Life at 60, (mph)

Fontana Lake – WNC

Hazel and Eagle Creeks

Water Clarity – 9+

Natural Quality – 8+

11,700 acres

elevation 1703 feet

Marinas, fishing info

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Fontana’s dam is shown to the west (left side) of the above Google map, if you follow the bottom shoreline from that the first large cove is where the Fontana Marina is located.  The two larger ‘fingers’ above the marina area lead to Eagle Creek (L) and Hazel Creek (R) near the former town of Proctor.

At the Marina parking lot is where you will need to fill out some simple paperwork for spending time within the Smokey Mountains National Park (it’s free), the park borders the northern edge of the lake and Hazel Creek is within the Park.

Temperatures on this trip were low 90’s day and mid 60’s nights, plans were for this to be an easy six mile paddle one-way, with two-nights at Hazel Creek (ended up paddling an easy @ 25 mi total – Hazel first night, Eagle the second night), three days to paddle, ponder, and fish – whatever order.

(GPS – 71 Fontana Dam rd, Fontana Dam, NC)

I would be paddling with my neighbor David whom still had a few more things to ‘wrap-up’ before leaving home – what seems to work for me is the “leave early, enjoy the ride” concept so I ambled on across the hundred miles to Fontana while stopping at any points of interest, junk stores, etc. If early, I’d just ‘hang-out’ around the marina and ‘feel’ the lakes presence?

With Fontana still almost at full pool (they drop it each winter) this lake is a pretty sight, plus in my little mind boat-landings are one of the most entertaining places to ‘hang-out’ (cheap entertainment) around the water.  With traveller loaded and sitting at water’s edge out of everyone’s way – I walked the marina docks, popped out my folding chair, had a beverage, and calibrated.  I pretty much ‘hung-out’ from there as I waited, in a very comfortable manner as folks came and went their ways – life is good.

Nearby is Fontana Village which I’m sure generates a good portion of the traffic here, the marina is a busy place, folks constantly coming and going.  While waiting I noticed a number headed out for a day of boating, some taking the guided boat tour, and others just milling about.

The paddle group above from Knoxville was also a part of my entertainment, the Chota Canoe/Paddle club.  It’s all so familiar to watch vehicles and boats unloaded, belongings organized, heads scratched on whether they have enough or too much, and then the loading part – I can relate.  It reminds me also that groups naturally move slower (like Holton Creek) – we would encounter this group again at the Eagle Creek campsite (#90).

The marina has a clean and simple store with basic necessities available, they also rent kayaks and pontoon boats.  I spoke with Ken, also retired from the City of Asheville (Parks and Rec) and now pilots the shuttle Miss Hazel – friendly and informative folks.

Peddlin, er paddlin David.

Maybe initially this trip was about paddlin, then in reading more about the area (early 1800’s, civil war loyalties, towns displaced, etc) I found the history intriguing, somewhere in all this the fly-rod came into consideration.  The lake was too large to see and paddle (11,700 acres) plus some area lakes can have a certain rhetorical quality about them, but the added incentive for me was to visit Hazel creek.

The history plus a number of my AFD cohorts making an annual week-long trek up Hazel Creek to fish had me curious – so I found purpose, an objective, along with finding time on recent paddles for my fly-rod.

Each year these friends (above pic) use the Miss Hazel shuttle to ferry their cart to the Hazel Creek ramp, from there they then push this cart a mile or so further to one of the upper camps.  In the period of a week they ‘lighten the load of the cart’ while catching a fish or two – maybe I will also.

Hazel Creek begins with a dead-east heading from the marina, it was late afternoon as we paddled out.

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HAZEL CREEK

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The shadows were growing long as we made the gravel ramp at Hazel Creek,

– we paddled as far as we could before finding that it would be a 1/2-mile walk to campsite 86.  There were several canoes back at the gravel ramp, no signage – likely the best place for paddlers to leave their boats – bring some wheels if your mission is to spend a few nights.

With no immediate camping and the black mud from the lake being lowered a few feet, I was beginning to think that this trip might just have to be marked up as one-for experience. But “it is what it is,” and we left the yaks in a flood plane for the night and made two-trips in carrying only the most necessary gear.

