December 26, 2022
December 18, 2022
Fun Stuff 2022
 |
| Feasting on the Beach |
Jan 8 2022 Mulberry. With the BCC. In the Jackson Antix 2.0. Water temps cold, air temps 60ish. Level 2 ft.
 |
| Sunday Jan 9 crew |
I've been lax about updating this blog. Today is Wednesday the 26th and I have been on the Mulberry on the 15th, 16th, and 22nd and 23rd of January. The 22nd was cold but sunny and icicles on the rocks. I used the Pyranha Machno Medium the past weekend and had the hooker thighbrace mods installed. Saturday the hookers were at max and I couldn't get out of the boat without some serious contortions. I adjusted them the next morning and they were fine. But I think the plastic edges are too abrasive on my drysuit legs so I am going to add some duck tape padding to them. The boat control they add is definitely real. I still think Wave Sport has the best thighbrace design. Though they add weight. *this blog is for my failing memory and has little details just for me*
 |
| Kathy K. standing next to her snowy car |
 |
| My new scarf Donna F. made for me! |
We went to Mini-Donut Place, a name I love, which we had heard the rangers talking about at the Visitor Center, and decided to check out. yum.
 |
| Mini-Donuts |
A lot happened in February.
I had a birthday.
My good friend Carin Burford drowned on the West Fork of the Little River in Alabama, February 6th 2022. https://abc3340.com/news/local/birmingham-woman-drowns-at-desoto-state-park-jennifer-carin-burford-kayak-river-whitewater-raft-rafting-drowning
An aquaintance of mine, Megan Thompson, drowned on the Oconaluftee in the GSMNP, February 24 2022. The Oconaluftee which is where I was a couple of weeks before, sight-seeing with my friend Kathy King.
https://www.wvlt.tv/2022/02/25/kayaker-drowns-oconaluftee-river-near-smokemont/?fbclid=IwAR1F_8RSYYpE97BVAkHjr7qw_TIAcjjAyqNOfiHp2Jds-eeTfXmWTJ0UBr4
I went to the B'ham Grotto Getaway on the weekend of Feb 18th, and we went on a ridgewalk where Dave found a qualifier he has named "Changing Times Cave", and Shane and Jeff found a highly decorated horizontal cave Shane has named "Hacksaw Cave".
Dave, Jeff, myself, Lee, and Lin went back the last Sunday of February and qualified two leads I had found a couple of weeks prior, "Oui Oui Caverne" and "Box Turtle Pit".
This month has been really hard on the paddling community and I don't really know how to express it right now.
March 5-6 Mulberry Fork Races. Level 1.7ish, weather in the 75-80 degree range. Perfect weather and water level for this event. I was a spectator this year.
March 13 Mulberry. Level 1.9 to close to 2 ft. (my estimates based on streambeam,the bridge gauges, and the surfing features). In the Jackson Antix 2.0 medium. With Tim R., Helen and Andy, Joe I. Weather 50ish, water temps brisk, due to a cold couple of nights and a very cold Saturday with some snow. I was surprised more people weren't on the river. Training Wheels OK, Lunchstop was bouncy, 5-0 was too flat. First time I've missed ALF weekend since the festival started in 2007.
March 20 Calvert Prong and Upper Locust. Level 4.32 on Locust gauge. In the Jackson Antix 2.0 medium. With Lynn and Andy, Norma, and Stacy W. on Calvert. Stacy had to leave after Calvert Prong, and the rest of us did Upper Locust downriver race section to check for wood and to see how many wires are left on the slalom race course. Air temps 60's, sunny, water temps chilly, wonderful day. I did wear my drysuit and was glad for it. Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziwz5K1kqKw
April 2-3 Locust Fork Races. I was a spectator except for Sunday afternoon when I helped gate judge section 4. Weather was brisk.
April 15 - 22 London and Rye, England.
April 22 - 28 Paris, Normandy, Monet's Gardens
May 7 Mulberry. In the Jackson Mixmaster 7.5. With Helen Hays' beginner kayaking class. Level maybe 5 inches, about as low as I've ever done it. Might have been lower during a summer float with Justin C. Everything went. Colder than I expected and I was missing my drytop.
