River.
Riverbanks Zoo has seen a record attendance trend of more than one million visitors annually during the last three years and just recently announced an all-time attendance high of 1,029,492 guests during the 2011-2012 fiscal year. This record growth along with the ever-increasing number of non-Zoo visitors using the Zoo parking lot for river access has prompted Riverbanks to put additional safety and security measures in place.
“The safety of Riverbanks’ guests and employees is our number one priority,” said Satch Krantz, president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Over the past four years, tens of thousands of people have been using the Zoo parking lot solely to access the Saluda River. The vast majority of these people are law abiding citizens but there is a certain element that creates almost daily problems for the Zoo’s public safety staff. ”
Additionally, the ever-increasing number of river users has forced the Zoo to turn guests away during peak times. During the Zoo’s busy 2012 Spring Break season in April and May the Columbia Police Department was forced to close the Greystone Boulevard exit due to heavy traffic.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is South Carolina’s number one tourist attraction. In a recent study commissioned by Riverbanks, the University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management revealed the Zoo’s annual economic impact on the local economies of Richland and Lexington Counties. The results of that study underscore the fact that Riverbanks is a powerful economic driver within the local economy—generating more than $60 million in local business sales and creating more than 700 jobs in the community.
“Not taking appropriate action would put the Zoo’s status as South Carolina’s premier attraction in jeopardy,” Krantz said.
Riverbanks encourages use and enjoyment of the Saluda River at those areas designed to accommodate access such as Saluda Shoals Park. Work to erect the new fence is scheduled to begin at the end of the month. Once completed, the fence will attach to the already existing portion located at the east-end of the parking lot – encompassing the entire parking area. Riverbanks also recently added an electronic gate at the entrance to the Zoo parking lot as well as a locked gate at its Rivermont parking area for increased security.
Ohhhh Folkz! What a PARTY!!! Get Your Gear On Thanks Everyone for Bringing It On, Saturday night! Fantastic Turn Out! Special Thanks to Regan Norris for the Cat Fish Fry, slaw, and everything else he contributed...Michael for just being ama...zingly helpful, Elizabeth for picking up the Keg (she's strong like that)...Squirrel for the "outdoor" movie theater seating...Larry, BJ, Richie, and Walking Eagle just for being their awesome selves... to all our old friends for reminding us just how wonderful and generous this community really is and to all our new friends for joining in and keeping this whole thing going!... The shop is almost cleaned up and We've been lucky enough to have put three trips on the river so far today!... The party really didn't wind down until the weeeee hours of the morning............"Screaming RIGHT Turn".........."So, ummm, what's in the Salsa anyway?"............"So, Is This 256-togo?"........."We're Going to the Barge!"........"Do Catfish Always Land On Their Feet?"...........and "Dude, I Don't think That Bucket's Gonna Hold That!"........plus, so much more!!! Here's a photo from earlier that morning, after fishing the night before. Guess who this might be and the circumstance of the photo! No other photos were taken, To Protect the Innocent!
Politicz, again?! Well, Richland County has agreed to put the Penney Tax back on the ballot this Fall...Primarily for Transportation, Roads, etc. However, a small portion is Pre-Legislated for Trails!!! This extension is for the same trail system that you enjoy at River Front Park or Canal Walk... except AT THE WEST END OF THE ZOO BY MILLRACE RAPID (The Rocks). This is good for the local economy, by continuing to promote responsible river usage and tourism dollars$$$. This would also allow greater Police monitoring of that area... and unfortunately THIS IS NEEDED! It realy is a good thing, because more people use that section of the Saluda River than any other public waterway (outside of the coast) in the state...It truly is a beautiful area..and it needs Public Support... more on this topic later!!! EDUCATE YOURSELF!!! READ!!! THINK ABOUT IT!!! Whatever your decision, PLEASE<VOTE>!!! let us know what you think, here... here's the artical in The State: http://www.thestate.com/2012/07/19/2359790/richland-oks-penny-tax-vote.html
This is Rick boof'n Soc Em' Dog on section 4 of the Chattooga... He's sporting a Get Your Gear On t-shirt and some Cottonmouth nose plugs from the shop as well...Nice photo Rick!
Everyone has his own way of transporting his kayak. Dustin's Jackson 4Fun (GYGO) rides shotgun.
Ok, over the years I have experienced the effect, been affected, and infected by this issue, as I feel certain many of you have as well...
This most recent Rain event, July 10th...produced 2 inches within the first half/hour, then it slowed and continued to rain for several more hours. We need this rain, we've needed it for a long time, and we need more. However, why doesn't the city and it's industry have the capacity to deal with flooding when it happens? This has been a local topic of conversation for years... I'm interested to listen (read) any response that can validate the City of Columbia's action plan... or in-action lack of a plan that deals with Sanitary Sewage releases, Over Flow, Point and Non-point effluent and anything else (chemical or non-chemical) that is messing with our water, rivers, health, etc.
I'm on the verge of ranting here, so I'm asking if anyone can offer some perspective that might sway my opinion (which is very low, at the moment) of decades of City Planning. I do read the news, I have seen the plants shut down and release into our waterways, I have seen the public shake their fingers, I have seen the appologies, and I have read the excuses... I have not ever seen, heard, or read of an actual fine having taken place... And the Feds we're involved a couple of years ago....
Quoting Marvin Gay, "What's Going On?!" ...cause i feel like i'm getting (I was told not to use my own explitive) run around in a very un-pleasureable way! seriously, respond with ideas, concepts, empathy, sympathy,... or just tell me to stop whining!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
James has been a super friend of the store this year! He's picked up skirts, paddling equipment, a hat, kayaking lessons, etc. and has been fantastically patient whenever we have needed to special order items for him...These are great photos caracterizing the Saluda late in the afternoon!
Melanie sent us this photo of what She sees When Gettin' Her Gear On in Lake Murray on a GYGO Guided Lake Murray Sunset Paddle...available weekends, all summer long!
Ejoying the Chilly Froth from the Mill Race Massacre a couple of years ago... Phil is demonstrating how to NOT use the Smiley Nose Plugs, purchased from GYGO....I remember well, announcing this wild ride ya took Phil... All's well that Ends well! And for what it's worth, It Was Cold That Day...you definately won a lot of hearts, as well as the Carnage Award! ...one that I was the proud winner of a few years earlier.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
This is Cassidy Getting Her Gear on! She's a Bad Mamma Jamma! Corsica Overflow and H2O Paddle from Get Your Gear On.
Scarby getting his 4th of July steak on! Chilly PBR protected by a GYGO Coozie.
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