Camp was well used, not bad with food storage hangars in place, it was evening as the tents were set-up.  I investigated the creek with some bio-soap, then we each ‘congered up a hot meal.

When camping along the way and putting paddling miles in, its not unusual to be down at dark and up at first-light, but this was a little different – David and I sat up well into the night lightening our beverage load – then when we found ourselves telling stories twice, we crashed.

Slept great, as I mentioned the site was well used, not perfect, but its a mighty remote and peaceful area.

Somewhere too in the nights discussion we considered the paths of ‘fishermen’ and ‘paddlers,’ and that we were probably more on the paddlin side of the gauge.  So with our kayaks 1/2 mile away in this less than ideal spot – lets paddle and fish the next day on the way to Eagle creek – where in the end we would know more about two campsites rather than just one.

I am better-off for the paddle to Hazel Creek – when I return I will have my cart and enjoy it in a manner in which I have prepared for – paddlers or campers, take a cart to Hazel Creek.

The big plus of paddlin for me is the mornings, the peace is definitely a large part of why I am here – we were up and out early.

I knew that David enjoyed biking, he also liked fishing and paddling – a good-sport all around.

stuff in-between.

The exposed geology of the shoreline can easily draw your attention, where the earth now lays bare from the waters action, the layers of sediment and eon’s of time are laid out for the gander.

The Great Smokey National Park

Within many of those layers of exposed sediment, there are also sporadic yet distinct layers of striking white quartz – varying in thicknesses but usually in the shape of a ‘layer.’  This particular quartz was unusual because it was like ‘two round shots’ of quartz had been violently fired into the sediment, splat.  As with my paddle at lake Powell,  the active geology of 800 million years ago remains to be noticed.

These thoughts also had me recognizing that the paddle towards Eagle creek was more scenic than that to Hazel Creek.

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EAGLE CREEK

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As we neared Eagle Creek, the paddlin group from the landing was doing what all good paddle clubs do – their rolls, wet exits, and so -on’s.  Generally with flat-water paddlers I believe these are less necessary, yet I do understand that they are objectives that some (sheep) need.  As for adult flat-water paddlers that are comfortable around water I personally do not think a PFD should be mandated – by anyone!  So yes, I kinda enjoyed the ‘rebellious’ feel as I passed within the structure of the ‘rule-bound’ kayakers.

Somewhere within it touches a nerve when a ‘club’ has you sign a waiver releasing them of all responsibility – and then mandates a PFD within serine flat-water settings – I simply do not fit into a flock (and I do have one aboard wearing it when/as conditions apply).

As far as David and I could paddle up Eagle creek, sometime in the afternoon – it was a good pace of paddling and the right decision to move on from Hazel Creek.

The campsites of Eagle creek (90) were much nearer waters edge, a big improvement for a paddler – plus when the notion came, fishing could be done with just a few steps – even had a babbling brook running between us and the other campers. On this trip bug’s were not an issue at either Hazel or Eagle creek campsites, low 90’s during the day and mid 60’s at nights.

Also through our campsite ran a foot-trail (once a rail-bed) in a short distance an old iron bridge crossed Eagle creek

and that is where I found the other parts to why I came.  It felt good standing on the rocks or along the water and working the fly around the rocks and within the current – good experience.  Simply-put there’s lots to know and I don’t know it, but I do know this – I can get there.

We enjoyed some campfire time with the canoe club folks (takes longer for stories to come up twice) and then somewhere during the night a steady rain came through.  It was within this great sleep that a nearby tree slowly creaked, craaaacked – and then suddenly let-go – whosh! boom! thud! all in one.  I think I was sitting straight up in the tent between the whosh and thud…. figured I could reach outside the tent and touch it – but the next morning found it to be much further away.

– reminded me of sleeping near a railroad track once in the semi, whew.

With morning duties complete and traveller loaded I eased into the water and paddled from camp, at first fishing the immediate area and watching the group as they slowly stirred – one or two loading their boats.