It was really fun and hilariously awkward. Anyone can do this, a good sense of humor about yourself helps!
 |
| Arch! |
June 3-5 TVCC Paddle School. In the Pyranha Machno M. I support boated a class on the lower and upper Hiwassee. I am retired from ACA certification to teach. Nice weather, perhaps a smidge higher water than usual, good times.
 |
| In the Machno, big beastie |
 |
| First time wearing an altimeter |
June 25 Bear Creek. With the Huntsville Canoe Club. Put in at Hwy 13, took out at Hwy 172. Great day. In the Jackson Antix 2.0, which turned out to be a good choice for this run; there is a lot of flatwater. Pics here: https://dangerjudy.smugmug.com/Other/PADDLING/Bear-Creek-06-24-22/
 |
| Approaching Mill Falls aka Upper Factory Falls on Bear Creek |
 |
| Auto-boof at Mill Falls aka Upper Factory Falls |
 |
| Melanie catching a ride with Brittany |
July 8 Tuck from Ela-Ingles. Nice scenic float.
August 6 Bear Creek. With the BCC, in the Antix 2.0. Another nice float, the Antix really is the best boat for this run because I can do the Upper Factory Falls laps and still have glide on the flatwater. I did the runout to the portage of Lower Factory Falls and had a backender to pirouette... to combat roll. Jeremy A. and two friends were on SUPs, made the rest of us want our own SUPs but I have enough hobbies I keep telling myself......my unintendo at the runout of Lower Factory Falls. I did roll up second attempt I promise! ;-)
 |
| Upper Factory Falls |
 |
| Happy in the Antix 2.0 |
 |
| See the SUPs behind me? |
August 12-13 Visited Mary, Tuck float, and SMM. In the EZG-50. With Andrea and Keith. So much fun on the Tuck. I found out that Flonase is not sufficient to keep me from having allergy symptoms to Mary's dogs.
September 2-5 Labor Day weekend at SMM. In the Wavesport EZG-50 and the Aire Spud. I did the Tuck on Saturday the 3rd in the EZG-50 and the Nantahala Sunday the 4th in the Aire Spud. Big cookout Saturday night, Wendy A. and I played our Klos guitars. Fun times with Christine and Tim Canoes, Mary Ann, Halie and Jes, Lorraine, Jaime, Jay, and others.
We had mentioned the Tuck trip to the BCC because they were camping near the Chattooga and concerned that there wouldn't be enough water for a class II run for those so inclined. I thought we would get maybe 2-3 people coming to the Tuck with us, but torrential rain fell on Friday and the entire BCC crew joined us, so we had something like 30 people!
September 17-18 Hiwassee with the HCC. Gee Creek campground, J-Bug was with us along with Kenny and Lori. Fun weekend!
Much of September is kind of a blur. Standard medical tests people in their 50's get, and my niece Sabrina getting married at a fun and romantic wedding at her parents' house.
September 25 Lesson on the Coosa. In the Dagger Nova. 4000 release. I took a lesson from Carmello. My roll is wonky again. He helped me get the closest to a bow stall I have ever managed yet. He also helped me move the seat forwards.
October 8 Coosa Campout. 6000 and 8000 releases. In the Dagger Nova. The seat forwards was causing me to ender out of surfs. Carmello was at Baby Gap and helped me move the seat back to middle. I had a great surf of Moccasin Gap Sunday that ended in a swim. Really frustrated with my roll issues! We camped on the bluff at the Dirt Farm and had a great campfire and food - pork tenderloin and roasted vegetables. I bought firewood from a truck off Liberty Park exit and it was excellent, much better than the bundles I've bought in stores and at campgrounds.
