The Boys' First Upper Ocoee Kayak Run

Do not be deceived...both were enjoying every moment of this! I mean, John was trying to rescue his brother from going over the falls. It would have meant sure death! I love their imagination :) Little do they know about the strength they are building and the memories they are making!

If you have rafted the Ocoee or know someone who has, more than likely they have paddled the middle section of the river. However, there is another, more powerful section of the river called the Upper or Olympic section. It is the part in which there is a visitors center that commemorates the 1996 Olympic events that were held at the river. There is a huge rapid that likes to eat rafts and kayaks called Humungous. The boys and I have sat many days at that rapid watching the carnage that occurs.  This part of the river only runs on Saturdays and Sundays.

Johnny told Jackson (who is dying to paddle everyday and learn how to roll his kayak) that he would take him to paddle down the river one afternoon as the water starts to slow from the daily release (this means that it is just dribbling water compared to when it is really on). John enjoys the river via paddle board or ducky (2 person inflatable kayak/raft like thing). Neither of those are suitable for running this part. But that is about to change!

In the meantime, enjoy Jackson's first full decent down the Upper Ocoee!

And here they come around the bend!

He schooled that rapid!

 However, the next rapid (Smiley's) was seeking revenge for all that play he and his brother have had on the falls.

 The pre-carnage did make for a super cool kayaking picture though! He eventually completely flipped, but dad was there for the rescue. We have been trying to get him to understand to wet exit (pull the skirt off his boat and get out) when this happens but he never remembers. He pops his head up like a turtle on the side and waits for Johnny to come get him.

 I was worried this might have rattled him a bit, but I get the thumbs up and

 the all forward sign!

I am going to blink, and he is going to be running those rapids when it is full blast! Yikes--I'll make John set up safety with me every time! John will be a nervous wreck with me.

 By the last rapid, he was pretty confident!

After watching them pass the last rapid, John Gannon and I returned to our backyard to await their evening arrival!

Fast forward to the next weekend...Jackson is ready to go again! Except this time, John chimes in that he wants to go down in a kayak. This throws Johnny for a loop because of the safety factor. There is really no way to safely watch after both of them due to the nature and power of the river. However, on this trip, Ted was going so he felt confident enough to let both boys go. I was shocked John Gannon all of a sudden wanted in a hard boat.

JG mastered the first rapid. Jackson is waiting behind the rock. Ted is upstream in the green boat, and Johnny is in the red boat to catch them.

Isn't this just beautiful! (The downstream view.)

Jackson came through as well.

John continued to enjoy and master all the rapids during his first full decent.

It was so fun, they carried their boats up for another run!! If you told me JG would be in a closed boat doing this I would have laughed. What is happening to my safety guy? 

There is nothing sweeter than watching a daddy and his sons have an adventure together!

Daddys, your children desperately need your presence. I am not sure what more important task you can find than investing in the lives of your children. They will soon forget the presents you buy, but will have lasting memories of the things they did when you were present!

Live a Meaningful Life!