I mentioned to David about where I would likely see him and moved on.  The picture above shows the cool blue vapor of the chilled creek water seeping out onto the lake from a small cove.

David was good paddling company, there was little concern for each other and for the most part we made our own trails meeting up every now and again between one point and another.

a passing sprinkle

– an easy Sunday morning paddle through a number of coves, eventually returning to the marina’s cove – where simple yet real ‘floating’ cabins exist.  I could only imagine the adjustment needed as the waters recede each year.

It is true that I did not accomplish exactly what I set out to do at Hazel Creek, but in the end I actually accomplished more through the experience of paddling Fontana and visiting the campsites.

Fontana is a large and scenic lake bordering the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, campsites are primitive and well used, rangers do patrol these and fines are assessed if a camper has not ‘checked in’ (signed in) or is careless with their campsite (leaving food, etc. out).  Some sites have been closed due to bear presence or warnings posted from bear sightings – this information is available and posted at the sign-in stations along with maps with camping sites indicated.

Cell service is limited and sporadic, I was able to pick up verizon from the marina dock – not the landing nor the campsite.

The water clarity is excellent, but the lake level when lowered could influence a paddlers plans during the winter months (climbing up a muddy shoreline).

Certainly this paddle could be reduced in time to a day or a single overnighter, but for this trip it was just fine as a three-day paddle.

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Lake Rabun – Ga

@830 acres

Water Clarity – 8

Natural Quality – 7  (stout kingfishers)

Perception – Friday

Elevation – 1683 feet

Lake Rabun weather

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Lake Rabun runs along the Tallulah river-bed and is preceded by lakes Burton and Seed in the mountains of NE Georgia.  The waters continue from Lake Rabun through the Tallulah gorge joining the Chattooga river within Lake Tugalo – then as part of the Savannah River Basin the flow continues into lakes Yonah and Hartwell before proceeding along the Ga/SC border into the Atlantic as the Savannah River.

A good paddle was sorely needed as the past week has been a tough one for my former cohorts at Asheville Fire Department, – we lost our buddy Captain Jeff Bowen on the fire-scene. I couldn’t imagine anyone trying any harder to complete their mission.  Jeff was one of our more enthusiastic firefighters and a leader by-example – that’s exactly why he had made it to Captain.  It has been tough, tough for everyone.  So time on the water is in order; this one’s for you Jeff.

Rabun Beach Recreation area was the best location for an improvised put-in ($3 day-fee), Halls Boathouse (Rabun Boathouse) is another option park and leave your vehicle for a paddle – they are both found on the north side of the lake, along Lake Rabun road.

On my drive this morning I was thinking of all the factors used in planning direction for paddling a lake (i.e. shade, wind, current, etc) I had a much longer list, but it turns out that once I was sitting in the kayak, I simply started paddling – seemed like such a trivial concern, today it just really didn’t matter.

In leaving the Rabun Beach boat-ramp I passed along the community beach where kids were swimming, horse-playing, and generally jumping or being pushed off the dock; no matter the culture the heartfelt laugh is universal – after the past week it sure was nice to hear the sound.

At more than 800 acres (and at my ez pace) I had some doubt in paddling lake Rabun in one day, so following Tugalo I was prepared in-case night fell and a riverside stay was needed.  ‘Hanging out’ along the way makes it possible to absorb more of the lakes ambiance, plus early mornings provide an opportunity to slip within the solitude of it all.

Traveller was pointed west, toward the headwaters of the lake Seed spillway, this was the shorter end of the lake from the landing.  In paddling towards the dam/spillway I found two hours of a much slower pace, a river-like base of fleeting tranquility.

The best perspective that I can put Lake Rabuns shape into is that of a giant earthworm, elongated with few coves, squirming from West to East – pushing about 25-miles of shoreline out along the way.  Lake Seed is on the westerly and thinner (tail) end, Tallulah Gorge is on the thicker easterly end. Not that it is a mundane lake (like Williams lake) the shape actually makes it easier to cover the lakes surface area.

It had been a leisurely hour paddle from the boat-ramp, one pm – time for a stretch, half of a subway, and a beverage.

