5/27/2012: Big Laurel Cr., US-70 - Hot Springs

With: Chris Kelly
 
I was enroute to meet Jennifer and Paula at the Chattooga, but was so late I slept near Asheville. In the morning I ran into Chris Kelly, and I was still late -- like, half a day late! -- so Chris and I ran Big Laurel instead.

Painted gauge of -7" was probably a true canoe zero. We never had to get out of our boats, but there was a bit of "skooching" over rocks. Kayak zero is probably -5".

The French Broad was running around 1,600 CFS when we exited Big Laurel Creek for the three miles of French Broad into Hot Springs.
1. The Painted gauge in the US25/70 bridge
2. Chris Kelly on Big Laurel Creek
3. Chris Kelly on Stairstep; Big Laurel Creek
4. Chris Kelly on Stairstep; Big Laurel Creek
5. Chris Kelly on Stairstep; Big Laurel Creek
6. Chris Kelly on the ledge above Suddy Hole; Big Laurel Creek
7. Chris Kelly at Suddy Hole; Big Laurel Creek
8. Chris Kelly at Suddy Hole; Big Laurel Creek
9. Richard Hopley at The Narrows; Big Laurel Creek
10. Richard Hopley at The Narrows; Big Laurel Creek
11. Richard Hopley at The Narrows; Big Laurel Creek
12. Richard Hopley below The Narrows; Big Laurel Creek
13. The Narrows; Big Laurel Creek
14. Chris Kelly on Big Laurel Creek
15. Chris Kelly on Frank Bell's Rapid, French Broad River
16. Chris Kelly on Frank Bell's Rapid, French Broad River
17. Chris Kelly on Frank Bell's Rapid, French Broad River
18. Chris Kelly on Frank Bell's Rapid, French Broad River