"Happy Hour on the Hooch" After-Work Rafting Adventure - Wed, Jul 8 2009

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"Happy Hour on the Hooch" After-Work Rafting Adventure


The Basics:
Event Type:Whitewater
Event Location: Chattahoochee River in NW Atlanta between I-285 and US-41
Date(s) & Time:Wed, Jul 8 2009  6:00 pm >> N/A
Registration Opens: Mon, Jun 29 2009 10:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Tue, Jul 7 2009 10:00 pm
Event Duration:3 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Charlie Cottingham
Garret
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:20
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 22 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Late afternoon and evening in midsummer is the perfect time for a leisurely 2-hour float down this popular section of the Chattahoochee between I-285 and US-41.  Steep rocky "palisades" rise from the river on both sides and there's a wilderness aura much like being in the mountains.  This is "where the action was" in the legendary "Ramblin' Raft Races" of the 1970s and 80s, and it's a perfect place to kick back and enjoy a few refreshments while running the easy rapids (Class I or less).

The Trip Leader owns a small fleet of 4-person rafts in excellent condition, and plans to have them pumped up and ready for our group at the Powers Island lot.  Paddles, lifejackets, etc. will also be provided.

Several AOCers have also volunteered to bring their own raft, canoe, or kayak (plus paddles & safety gear) to the event which has made it possible for us to expand the number of paddlers in our group to 20.

We'd like to meet promptly at 6:00 PM at the "Powers Island" parking lot of the Chattahoochee River Nat'l Recreation Area (CRNRA – see below) and launch by about 6:20 PM.  After paddling under the I-285 bridge, we'll pass "Ray's on the River" and the old Riverbend apartment complex.  Our first Class I rapid will be on "river right" near Riverbend, then we'll shoot the thrilling Class-I "Devil's Race Course" rapid.  We'll make an obligatory stop at the famous "Jumping Rock," with leaping into the deep water and swimming optional.  After a shoaly section or two we'll pass under the I-75 bridge and take out on river right at the convenient "Paces Mill" CRNRA ramp just before the US-41 bridge.

The Trip Leader plans have a friend or two pre-parked at the US-41 Take-Out to assist us with shuttling us back up-river (just 3 miles) to our vehicles at the Powers Island Put-In.


Required Items to Bring:
• Wear your Swimsuit, T-Shirt and old Athletic Shoes or tight-fitting Sandals – also perhaps wear a Baseball Cap.  If you wear Sunglasses attach them to a "Croakie" strap.

• Bring a Towel and a dry Shirt and pair of Shorts to change into at the US-41 takeout, stashed in a large Ziploc bag or other waterproof bag(s).

• If you own a Lifejacket, please bring it.  The trip leader will make an effort to have enough (U.S. Coast Guard approved) jackets and throwables for us to be legal and safe.  Also if you own a Paddle, please bring it, although the trip leader expects to have enough on hand.

• Bring a small (preferably soft-sided) personal Cooler with Ice, Water, and your choice of Beverages.  If you bring any alcoholic beverages, they ideally should be pre-poured into a picnic jug or other permanent-style plastic container(s).  GLASS is A STRICT NO-NO on the River (carrying potentially a stiff fine) and cans should also be avoided.  A few snacks, pieces of fruit, etc. in your small cooler would also be appropriate.

• If you're parking in the CRNRA lot, be prepared to pay the $3 Parking Fee in a self-service envelope.		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING DEMAND FOR THIS EVENT (25+ on our wait list) we'd like to expand our limit of paddlers.  If it's convenient for you to bring your own canoe, kayak, or inflated raft (plus lifejacket & paddle) please plan to do so.  If so, please email the trip leaders and let us know if you can provide boat space and paddles/lifejackets for yourself and any other paddlers.


How to Get There:
Event Directions:
 
 

We’ll meet at 6:00 PM Sharp in the Chattahoochee River NRA “Powers Island – Interstate Parkway” parking lot in north metro Atlanta, adjoining the access road just NE of the I-285 bridge over the river.  (The parking lot's "GOOGLE.COM/MAPS address is "RIVEREDGE LANE, ATLANTA, GA 30328.")  This lot is directly across the river from the main Cochran Shoals parking area which is the WRONG PLACE (popular among joggers & dog walkers).  Following are directions from I-285 on Atlanta’s north side:

  

IF DRIVING EASTWARD ON I-285 FROM THE I-75 INTERCHANGE in NW ATLANTA:

1) Get off I-285 at Exit #22, “Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road.”

2) Continue straight ahead for about 0.2 mile to the light at New Northside Drive.

3) Turn left onto New Northside Drive and go about 0.5 mile to the second traffic light (crossing the I-285 bridge).

4) Continue straight ahead (about 0.7 mile) on Interstate North Parkway.
5) Turn right into the CRNRA parking lot just before you cross the river.  A small street sign here reads "1650 Riveredge Parkway" (although the address is actually Riveredge Lane.)

 
IF DRIVING WESTWARD ON I-285 FROM  SANDY SPRINGS, SPAGHETTI JCN, etc:

1) Get off I-285 at Exit #22 “New Northside Drive/ Powers Ferry Rd.”

2) Turn right onto New Northside Drive and go about 0.2 mile to the next light.

4) Continue straight ahead (about 0.7 mile) on Interstate North Parkway.
5) Turn right into the CRNRA parking lot just before you cross the river.  A small street sign here reads "1650 Riveredge Parkway" (although the address is actually Riveredge Lane.)

Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:No Charge – Free event!

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.