Nacoochee Park is a clean and simple little park overseen by Georgia Power, there are bathrooms and nice tables available (because of the spillway this is a no swimming area).  I spent a couple of years attending the nearby Rabun Gap Nacoochee School when growing up – so I know that Nacoochee is an Indian word from many, many moons ago.

Burton Dam road bridge.

For early afternoon on Friday I was surprised with how peaceful this section was, it left me plenty of time to notice how healthy the kingfishers were, large in stature with vivid coloring and seemingly less skiddish than usual.

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The temperature was in the upper 90’s so I stopped once again to submerge, two other paddlers neared and we spoke.  ‘Vince’ told me that he lived a few miles away and wouldn’t care to paddle any other lake, a compliment to Rabuns charisma.  As for me I was still working on that decision and Vince didn’t give me a good chance of paddling the rest of the lake by nightfall; didn’t matter – I had my gear.

fuel stop for sale, a little fixer-upper.

Soon I passed the boat-ramp, it had been two hours since put-in, now time to paddle on towards the ‘head of the beast’ and into the rumble of power-boats.

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Boathouses are definitely pronounced, many fine in quality but also tucked in between were those of more character, practical ones such as this – reminded me of the boathouses I had seen on the Gulf at Suwannee a few months earlier.

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It appeared to be a paddle-friendly community, many of the docks had kayaks stowed and easily at-hand.  Easy to understand that everyday is not Friday and the majority of days this ‘earthworm’ shaped lake could be a fine avenue of muse.

But it was Friday and people were beginning to come out of the woodwork, er boathouses.

a pea-shooter

The boats that I saw were mostly ‘big-uns,’ ski boats with cruisers or wake-boarders throwing large wakes, yet there were some unique vessels sprinkled about too.

As I traveled Rabun rd earlier I had noticed these wooden canoes, so in nearing the small cove I paddled to investigate – the folks enjoying the boathouse were really friendly – even urging me to take one and try it out.  Emily’s dad, Tommy Thomas (or Thompson) a local, built and sells them, I was impressed with how light they were too.  Good folks.

Lake Rabun is an older lake, first flooded about 1919 I think – anyway that older character is still reflected in some of the boathouses, I really liked the big eaves on the following one.

Lake Rabun Association History

Boathouses of different quality, character,

and era’s – you can buy one (they’ll let you make payments).

– with a number of simple ‘jumpin’ docks in between. I could imagine a little dock such as this occupying many a kid for hours over the years.

Somewhere in here a thunderstorm popped-up, so I found shelter

Would be a tough place to have to spend a night, but the weather let up and I continued onward.

It was five pm when I reached the easterly most point of the lake, a large body of water busy with the constant motion of Friday afternoon boating.

I took a gander at the dam and water exit point, then turned my thoughts towards the scenery between there and Rabun Beach.

I paddled by the Lake Rabun Boathouse marina, not a bad little store – they do have adult beverages but I was looking more for some ‘land-food,’ maybe even a big ole juicy hamburger, mmmmeatt!  Nope, mostly souvenir items, I spoke with Josh a bit and then once again paddled on – I guess the other half of that sub would suffice.

(I later learned that the Lake Rabun Hotel is nearby, must be great food because there was a crowd as I passed)

The shadows were getting longer as the cruisers were beginning to come out for their evening ogle.

Not a bad paddle, and I did make it back to the boat-ramp at 730 pm – 7.5 hours of paddling, 25-miles of shoreline, kinda like a day’s mileage on the Suwannee.

Lake Rabun with its smaller size and boathouses had a neighborly feel to it, I liked that – all of the folks that I met and spoke with were really friendly.  Sure there were all those ski-boats pulling ‘jim-bobs’ doing all those flips and things while rolling out the large wakes, but it was Friday and that’s what enjoying the lake is all about.

After paddling Rabun I could better understand Vince’s (the paddler in the beginning) appreciation for this lake, especially on weekdays or times other than the weekends – the boathouses are neat with outstanding character – all in all a very worthwhile paddle with a little bit of everything to see and ponder.

