Sat, Aug 10 2013 - Paddle slower, I don’t hear banjos - Chestatee River picnic and sunset (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Lauren, Lisa Participants: Lauren, Lisa, alanpugh, Trena, John V, Ron, SusanF, Francine, Nancy L, Alice, Tim G., Nikki, Lindsey, Stacey, Sandra D, Rachel B, Sarah O., David DeLorme, Maria S

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We met at the carpool in the rain, drove through torrential downpours on 400 to reach Appalachian Outfitters just as the weather cleared. We loaded all 19 kayaks into the river and off we went! We enjoyed a peaceful float, our only company on the river the entire day being a friendly group of three tubers.  

We anchored on a sandy beach and proceeded to lay out our feast of various chicken salads and hummus (or would that be "hummi?"), bleu cheese Waldorf salad, veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, crab empanadas, vegetable ceviche, watermelon, brownies, pound cake, and bundtinis, just to name some of the bounty.

After dining and raising a glass (actually plastic; no actual glass was on this event) together, we shoved off and continued savoring what the river had to offer. We caught glimpses of blue heron, other waterfowl, at least one turtle, wasps' nests, a fantastic pink and then purple sunset, and serenity.

Most of the group chose to continue the adventure at el campesino. We proceeded to close the place down.  Another great day with the AOC!