Last week the southeast was graced with the most monumental event in the last two years, the end of the drought. Well, for a while at least we experienced relentless precipitation resulting in some much needed natural flow. I decided to take the opportunity to take my long time sidekick Mark Miller and Brevard College’s own Jon “Square Head” Shannon to a fork of the Oconaluftee River over the hills in Swain County. We got a late start due to a long lived birthday celebration the night before, and arrived to find a perfect water level.

The first rapid of this super secret run, let’s call it “Python”, sets the tone for the rest of the day.

At low water, it’s a tight, undercut experience. This fateful day we found the undercuts full of soft cushy water, which Jon was grateful for.

Everyone had stylish lines that would have made their mama’s proud.  We continued our way down the river stopping to scout, catch our breath, and calm our nerves.  After portaging a very significant waterfall, we came to the place known as the most out of control I’ve ever been in a river going vessel.  The plan was for me to run it first, but I told Mark and Jon not to watch, just to give me 30 seconds and come on.  Knowing that the chances of me having a less than aesthetic line were at least 50% I figured it would be better for them to operate on blind faith.  

So this particular rapid is called Mike Tyson’s Punchout.  Having survived this rapid in my C1 on numerous occasions I should have no problem in a K1, right?  I mean, you aren’t supposed to flip on slides when you don’t have an offside.  Well, this Green Race Champ didn’t stand a chance against undisputed heavyweight champ Mr. Tyson.  I ran the entrance, got pushed a little right as expected, and never recovered.  I proceeded to run the slide on the far right careening at high speed while in the back seat into a wicked curler.  Bam, I flipped, making firm chin-rock contact followed by a solid helmet-eyebrow blow.  The classic uppercut left hook combo.  I rolled quickly and ran the bottom 10′ upright.  Shit, I hope Jon and Mark make it.  Fortunately, Jon had a bumpy run but managed to block the punches and Mark styled that shit.

Upon arriving in the eddy below the drop I noticed a healthy stream of blood coming from my chin.  I was just happy to have all my teeth, a tongue, and a one piece lower jaw.  Since Jon is blind and Mark wouldn’t look at it, I had to snap this pic to do a little self diagnosis.  What I saw looked like a new mouth.  

We ran the rest of the rapids, firing off one of the most picture perfect boofs of all time.  The runout was nice and full of water and we were thankful for the rain we had gotten.  Here’s Mark opting out of the cave:

On our way back to Asheville, I called up a dear friend of mine who just so happens to be a doctor.  I told her there was a possibility I might need a stitch or two, so she told us to stop by.  Much to Mark and Jon’s excitement, she said it was a definite stitcher.  She offered to grab a needle and thread so I obliged.  I wound up with 6 stitches in my chin and a badass black eye.  Sometimes, no matter how much you train, even a Green Race Champion gets taken down.  Perhaps I should have watched this video a little closer.

Thule Bheri Kayaking Video #1 from Lunch Video Magazine on Vimeo.

Recently a team of kayakers ventured into the heart of Nepal to paddle the Thule Bheri River. Follow their trip here at lvmvideo.com as we feature different segments of their trip through the upcoming weeks.

On another note, we also have T-shirts available for the first time in three years!
Check out the LVM Store

I woke up this morning bummed about how it always rains as final exams come around. It hasn’t rained in North Carolina in years, and here I am about 5 days from graduating from college and we get hammered. Last night I told myself to stay strong, it will rain again, and I should take advantage of not having classes today to get some good studying in. Then I talked to Joe Barkley and Ronnie Dillbeck and everything changed. They were heading out to check out an unexplored little microcreek somewhere deep in the hills of Western North Carolina. Screw it, I’m in, I can stay up all night studying. So here are some nice photos of the more memorable rapids.

This is what we saw at the put in. Huge slide. About a 20′ steep drop into a little roostertail pinch, onto a screaming right hand roostertail that set us up for lift-off. After landing stern first mega boof style, you fly down through another pinch, then dodge left, dodge right, and try and miss any football players coming in for the side tackle. It was sick. The only problem is it is literally in someone’s back yard. We never condone trespassing, but luckily no one was home.

This is the second half of the big put-in slide.

After the big slide at the put in, we had to portage a big log in a pinch where the river was about 3′ wide.  Then there were about 4 drops of 15′-20′ which were quality.  Here’s a weak shot looking upstream at the third drop and Joe in the zone.  