More photos of the boathouses at Lake Rabun

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“Jeff loved the water.”  I can’t help but to think that we take the positives from those we meet along life’s journey – and incorporate those attributes into our own characters for our trip.

You’ve given us some special fuel Jeff; we’ll be thinking of you buddy……..

Lake Tugalo – Ga/SC

@ 600 acres

(Tugalo was the original spelling)

Water clarity – 8

Natural Quality – 8 (no homes)

Perception – weekend

Fishing

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Lake of anticipation – with other things going on (family) this summer – paddling Lake Tugaloo had been set aside for a month, not a big deal – I could justify it with family around – plus while enjoying fall, winter and spring paddles a little more than fighting the summer heat, the delay seemed to fit.  On this late July date the temperature was in the high 90’s, for some reason the heat didn’t really matter because I just wanted to get back out on the water – no, once again I needed to get back out on the water.

Lake Tugaloo is about a 600 acre lake which borders the Ga/Sc state line and fed by the Tallulah and Chattooga rivers.  The quality riverbeds of the Tallulah and Chattooga, plus the commercial rafting dynamic made this one of the more inviting lakes for a summer paddle.

(GPS – Bull Sluice Rd, Long Creek, SC)

The boat ramp on the SC side of the lake is off of hwy-76 from Long Creek, SC – down the narrow, dusty and steep trail of Damascus Church (past the Chattooga Belle Farms) and down Bull Sluice rd. During the summer rafting season, the potential for the buses in making this a little section of road busy is ever-present, but on this date – all seemed ‘scheduled’ and traffic was a ‘non-factor.’

The lake is a reasonable size for a single day of casual paddling.

With the Chattooga river feeding  the waters from the North and its class II and III rapids,  knew that it was a ripe playground for rafters and kayakers – all the more inviting.  Normally I prefer to paddle lakes during the week (as to avoid boat traffic) a weekend is what I wanted for Tugaloo – I ran into little boat traffic on this lake, very little (motor size is limited).

It was just after lunch when I put into the water, late for me but I had everything to stay the night – the first group of rafters were ferrying in from their morning trek.  I had parked to one side of the ramp leaving them plenty of room to hustle their rafts past and up to the awaiting shuttle bus, which they all did eagerly in jolly spirits. The guides were polite and seemed to enjoy their work – in a way I envied them.  These folks managed their activity like a ‘well-oiled’ machine, and were obviously having fun while doing so.

My ‘game plan’ was to follow the shade and left bank South to the Tugaloo dam, then the shoreline to the Talullah river head – from there I would work back up the West bank and up the Chattooga river.  I could paddle all afternoon and simply spend the night riverside.  Explore the first day, and just maybe the next day the rafters would provide some ‘cheap’ entertainment, awesome.  I have found that when paddling a rivers current it is easy to miss many of the others as you ‘fit into the cog’ of paddling along – this is what happened on the Current river and for the Tugaloo I wanted find a spot along the way and yes, stop – then comfortably observe as others passed.

The left bank also provided some relief from the afternoon sun and heat, it was 1pm when I left the ramp – an hour later I was at the Tugaloo dam – below the dam was lake Yonah a smaller lake leading into lake Hartwell and then down the Savannah river to the Atlantic.

Other than shade the left bank was fairly unremarkable, second thoughts had to do with the mussel shells scattered along the red-clay bank and some neat looking tree stumps. With the lower water some of the stumps are always interesting because of their individual character, these were cut and harvested many years earlier leaving the mud to wash from their roots exposing their foundations – rather than reaching to the water as the live tree-roots have on the Suwannee river, ‘similar yet different’ (thats how our  service calls were at the FD, similar – yet different).

Speaking of exposed, as I stealthily paddled the shoreline from the dam towards the Tallulah river, this one little cove had a couple enjoying the weather ‘in the buck,’ just ‘hanging-out’ around their camp site.  Its not the first time I’ve paddled up to such things – and certainly not something I dwell on (or at).  I made it right up to them without completely realizing the situation, then as I paddled away through the summer heat I could actually understand their position (no-body’s around! what the heck!!) I say go ahead, set it free……

I had yet to see a structure on the lake and learned that there were no homes on Tugaloo……

The Tallulah river flows from just above lake Burton, through lakes Seed and Rabun before entering Tugaloo down the Tallulah gorge.  I’ve been within it and the gorge carved through the rock is impressive, from the lake its possible to get some feel with the steep banks leading up to the old Tallulah Falls Hydroelectric Plant.

