While traveling south through
Vermont, we tried to secure a campsite at the Jamaica State Park. We were told that no campsites were available
due to “Whitewater Weekend”. We were
able to find a site in a nearby Army Corp of Engineers Campground, Winhall
Brook. Since we’ve had a little
experience with whitewater kayaking, we were anxious to find out what this
special weekend was all about.
The following morning we
headed down to the Park. Literally, hundreds of kayakers, canoeists, and rafters had already filled the area. Vendors were on site selling kayaks, life
jackets, wet suits, and assorted paraphernalia for anyone that might be inspired at the last minute to
join the fun and challenge. The waters
above the Ball Mountain Dam are released into the West River just above the
Park. Class II to Class IV rapids are
produced by the controlled release once a year, usually the last weekend of
September.
A former rail bed now
provides a 3-mile trail along the side of the river providing a perfect vantage
point for park visitors who want to watch rather than participate. At the bottom of the run, trucks are lined up
to carry the individuals and their vessels, for $15 for the day, to the Cobb
Brook Bridge where they start the run.
The local high school had a food wagon selling coffee, hot soup, pulled
pork, chili and a variety of baked goods as a fundraiser. They had a steady stream of customers. I’m sure those individuals who had been in the
water on this chilly morning were most appreciative of their presence.
We stayed for quite a while
watching the participants find their way downriver, and almost wished we were
in the water with them.
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Eskimo Roll sequence |
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He makes this look easy |
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It's not |
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We tried |
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We never mastered the technique |
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Job well done! | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Several kayakers got thrown on this rapid |
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Rescuer onshore |
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Successful rescue! |
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