After about a mile of tight, steep gorge goodness, we hit a spell of flatwater.  The creek meanders through the rhodo but there were surprisingly few logjams and only one emu.  Ronnie was so scared of the emu he decided to boof this sweet little drop.

Next up was this chaucy drop.  Right of center was pretty smooth.  Left was a ‘ton from hell and right was a clapper for sure.  It was fun.  Then there was a huge horizon line.  Turned out to be about a 20′ onto solid rock.  Luckily, we found a way to portage/sneak it down the side.

Mr. Dilbeck thankful to save his once broken back for another day of heavy lifting.

After this were some more fun slides and a meandering class I+.  We got to the car in about 2 hours.  If nothing else, let this tale of nonmisadventure fire you up to get out there and keep looking.  There’s still tiny little gems to be had.  Get you’re topo’s out, there’s more rain on the horizon.

The video below is the trailer for Trey Chase’s film about Asheville local Nate Ballenger. This is truly one of the most significant multi-sport undertakings the world has seen over the last decade.

The Link Up & LVM 28 Premiere-Ashevillle 12/11 from Lunch Video Magazine on Vimeo.

Here is a look at the endangered Aguanish River in far eastern Quebec as seen on LVM #28.

LVMTV: Aguanish River, Quebec from Lunch Video Magazine on Vimeo.

We will see you there!

Everybody’s brewery just opened this summer it is so hot right now.  The owners Doug and Christine let us premier lvm 28 there last Friday night.  They were stoked to have all the paddlers show up and take over the restaurant and welcomed any future paddling video premiers.  I am definitely looking forward to spending time here in the future.  It went great despite the computer I was using was a little overpowered and skipped a bit.  So many paddlers came out to to have a good time I think they sold a record number of Schmidt cans.  Consequently, debauchery ensued….(all the photographs in this post are courtesy of KeelBrightmanPhotography.blogspot.com)

LVM Holiday Commercial from Lunch Video Magazine on Vimeo.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Here is the link to the Holiday Specials.

Hey everyone I was just sent this email from Liz Ferrin, long time marketing guru at Teva. I want to put this out there so we can get as many faxes in as possible. Today is the last day.

thanks and all the best,

John Grace

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Dear Friends,

Today is the moment you’ve all been waiting for – your chance to make a difference. PUBLIC COMMENT TO THE BLM ON THIS ISSUE WILL CLOSE AT 4:30 PM MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME TODAY. While emailed comments will not be accepted, faxes are!

Please fill in your name, address, city and state in the signature block at the end of the letter below, then fax to: Attn: Selma Sierra at 801-539-4013.

Please feel free to customize this letter with any thoughts about your experiences recreating in these landscapes, specific parcels you are concerned about, or any other relevant messaging.

Thank you for taking the time to care about this important issue. Today is the last day for public comment, so make it count.

Sincerely,

Liz

************************************************************************************
PLEASE FAX THE LETTER BELOW WITH ANY ADDITIONS YOU SEE FIT. AS WELL FEEL FREE TO GIVE SELMA A CALL OR AN EMAIL

Ms. Selma Sierra
State Director
Bureau of Land Management
Utah State Office
P.O. Box 45155
Salt Lake City, UT 84145

Phone: 801-539-4001
Fax: 801-539-4013
Email: Selma_Sierra@blm.gov

Dear Ms. Sierra,

I was recently disheartened to hear that the Bureau of Land Management is conducting an oil and gas lease sale on December 19, 2008 for lands proposed for Wilderness designation in America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act, introduced in the 110th Congress by Sen. Durbin (D-IL) and Rep. Hinchey (D-NY).

BLM intends to sell leases in incomparable wilderness-caliber landscapes like Desolation Canyon and the White River, in addition to lands near National Park Service units. While perhaps lower profile, these lands are no less important for their wilderness values, or, in the case of Nine Mile Canyon, for its cultural significance.

I urge you to cancel any leases that the BLM sells at its December 19th lease sale that are located in lands proposed for Wilderness designation in America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

 
Gragtmans Canada Teaser from Lunch Video Magazine on Vimeo.

Chris Gragtmans sent in a piece detailing his summer travels in Canada, from big water playboating to first descents and creek racing. Featuring the great monster waves of Canada such as Buseater and High Tension, as well as the Rip Cup team race event. Full coverage in one of the best LVM issues yet…. LVM 28. Cali vs. Quebec.