October 14-16 visit Mary Mills. I stayed at Mary's house and we had dinner at Tom and Lola's Friday night. Saturday I demoed Halie's medium Scorch on the Nantahala. Sunday I went on a hike to Panther Top fire tower, and stopped by Downhill Kayaking in Mentone on the way home and traded my Machno for a Scorch! BTW if you need whitewater kayaking gear, including Pyranha kayaks, used boats from different brands, Astral PFDs, Immersion Research drywear and spray skirts, and more, contact Adam at Downhill Kayaking. He is super helpful and knowledgable. He outfit both of my Pyranha boats, something I am not good at and he is great at for sure!
Video from our hike to Panther Top:
October 21-23 Nantahala, Peggy's Birthday, End of Season Party at SMM. In the Medium Scorch. I have the seat all the way forwards. I started out with two pads under the seat cushion but took them out at Ferebee. Friday took forever to get to the campground because of traffic in Chattanooga, so I paddled Saturday but drove home Sunday instead of paddling again. Video from Saturday:
 |
| Me trying on Peggy's new warm hat |
 |
| Splashing it up at Nantahala Falls in the Medium Pyranha Scorch |
 |
| Friends at Farewell to the Hiwassee weekend! |
 |
| We were able to give Andrea and my kayak sensei Juliet a ride to the Ocoee Putin Peggy and Waylon puppy riding in the back with them |
 |
| Kathleen driving with a sports bra on the mirror. I have no explanation. |
 |
| Me Scorching it up on the Hiwassee. End of my 23rd season paddling the H |
November 11 I got a new truck. It is a 2022 Tacoma 4x4 with manual transmission. I told the dealer that it is like the Starship Enterprise compared to my old Subaru. Back up camera, lane assist, touch screen info center, integration with Android Auto. I did go princess and have heated seats installed, which my Subaru has too, and I will always have in my vehicles from now on. I did not sell my car, it needs work for oil leaks and a possible differential issue, but it will be my scoot around town car. Until I get a Miata or something lol.
 |
| My new truck! Can't wait to get it to the river! |
November 12 Horton Mill Hike. With Friends of the Locust Fork. The Howells were supposed to join us but had to cancel to go the memorial of a friend. I met Moe at her new house in Oneonta and drove us to the bridge in my new truck. It was misty and drizzling rain. We went part of the way down the trail then decided to turn back instead of going all the way to the mill site with the group. Moe has a bad knee and we wanted to take it easy. We took our time going back to the truck, then went back via country roads to her house. We drove up on a flock of guinea hens, one had a lizard and was proudly leading a group of others in a parade. I love them.
November 19 Ridgewalk. First one of the Fall 2022 season. Air temps brisk, beautiful sun, low wind. With Dave and Lin. We went back to the find I had from a couple years ago and decided a rock just inside the entrance makes it dangerous to enter. I have decided to regard it as a karst feature, but I will mention it's location to a friend who may want to check it out. We found another karst feature, and a possible, marginal qualifier. Video here.
December 4 Tumbling Rock Cave. With Dave H., Valerie H., and various paddler friends. To the Christmas tree and back. Nice day.
December 18 Upper Mulberry. Cold, high of 45 and I would guess around 40 during our float. Clear blue skies, low wind. In the medium Jackson Antix 2.0. With Jie C., Matthew C., Luke W. Stacy W., Jeff H.
November 24, 2022
Carrot cake recipe
This is my sister-in-law Rene's carrot cake recipe. It is delicious! She says not to use pre-cut carrots, they will not have enough moisture and the cake will be too dry.
November 23, 2022
November 21, 2022
October 25, 2022
Quick Pyranha Scorch Medium Review
Quick Pyranha Scorch Medium review: why did I buy one: It's simple. It's just more fun for me to paddle than the Machno was. The Scorch surfs really well and the edges made eddy catching fun and crisp. Another big factor was the comfort. The knee position and thigh brace position fit me much better than the Machno. I didn't boof the Scorch I demoed on the Nanty because it was my friend's boat, but I can promise I will boof the @#$ out of my new Scorch. It made the classic Nantahala fun moves a joy. I was able to surf Rope Wave, Surfers, 3 Hump Rock, and so many smaller waves really well. Caught things on the fly, did Walk the Dog and Skin the Cat though I missed the ferries all the way across, but I am sure I'll get them. A full-on creeker like the Machno would not have been nearly as dynamic and responsive. I did the Racer's Line at the Falls and it was fine.