Once at Tallulah it was just about turning around and heading back out,

The two guys camping ‘Mutt and Jeff’ (actually Rich and Jeff) had their britches on so I stopped and chatted a few minutes, they were proud of their improvised tent and that their wives had ‘taken off’ leaving them alone to camp and fish.  They asked a number of questions about fishing the lake that I really couldn’t answer – but what I did see was walleye fishing, several folks trolling toward the middle with a deep set.  I suppose the cooler water along the bottom was the place to find ’em.  Good folks enjoying the simplicity of the lake, and I moved on.

More of the same headed back out toward the dam just a little more of a ‘wall,’ from the SC ramp to the dam and up to the Tallulah river had taken 2 hours – like I was watching the time.

Once back out into the ‘main channel’ above the Tugaloo dam there was another cove just north, paddling to the farthest end I found more campers and the Georgia boat ramp for the lake.

Locals were camped at and on the ramp taking their ‘cut-off jeans and dated bathing suit’ swim as the kids splashed with their diapers on (how much water do those things hold?) – Georgia style.

It was a dead end at the Ga ramp, not really a stream that I could tell.

Back out into the channel I returned to the boat ramp, it was around 5 pm and there were iced adult-beverages in the back of my pickup – as I stood in the heat I could feel the cool liquid trek all the way to my stomach, thinking – this was working out really well. It was a perfect stop before heading into the headwaters of the Chattooga.

Wildwater group

One of the shuttle drivers was hanging out in the water ‘cooling it’ and waiting for his group to return, so we chatted a bit – I guess there are several groups providing raft service in the area – coming into and out-of this boat ramp (single lane rd) had to be scheduled to make things work and they did it well.  The first groups coming out are around 12 and then 2, then about every hour from there – simple conversation (while savoring that beverage).

As I worked my way up the Chattooga another group (I think this was a Southeastern Expeditions group), with the water a little low and slow toward the end each of the outfitters were grouping the rafts together ‘like water bugs’ around a small john boat about 15 minutes out from the ramp – seemed like a good idea and a small rest-bit for the rafters.

The Northern part of the lake up Chattooga became wider and shallower for a distance making it easier to spot any unnatural debris (an occasional beverage container or old shoe) – still litter was not an issue, I saw little if any.  Over one stretch and needing to stretch my legs I got out and walked a bit – it remains much faster/easier in the kayak, even in slow water.

I’ve paddled section II of this river before, but on this date this was as far as I could make it up the river from this direction, it was now about 6:30 pm and there was an inviting sand-bar in the shade on river right, so be it.

It’s all pretty doggone simple – time in the water too.

It was a great place to camp and explore before nightfall, the cool air during the night coming down the river was excellent and believe it or not there wasn’t a mosquito to be slapped.

It was a quiet night, and besides two paddlers coming down the river at about 11 pm (night riders) I slept very well.  The morning was different than my usual kayaking camps, no need to get up and hit the water for a full days paddle – I could sleep in, which I did – and about 830 I rolled out of bed and ambled around the campsite.

It was kinda nice to ease around in the morning while slowly stowing things away, around noon the rafters began trickling by.

This group couldn’t stand it any more, they were out and jumping into the fresh water as quick as they could get their vests off – and by the way, the water felt great!  It was great too to hear the laughs and pleasure these folks carried with them, sometime you miss that when paddling ‘in the cog’.

Just after the first group of rafters passed through came some paddlers – hey, this guy looks familiar I thought.  Sure enough Mike C. and I had paddled together several times, one trip was the Suwannee at Holden Creek, it was good to see familiar faces.

Mike was paddling with his wife Kathy and a group from the upstate – we were pretty much at the farthest point for our flatwater yaks so they stopped and enjoyed the water also.

It was good conversation and after a while they remained in the water and shade as I headed back down river.

