EOW!

Danielle was kind enough to e-mail us some of the pictures she took on our climbing/rappeling trip as well as a few from Joe’s daily outings on the river.

I snapped this picture using the app “Hipstamatic” on Joe’s iPhone. It’s pretty sweet and really captures Samuel’s feelings about his leg (and also makes me reeeeaaaalllly want an iPhone).  On another note, Sam’s back at the vet - a different one this time - getting stitches. His leg hasn’t been healing how we would’ve liked, so I took him for a second opinion.  Another $100 later he’s finally getting fixed up.  Please send positive tip vibes Joe & I’s way so we can make some $$ to help cover this expensive little pooch!

Much love from the south!

Jess

Hiking and Redneck Archery

Sam’s been bummin pretty hard about his lack of adventures since his little incident on Thursday. Joe & I decided to take the muttski on a mellow hike yesterday (and keep him on leash) just to get him out of the house. We hit up the profile trail because it’s close and mellow.

(The view over Foscoe)

(Family Photo)

Jake and Danielle are kidless for the week as Lydia is up with her grandparents and the boys are at camp.  Joe & I headed up to their house when I got off work to hang (and of course let the Sam & Sundance play).  Danielle and I were inside chatting when the boys came it to show us their “creation.”  I am proud to introduce you to “Redneck Archery.”  

And as a nice little ender, we took Sam’s bandages off last night to let his wound breathe for the evening.  I couldn’t resist taking a picture.  

With Love from the South,

Jess, Joe & Sam

Rock Slides, Swimming Holes, & Vet Visits

Joseph & I are taking advantage of every day off he has because starting next week they’re going to be few and far between.  This past Thursday Joe and I had one of those days off. We decided to go back to Upper Creek Falls and check out the swimming hole and rope swing we missed the time before.  Jake, Danielle & 2 of their kids (along with puppy) and our friend Hogan decided to join us in the fun.  After a short hike in we came upon our destination. Needless to say everyone (dogs included) had a blast.  Sam even got in on a  little rock slide action!

We were about 5 minutes from the car on our hike out when one of the kids noticed Sam’s hind leg was bleeding.  We’re not sure how he did it and it didn’t seem to bother him at all, but it wouldn’t stop bleeding.  The poor little guy bled the whole car ride back to the shop & then some. Joe & I decided it was in his best interest to head to the nearest vet & get him checked out.  Luckily he didn’t need to get stitches, but he cut himself pretty good and has to be mellow and take antibiotics for a week. We’ll see on the mellow part.  For now he’s rocking a pretty sweet bandage - which makes him look a lil more “b.a” than he already is.  

With love from the dirty south!

Jess

Killin Time

After a few busy days last week we've had some free time the last couple of days. We got out last friday with the EOW crew to take some new rappelling and climbing photos at our climbing site, Lost Cove Cliffs. Hopefully be seeing our beautiful faces in the new brochure or FB page. 

The crew on top of Lost Cove 

Our fearless leader Jake 

Jess and I taking in the scenery 

On Sunday I took a solo mission over to Big Rock on the Noli. This is the third Sunday in a row I have made the trip. I had a great session on a beautiful night with only a few other paddlers. Big Rock is the last local play spot in (local meaning an hour away) and was at about 580 cfs. I was still able to throw ends/loops/back loops, but was hitting bottom on a few attempts. Hopefully we get some rain this week to keep the level above 500 cfs, but its doubtful. 

Yesterday Jess and I both had the day off and made the trip down to Asheville again. We love the feel of the city and like to walk around downtown checking out the various local shops. We had lunch at the Laughing seed again (an amazing vegetarian restaurant), walked around downtown looking for a dress as Jess has wedding to attend later this summer, and went to Barnes and Noble picking up a few magazines. 

Its back to work now and making that money! Riz 

Days off...

Sorry we haven't posted in a while. We've been super busy with work & other adventures - not to mention we don't have interweb at our house. We'll make sure to post some new pics & whatnot in the next couple of days when we have some more time (and can steal internet from somewhere). In the meantime, headed to Asheville for our day off. 

Happy Summer Solstice!