Cons? A few times it would lock into a line, and I would find myself doing several sweep strokes to unlock it. Tom B. said rocking my weight weight forwards or backwards would help with that. We shall see. Leland says to move the seat to center to prevent this, and I may... I wish the seat was easier to move. Also, as some of my friends reported, it does have a tendency to splash the paddler in the face. I used little boof strokes when in wave trains, and/or angling the bow when going through waves or holes to prevent this.
It's also comparable in weight to other modern creekers, that being heavy, and it is a long boat. But it doesn't paddle like one. I would forget that I was in such a long hull.
I have the seat all the way forwards, thigh braces in the middle position. The Scorch rolls easy; not sure anything could roll as easy as the Machno.
I have been in full-slice playboats for months now, so maybe that's why the edges felt great, but they did. Carving into eddys is so sweet. In bigger, pushier water like the Ocoee etc. the stern edges will probably come into play, and I will be anticipating that. No idea how it will do on easy creeks like Sauty or Greenbriar, but I'm hoping to find out this winter.
Compared to the Jackson Nirvana M: The Scorch has good primary stability, but not too much. The Nirvana M I had felt like it had way too much primary stability. As a result I didn't trust the way the Nirvana felt so stable. And the Nirvana would go from supreme primary stability to power-flipping me when the stern caught. There seemed to be no secondary there. It was a light switch, on or off- upright or flipped. I know some people love the Nirvana and I am only speaking for myself.
The Scorch has good primary stability but also feels good in the secondaries. I was doing some goofy things in it just to see, like not paddling at all through Whirlpool and the swirly water after, and leaning way back at the same time, lol. It was fine and I am sure I looked ridiculous but that's kind of my thing.
The Stomper 80, which I still have fond memories of, had poor tracking and was slow. So as a river runner it was not that fun honestly. But on a creek it was really fun. It turned and boofed so easily. It is why I thought I would dig the Machno more than I did, because they are both displacement hull creekers. But - I was working really hard to keep the Stomper straight and didn't realize how much until I tried the Newmad. I was going to buy a Newmad, long story, but it didn't work out so I bought a Machno which is very similar to a Newmad in some crucial ways. I still think there is a market out there for shorter creekboats like the Stomper 80, especially for women. I had the Machno for a year and a half but rarely paddled it. The Machno would feel like a bobby cork at times. It was just a big thing to put on the roof racks and the thigh hooks were in a weird position I could never make right. I have several friends who love their Machnos, it's just personal preference, but I would end up taking the Jackson Antix 2 M instead. The Scorch is something I look forwards to paddling because I know I can carve and surf in it.
Why buy a Machno instead of a Scorch? Confidence builder, no surprises, makes things simple when rapids get complicated, if looking to step up to creeking will take care of you, tracks well, busts through holes, easy to roll.
Why a Scorch instead of a Machno? It may fit your body type better like it does mine, sportier ride, rocker profile goes up and over things, carves well and has good speed.
That's my quick review, from a middle-aged woman who doesn't paddle anything particularly difficult and has a weird hobby of squeezing into slicey playboats.
.jpg)
October 13, 2022
October 7, 2022
September 23, 2022
Dagger Nova brief review
This weekend I got to try my Nova for the first time on the class II Hiwassee. I ran it without any adjustments, just got in it and went, seat in the middle.
The Nova felt narrow to me because of the shape of the bow and high knee position, and at first I thought it would be surprising me. I expected a day filled with stern grab gotchas and they never happened. Instead I learned that it is very forgiving.
The volume behind the cockpit and the long tail of the stern provide a wide platform for lack of a better word. Rocker up front means it doesn't pearl. Rolls are easy.
I'm at 163 lbs, 5'6" and 31 inseam with a history of squeezing myself into slicy boats. I am glad I did not get the Supernova instead. The Nova has a lot more volume around the legs than it appears to from just looking at it. There is plenty of room up front where my shins are. This means a lot of foot room as well. I probably need to add some pads to the hips. The outfitting kit comes with plenty of hip pads and bow foam blocks.
