Sipsey River (Hwy 33 - 278)

April 9, 2006

Me (Brian), Barry and Chris paddled from Hwy 33 to Hwy 278. Total mileage was 12 miles which included 11 miles on the Sipsey, 0.7 Miles on the Rock Creek (??), and ~ 0.3 on Grindestone Crk. It was a pretty quiet paddle. The river was a bit swollen and was cloudy due to the previous storms. CFS was in the 800's according to the Grayson gauge. We payed special attention to possible new camping spots as well. For the first time the wind was at our backs for the last 5 miles of the trip which was a wonderful change.
At the end of the trip I spoke to a couple of guys that just finished-up paddling from the Rec area to Mims. They each had MadRiver Explorer 16 canoes and said they had no difficulties paddling the swollen river; even at 100 yard dash. One of the guys carried their 7 year old son on his first real canoe trip, whom of which I failed to meet and congratulate.