Making several stops in the shade I doused myself in the water, I learned on Lake Powell that wearing wet long-sleeved and loosely fitting fishing shirt works real well to keeping the heat off and remaining hydrated – it worked well on this 96 degree day also.

Paddling back towards the lake the river comes to this ‘bottle-neck’ / swimming area, this is where the john boats join up with the rafters – others were enjoying the cool area too.

headed for another group-tow.

Just below the ‘bottle-neck’ I paddled up this cove, it was interesting to see all the water-bugs in a massive group staying out of the traffic and in the cool shady water.

a ‘beaver’ in sight

yet another group coming through….

Mike C’s group caught up with me as I neared the ramp, not being in any hurry I figured I’d just sit in my kayak (as comfortable as any lawn chair) and let them take out, I was in no hurry at all.

A few other paddlers came along (they were swimming at the ‘bottle-neck’) I let them take-out also, I guess the outfitters also rent kayaks and guides for smaller groups.

I love boat ramps too, the most entertaining of places (I’m easy to amuse).

another happy bunch of rafters.

Nantahala Outdoor

I saw little wildlife, the normal kingfishers, herons, 2 j-birds (naked), a buzzard, and a river otter while camping, my higher natural quality probably has to do with no homes along the shoreline and the potential for seasonal migration.

The size of the lake is right for a day trip, I left this lake thinking that I couldn’t have done it any better and the feeling was that it was one of the better and more relaxed trips that I can remember.

If you are new to the area and just want to tube, contact one of the outfitters that I have linked in this post, everyone appeared as though they were having a blast and the guides that I spoke to had excellent demeanor’s, it looked like fun. If you want to kayak they have those available too – better yet, bring your own and give yourself plenty of time.

or holler, I just might head that way too….

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“Leave early, enjoy the ride.”

Bear Creek Lake

@500 acres

Water Clarity – 8

Natural Quality – 8

Perception – weekday

(Lat: 35.247663 Lon: -83.0715282)

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For many years while raising a family, it was simply about making it from one ‘payday to the next – occasionally ‘extra’ funds would show up, it was always a short-lived feeling.  Inevitably and within the same mailbox there was yet another bill (usually from an insurance company) that that completely wiped-out that breath of a ‘windfall’ from the equation. Nothing bittersweet about it, it was sour everytime.  Years passed and the kids grew up, for the most part that era passed also – well, until last week when the spike in my health insurance for the coming year reminded me of that sinking feeling from years back – the insurance/medical racket stinks.

As good as life is (and it really is) the feeling this circumstance brings is totally relative to the “one step forward two steps back” saying.  Instinctively I know it boils down to tackling the issue and moving on, but the thought of it has certainly swayed my ‘ire the past few days.

(GPS – Bear Lake road, Tuckasegee, NC)

So you see my mind wasn’t really on paddling yet at the same time I really needed to ‘paddle.’  My choices for the day were to explore lake Tugalo with some friends, Nantahala lake, or go solo on lake Bear – I took the lone paddle route as not to vent but to find a pause for it all in my own simple way.

‘Bear Creek Lake’ has been sitting quietly up the road for me, an isolated but convenient little lake for just such a day – couldn’t have been a better time for it.

“fishin here”

Bear Creek Lake is part of the Duke Power Nantahala system, the east fork of the Tuckasegee river, the lake is just under 500 acres and with 13.5 miles of shoreline and can be completed at a leisurely paddle in less than 6 hours – perfect size for a day trip with plenty of coves and fresh creeks to hold your interest, really nice place.

The weather was ideal, so my basic objective was to paddle to the farthest point – ‘headwaters’ (southeast) before working my way back along the opposite shore – I would finish up by paddling the coves of the spillway/dam area.

After a small delay (I ran past the boat ramp off hwy-281)  it was good to be on the water and paddling  – even though it was 1130 am, a later paddle.

I’m not sure if there is any scientific explanation to it but there are times that the water of a lake can feel ‘thick’ or a little ‘thin’ on the paddle.  While out west this past fall the water of several lakes felt ‘thin’ to me, like I was in low-gear and slowly moving while paddling at a normal pace – I suspected it had something to do with the elevation or maybe even my enthusiasm level for the day – but today the waters of Bear Lake felt ‘thick,’ this was a good sign.