It was only class II, so I can't say what it will do in bigger water. But I was able to put the boat where I wanted no problem and surf anything I chose.
Also I could get the bow under easier than any other boat I have got in my quiver. Maybe I'll finally learn a bow stall.
I was able to initiate the stern in flatwater, and I believe with practice I can get the stern all the way up. Maybe the best term for how I feel about the Nova is "I believe" because it has made me believe I can do flatwater things that have frustrated 56 year old me all these years. The higher knee position is taking my hips some getting used to but it has advantages. I feel like I have more torque in my rotations than having the legs flatter like older designs. My other slicy boats over the years include a Jackson Mixmaster 7.5, Wave Sport XXX in crosslink, Necky Chronic, Wave Sport EZ, Wave Sport EZG-50, and a Pyranha Sub-7 one ball.
The closest thing I have to compare the Nova with is the Mixmaster 7.5, which is a really fun boat! But the Mixmaster 7.5 feels big to me. I never got to try the Mixmaster 7.0 but I suspect it would be too small to be a good river runner for me. The EZG-50 feels 'Just the right size'. But the Nova has the advantages of better outfitting and better leg position over all of the boats I have mentioned. And the Nova doesn't have large foot bumps which is nice as well since my feet never reach the foot bumps anyway, and foot bumps like the ones on the original EZ are something to overcome when trying to initiate the bow.
Cons? The Nova has no grab handles, so it's not going to be good for helping other people in need of a T-rescue. It has two security bars high on the bow and stern. No drain plug which is understandable considering the slicy ends. And a big con is that Novas are so rare it's hard to find any in stock, especially if you want a certain color. Hopefully this is changing and Dagger will have more out there.
I could see this boat being a good choice for women who want something akin to the Wave Sport Siren/Ace series. I look forward to reading other reviews from women about this boat. Alex, Wade, and Matt all have great Nova reviews on their youtube channels, but I haven't seen one from a woman yet. I am a mediocre playboater and would love to see a video review from a woman who can throw down a Nova.
 |
| Me with serious RBF asking if my seat position looks correct. |
I took some comparison photos of the Nova with my 2006 Wave Sport EZG-50:
A few days later we had a evening rolling session at Moon River Launch on the Cahaba, and I was able to take some pics of the Nova next to my friend Terra's Wave Sport Siren, a model that was out in the early to mid 2000's:
As you can see the design of the Nova is similar in many ways to the Siren. However I am not able to fit in a Siren. Since the Siren has a flatter leg position, it has a lot less room inside. As a result the Siren's smaller volume means it is better for smaller women. I really think Dagger could put out a smaller version of the Nova series and it would be popular. As it is, my friends who are in the market for a true small slicy playboat are scrambling to find the remaining Sirens, XXX's, and EZG-42 left out there. All of which were discontinued in the mid to late 2000's.
August 26, 2022
July 17, 2022
Moon River Launch Cahaba 07-16-22
July 14, 2022
Tom Cruise's CAMERAMAN FILMS my FIRST SKYDIVE!! (INSANE FOOTAGE!)
June 30, 2022
June 28, 2022
Beautiful
I posted about my skydiving fears on a beginner's forum and a woman gave this beautiful response:
I have 199 jumps and am STILL scared every single time. That’s the beautiful and therapeutic thing about skydiving. You have to leave everything at the door. All your fears, all your anxiety…you leave it at the door and you let go. And for that one moment…all you can do is BE in that moment. It forces you to be in control and relaxed in chaos. For that one moment, nothing else matters, but to be alive. True freedom. It’s saved my life in my darkest of days and continues to do so everyday. Words don’t exist to truly describe how incredibly beautiful this sport is. There’s nothing like it.
June 26, 2022
June 12, 2022
June 9, 2022
It has been awesome.
