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Hooch Palisades Canoe/Kayak Float + Botany & Butterflies!


The Basics:
Event Type:Learn
Event Location: Chattahoochee River in NW Atlanta between I-285 and US-41
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Aug 29 2009  9:00 am >> N/A
Registration Opens: Tue, Aug 4 2009 9:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Aug 28 2009 9:00 am
Event Duration:6 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Charlie Cottingham
Brian Clements
Nancy Kennell
Bobby Marie
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Bring your own canoe or kayak (or rent/borrow one if you prefer) and join Charlie, Nancy, Brian and our friends in the GA Botanical Society for this leisurely float on the Chattahoochee River in northwest Atlanta.  We'll paddle the ruggedly beautiful 3-mile "Palisades" section of the Hooch from Powers Island (just upstream of the I-285 bridge) to Paces Mill (just upstream of the US-41 bridge)—see below for easy directions to the Powers Island put-in lot parking lot.  Our progress through the Palisades' easy-to-moderate Class "1.5" rapids will be punctuated by occasional slower-flowing pools and intentional stops to enjoy and study the extraordinary array of wildlife and late summer wildflowers along the river.  This is expected to be a great trip for butterflies as well.

THANKS to our FRIENDS, the "BOT-SOC-ERs!"  Our chief host for the event will be the well-known local CRNRA ranger/naturalist Jerry Hightower.  Jerry and other nature experts/paddlers from the GA Botanical Society (who proudly call themselves "Bot-Soc-ers!") will point out interesting native plants and animals at the Chinese bamboo grove, Sandy Point, and other scenic points along the river.  We'll stop to enjoy lunch and a short loop walk at "Devil's Stairstep Beach" across the river from the famous "Diving Rock"—with swimming and leaps into the deep water optional.

OUR AOC "SUB-GROUP" WILL GATHER at 9:00 AM at POWERS ISLAND for FREE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & SHUTTLE SETUP:   After introducing ourselves and unloading our boats & gear, we'll first enjoy some coffee, doughnuts and fresh fruit (provided by your AOC event leaders)—then drive our boat-carrying vehicles and at least one large passenger vehicle to the Paces Mill take-out lot (just a 10-minute drive) while someone remains at Powers Island to keep an eye on our boats & gear.  At least one volunteer passenger vehicle driver will return those drivers to Powers Island before our 10:00 AM scheduled gathering time with Mr. Hightower and the other "BotSoc" paddlers.  After the float (about 3:00 PM) this will facilitate boat loading at Paces Mill and shuttle transportation back to Powers Island for those of us who have left vehicles there at the put-in.

FOR OUR HOST-NATURALIST'S COMPLETE EVENT WRITEUP, go to:
http://www.GABotSoc.org/?p=1093


Required Items to Bring:
• Bring your own Canoe or Kayak (or a rented one if you prefer) plus Lifejacket(s) and Paddle(s).  On this section of the Chattahoochee the law requires a least one Coast Guard-approved lifejacket per person (in the boat but not necessarily worn).

• Wear your Swimsuit, a light Shirt, and a Cap or Hat.  Since we'll be getting out of our boats at stops along the float, wear River Shoes (or tight-fitting Sport Sandals or old Athletic Shoes).  If you wear Sunglasses or prescription glasses, consider attaching them to a "Croakie" strap.  If showers are forecast consider bringing a lightweight Raincoat or Poncho.  Don't forget to apply Sunscreen.

• If it's convenient we recommend bringing your (water-protected) Camera, pair of Binoculars, and small hand-held Magnifying Lens for enjoying the late-summer flora, fauna and "micro-objects" that will be discussed. 

• Bring about a half gallon of Water (and/or other Beverages), a light Picnic Lunch and perhaps a couple of other Snack items.  A small cooler might be appropriate for this.  GLASS is A STRICT NO-NO on the River (carrying potentially a stiff fine) and cans should also be avoided.

• If you think you may take a swim (or otherwise get wet), consider bringing a dry Shirt and pair of Shorts to change into at our US-41 take-out (plus perhaps a hand Towel), stashed in a gallon Ziploc bag or other waterproof bag or left in your vehicle if it's there at the take-out.  A small light-weight nylon "Draw-string Daypack" (or other small drawstring bag) is a handy item for stashing your Ziploc(s) inside and then tying to the inside of your boat.  Things that aren't water-protected and secured may get soggy.

• If you're parking in a Chattahoochee River NRA lot, be prepared to pay the $3 cash Parking Fee in a self-service envelope unless you have a valid annual parking pass.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:
 
 

Our AOC subgroup will meet at 9:00 AM 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 (popular among joggers & dog walkers, which is the WRONG PLACE!).  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.)

SHUTTLE SETUP DIRECTIONS: From POWERS ISLAND Put-In parking lot to PACES MILL Take-Out lot:
1) From the Powers Island parking lot Turn Right onto Interstate N Pkwy and go 1 mile to its end at the Cumberland Blvd traffic light. (En route you'll first cross the Chattahoochee bridge, then Powers Ferry Road.)

2) Turn Left onto Cumberland Blvd and go 1.3 mile to about the 4th traffic light at Cobb Pkwy (US-41).
3) Turn Left onto Cobb Parkway and go 0.5 mile to the "Chattahoochee NRA Paces Mill" entrance on your right.  (This is about 100 yds beyond the traffic light at Paces Mill Rd and before the river bridge).
4) Turn Right at this CRNRA sign and follow this entrance road about 0.2 mile -- under the bridge and all the way to the far right corner of the NRA parking lot.  Park as close as possible to the gravel take-out area at the top of the boat ramp, make sure you've taken care of your $3 CRNRA self-service daily parking fee & "mirror receipt" (good at both lots) and hook up with a designated AOC volunteer driver who will shuttle you back to the Powers Island put-in lot.

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.
*Note:

If you're confirmed for this event and determine that you can't participate, please remove yourself from our roster ASAP by clicking on "Delete your Registration" at the bottom of this event article.  This will make room for someone from our wait list.