Buzz Kills

Joe and I have loved Sundays off together. It usually includes a trip somewhere for Joe to paddle and Sam & I to hang out. This Sunday we went back to Big Rock on the Nolichucky in Tennessee.  Joe was having a great session & I made friends with some of the campers.

Sam and I were having a blast in the warm weather watching Joe paddle.  

Unfortunately, 3 things happened that afternoon to take the fun away.

#1: Red Bull down: Joe lost his energy beverage to a fall onto sharp rocks

#2: Water to the head: Joe got worked by the wave & lost his earplugs 

#3: Paddle Down: The session Ender

Sam and I had a buzz kill moment of our own yesterday while hiking the profile trail. For those of you who know Sam, you know he loves to hike. You also know he doesn't like to be on-leash while hiking.  About a mile into our hike we ran into the friendly "forrest ranger," who informed us it was the law to keep your dog on leash. Upon asking for a place to go where Sam can roam free, his response was.. "go to a dog park." Thanks genius. 

One very annoyed little puppy.

In the meantime, I'm going to do some research & pick as many locals brains as possible to find out where I can take Sam & not get busted by "the man."

Btw, Joe's convinced he's got a bug stuck in his ear. Here he is with the "ear wax" candle trying to get it out. Very entertaining to say the least.

Water in NC

Sam and I have been out exploring in the downtime while Jess has been at work. We've been checking out some waterfalls and local creek runs. Check em out! 

View from Brown Mountain Overlook on the way to Wilson's Creek 

Boat eater on Wilson's Creek 

Another drop on Wilson's creek 

Rock Slide on Wilson's creek 

Elk River Falls

Montana boy Evan Garcia running Elk Falls earlier this year 

Hope to get some rain and run Wilsons soon. More importantly time to find a new paddle as I broke mine in half playing at Big Rock on the Noli yesterday. 

Peace from the east! Riz 

Our New Place!

Joe and I made the "big move" through the trees & up the hill to our new place yesterday! We couldn't have been more lucky to have found it! It's an apartment on top of a garage which is separate from a 4 bedroom house (which is currently empty until the end of July).  It was so nice to unpack our things knowing we're going to be there for a while. 

A side view of our place

Our living room

Kitchen

Living room/kitchen/front door (the bathroom is back there too)

Our bedroom

Joe's "man cave"

The main house

The view

Dirty Dogs

Sam and Sundance went off exploring with Jake's kids this morning. This is what they looked like when they came back.

Back to city life - for a day at least.

Joe & I both had the day off on Monday & decided to drive the hour & a half to Asheville.  We've heard wonderful things about Asheville and it surely didn't disappoint. As much as I enjoy being in a small town, I would be lying if I said I didn't miss the city at all. I love the sounds and smells of a bigger city. I didn't get a good picture of the city, but found a decent one online to give you an idea of what Asheville is like.

It reminded me a lot of a bigger Missoula or Boulder.  Joe and I found a FANTASTIC vegetarian restaurant downtown.  It's safe to say that it rivals Sage's in SLC for tastiness. Joe got some giant burrito thing & I got a "Sloppy Joe."  It was so pretty when it came out I had to take a picture of it.

After wandering downtown for a bit (and doing some window-shopping), Joe & I headed just outside of town to check out "shit-hole," a kayak wave at the ledges whitewater park. Unfortunately, levels weren't where they needed to be, so Joe didn't get a chance to paddle. Fortunately though for me, it's another excuse to head to Asheville!

Big Rock on the Nolichucky

Jess and I both had the day off yesterday so we headed down to the Nolichucky in search of a play wave. Although only 50 miles away it takes a lot longer to get anywhere on these mountain roads. We drove into Tennessee, over Roan Mountain National Forest, crossed the Appalachian Trail back into North Carolina, missed a turn/had to find out where we were, missed the turn for Jaws, crossed back into Tennessee over the Appalachian Train, looked for lunch in Erwin TN, and finally showed up at Big Rock. 

Big rock is a hole that comes into play below 900 cfs. A great spot when the levels are low. Located at RiverPark Campground right outside of Erwin, TN. 

Surfing 

Taking a break with Sam 

Looping! 

We have another day off today and headed to Asheville after breakfast!