Pondering mortality and wanted to mention that I have had so many great adventures, with hopefully years more to come. I also have a creative job and have been able to pursue a lifelong student sensibility, which includes lessons in piano and guitar. I do some hazardous things, but never in a reckless way. Sometimes I take all of these things for granted, and I shouldn't. It has been awesome.
Whitewater kayaking, vertical caving, skydiving, skiing, gravity sports: these things can be very unforgiving. Losing a friend in February in a whitewater accident has really shook up my local paddling group, and we are all in a process of dealing with the reality of her loss. Many of us have returned to the river, because that is where we find peace and tranquility.
And once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you would return. - misattributed to leonardo da vinci but it is true nonetheless.
May 22, 2022
May 14, 2022
April 13, 2022
April 11, 2022
April 10, 2022
Things I didn't buy from March 27 - April 9
A 1985 Jeep.
An Epiphone Korina Flying V.
T-shirts for two different causes (I have too many T-shirts).
A folding saw.
An NRS Outlaw.
An Osprey backpack.
A Fluid Donza
April 8, 2022
March 27, 2022
March 26, 2022
Things I didn't buy in the past two weeks
Here's a new thing I am going to blog about. Let's see. I have had to get rid of a lot of stuff. I am still getting rid of stuff. Only thing is, I'm a gear hound and have an obsession with boat designs and other paddling gear. The fact remains, however, that I must stop buying stuff and continue getting rid of stuff instead.
The past two weeks I had to not buy:
A sewing awl
A coronet (horn)
A Prijon Pike
A campground (Turkey Creek is for sale by the Nantahala)
A woobie
A wheel of imported ricotta salata
A new small throwbag from Zet
A propane torch
A used pair of Vasque Sundowners
A Walther PPK
A 3x3 tarp
A basketball
A Cory Wong Strat
March 22, 2022
Rolls for Carin
March 13, 2022
February 27, 2022
February 23, 2022
February 13, 2022
February 9, 2022
Regarding the death of my friend Carin Buford
I was not on this trip, but was invited. I have spoken to several people who were there. Carin had on a life vest and all other appropriate gear including a drysuit. She was with a strong group of paddlers, on a reasonable water level, in good weather. Her kayak roll abilities were exemplary and the difficulty level of this run was well in her abilities. Her boat was pinned in rocks, upside down in the water, in a freak accident.
As whitewater paddlers we do many things to make our sport as safe as possible. We assess the proper boat choice, gear choice, river difficulty, river level, the strength of the group, the weather forecast, etc. We continually work on our skills, including boat control, river rescue, CPR. Even so, there is inherent risk in our sport as rivers are very dynamic environments. I can think of nothing that could have been done differently or better in this circumstance.
https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2022/02/birmingham-attorney-drowns-in-kayaking-accident-at-desoto-state-park.html?fbclid=IwAR3Bzcw5HJhdOPHSPvzk0hTXb0H4pOyXdlZ-JQ2W6EyzqBGSWXXg35tDniw
February 7, 2022
Sad for the loss of a friend
Sunday February 6, a group of friends went to the West Fork of the Little River, a class II-III run. I had been invited to go but it would be a full day and I chose to do a quick Mulberry trip with Joan and Heather instead.
My friend Carin Buford went on the West Fork trip and was well within her abilities for the run. She was pinned under a rock in an accident. Her crew got to her fast and started CPR until EMS arrived, but she did not survive.
Carin had just stepped up to be a member of the Birmingham Canoe Club board this year. I had approached her asking if she was interested in serving again and she said yes without hesitation. Carin had just accepted the role of Trips and Training coordinator for the club.
I am still in disbelief that she is gone and feel like anything else I would write would just be stupid.
Some things I just can't make sense out of.
February 6, 2022
February 3, 2022
Donate to help treat FTD
If you are interested in helping fund research for FTD treatments in honor of myself and my sister Kathy, please go here:
https://www.classy.org/campaign/the-holloway-fund-for-help-and-hope-in-honor-of-lee-holloway/c283059
FTD
February 1, 2022
Nantahala Cascades Jan 28th 2022
Here is a video I took of some boaters running the Nantahala Cascades in the snow. Air temps in the 20's F, brrrr.