Sat, Jun 25 2016 - Toccoa River Canoe Trail Paddle/Wilderness Camping (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Grant Brown, Todd M Participants: Grant Brown, Todd M, Silvia, amy stadler, Sondra, Kristi, Michael Johnson, Debbie G, Celina, Cathy, Scott Kozlowski, Joe G, Luke Warren, Hugh Baker, Bill, Cheryl P, Clay Davies

Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters did an outstanding job hosting our event.  We arrived to music and snack bags!  It was VIP treatment all the way.  Thanks so much to owner Andrew Bruce and his three Eagle Scout helpers for such an amazing effort from river guiding to shuttling to craft beer growlers, and even French press coffee!  We put in at Deep Hole for a nice three hour tour down to the famed Swinging Bridge campsite of the Benton McKay Trail.  The guys had reserved a gorgeous area on the river where we set up tents for 21 campers.  We arrived early, so we launched into several impromptu jam sessions, swimming, and finally happy hour.  We were a short distance from the swinging bridge, which live up to its name very convincingly; especially after dinner viewing the stars in the night sky.  We had a nice warm beginning to the night with a cooler morning.  Most of us had to double up on cover mid-night to stave off the chill.  After the dinner the Atlanta Outdoor Band delivered with a three hour concert up to quiet time and then quietly beyond with a few softer tunes.  On day two it was so nice to get out on the river early at 0900.  Unfortunately, the river was low and there was much negotiation of rocks to find the single channel through most rapids.  We had lot of getting stuck and even a few flips.  The dog leg rapid directly below the bridge is notoriously difficult and Kristi and I quickly discovered our canoe would not fit the curve before taking a slow tip and dip in the morning water.  It was a nice way to wake up!  Everyone had a fantastic time.  Thanks so much for all the kind words.  It was a really special water, wilderness, and musical experience.  Thanks to Luke, Todd, Kristi, Scott, and Michael for some great live music performances.  Thanks again to LBO and all the AOC members who participated and to all the AOC volunteers for coordinating this awesome paid event!  Here is a link to our photos.