The lake is not a distinctively round ‘body’ of water (mundane) other than the small area near the spillway – just a main channel  with coves and numerous small creeks feeding into the lake.  I paddled slowly at first searching ‘rhythm’ while at the same time considering my approach to covering the lake.

As I paddled towards the falls this small boat passed me with a few kids in it, they waved and moved on – I noticed their family later camped on the first of two islands.  There were about five other vehicles/trailers at the ramp, fishermen. Fishing is suppose to be good here.

Thirty years ago I had a neighbor that regularly fished this lake, he was always telling me about it while trying to get me to go with him, which I never did.  Since then I have found several occasions to paddle and ‘boat’ her waters, of which neither time did I take time to explore the coves – I would today.

Paddling past the little island I worked to the right and up into a small cove where this small creek entered the lake.

A beautiful little creek – clean mossy boulders, distinctively clear waters splashing down into the lake while pushing cool air outward.  There were small-mouth bass lingering too, a perfect place to pause with a sandwich, more distant from my @#!* week.

Soon I was back out into the lake and passing the small island where the family was camped.  The cliffs ahead reminded me of the stories of wild goats that roamed these cliffs – but I have yet to see one in my last three visits.

But it was easy to imagine the goats on the cliffs (like the Big-horns along the Colorado).  The falls are visible if you pay attention, plus it is possible to walk a path to their base – I’ve been to them before so I continued on towards the headwaters.

The lake meandered and narrowed into the Tuckasegee stream bed, houses were few – different from all the boathouses I have noticed along my last few paddles, this is a Duke Power lake with the property immediately along shore likely leased on log-term basis, so only a few docks here – and most of them were ‘generic’ in appearance.

The second island of the lake marked the beginning (or end) of the headwater stream-bed.

Streams are some of my favorite places to paddle, the shade of the trees –

It wasn’t long before I came upon the seldom used bridge of Gray’s ridge rd – and a warning sign of potential rising waters.

So of course I paddled right up to the mouth of the tailrace chute, with another small stream running nearby I felt sure that this was used when water conditions and power expectations were high – no danger on this date; 2011 Tuckasegee river releases. The waters when released come from the Tanastee Lake and Wolf Creek Lake reservoir.

Turn around point, 2 hours.  Looking back down the river bed towards the lake, a quick stop – then a slow paddle back.

Past the little island at the mouth

and back out into the lake towards more fishermen floating along.

I did paddle to the creek of the falls, again – same beautiful flow into the lake as with three other coves I had seen – there were more to come.

Paddling past the first island I wondered how long the family might have been camping there, then after clearly hearing the father and mother scold a child – my answer was; “long enough.”

So I found more peaceful waters and after several occasions of hearing something moving through the leaves on shore I noticed this small herd of deer – with one good look (from each of us) they were history….

More babbling brooks

and coves to cool off in…

Making my way back out to the dam/spillway area one of those generic docks had ‘broken loose’ – wonder if I could pull it home?

Bear lakes spillway and release area.

Near the spillway is the dam thing, I suspect a water bypass system for when the structure needs repair or maintenance.

With time left to explore the coves of this area also, more generic docks, several more homes.

‘wildlife’ too

These were interesting tent-like structures built upon some platforms not too far from the landing, later learned they are called ‘yurts,’ not sure of their full story – but likely good ‘in-law’ roosts (keep them from staying forever).

Paddled right on past the boat landing and further into the cove and wetlands nearby.

Past a home with a “Jim’s Landing” sign tacked to the porch the lake turned into a ‘wetland’ protected cove, always good to see, even better to quietly paddle through.

With yet another babbling brook.

It was now about 5 pm and I had been on the water a little less than six hours – just right for what I needed.

– a good day and Bear lake is really a perfect place to paddle with its Natural quality and size, try it sometimes….

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(and yes, it helped to get ‘stuff’ figured out, – ‘life’ is indeed good)

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