Kayaking on The French Broad River NC

Today was kind of a day for us to have fun. Some of the Exodus staff were/are still making their way here from across the country tonight and tomorrow. Most of us went kayaking on the French Broad River for seven miles that runs through the Biltmore Estate.

The Biltmore … kind of nice. I mean, if you had to live in a bajillion dollar mansion … it’d do. We floated past it and it is gargantuan.

Right at where we put in I got stuck on the rocks. I had a bit of a panic as I took on some water. Flashes of last year’s epic adventure flashed in my head. But, eventually I got through them and was on my way.

Eventually I found my pace and learned to navigate through the white-water … ok, it was only a couple of ripples here and there but I have a great imagination.

It was a very broad river but I didn’t see anything particularly French about it. It was dark water but no worries about gators (we just ignored the idea of snakes altogether.) I had a great talk with several of our team and it was just great. Scott and I traded stories of our growing up as kids who loved running around in the woods near our homes.

We worked the river but it was really leisurely. Quite different than my usual Florida haunt (Rainbow River) which is a total cake walk. unlike the aberration of the epic adventure (The Wekiwa River.)

As for wildlife, we saw one otter, a heron (?) and a bunch of geese. Sometimes fish would jump but nothing big.

Our crew eventually broke off into two parties. I was the anchor of the old people party while the youngin’s went flying down the river. There was one point where it was completely silent, and I wasn’t stuck on *any* rocks … for about five minutes … and it was very cool. We were on the river about 2 hours and 15 minutes. I wish I could do the river again now that I have a feel for it.

Speaking of feeling … I got good little burn today :). Not too terribly bad because I did put on sunscreen … but some good sun is settling in.

Later in the day I got to play “bubbles” with the Chambers kids. They have these VERY cool bubble blowing machine things. We had fun chasing those around. Then, more staff and conference staff arrived (and keep arriving.) It’s been a great day for fellowship and catching up with one another. Tomorrow the rest of the staff and Board of Directors come in … very fun!

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Tagged as: Conference, Exodus, Fun, gator, kayaking, Life, People, River, Rock, Sun, water, Wekiwa, Wildlife, Youngin's