|
|
|
 Mike & Mark's Excellent Adventure  It all started as an email wanting information on kayak rentals and ended with this 2010's longest paddling trip to date! Local resident Mark Gibbons was looking for kayak rentals for him and his visiting brother, Mike, to use while they were planning a 4-day hiking and paddling trip. Since SMK does not provide rentals, owner TonyB suggested paddling options to include overnight kayaking and camping. That's how it all began.  The plan was simple. The M&M brothers were looking for more paddling versus "camp lounging" with only a short paddle. They decided on paddling the length of Tellico Lake from Harrison Branch boat ramp to the Loudon Dam boat ramp with visits to some of the historical sites, camping on one of the numerous islands, and taking a side paddle up Citico Creek.  Tellico Lake, 33 miles in length and 357 miles of shoreline, is the result of the impoundments of the Little Tennessee River and Tellico River since the late 70's after a much debated controversy against TVA for the right to purchase the lands for this project. Monday morning we began our journey at the boat ramp with a kayak for each of us and one extra kayak, "Large Marge," to carry extra luxury gear such as folding chairs, two large coolers with ice, drinks, and our evening dinners, 3 gallons of fresh water, and extra clothing since we were in the transition between warmer and colder weather. The air was cool, and the waters were calm as we glided over the mirror-like early morning waters. Our first sights were on Citico Creek! The gin-clear waters of Citico Creek, famous for the annual Buffalo fish spawning migration, were clear and cold as we paddled along looking for the seldom seen otters and beavers. This was a perfect place for Mike and Mark to practice their new paddling skills, for this was the first time either one had paddled a kayak. With some coaching from TonyB, the boys were well on their way to a life of kayaking which will include the spouse-dreaded "kayak purchase fever"!  Our next stop was a few miles further as we headed back into Tellico Lake in a westerly direction to the Chota Memorial. We followed an osprey flying high overhead, leading the way. The Chota Memorial is a full scale representation of the Council House and sits in the same location of the original structure. The pillars that outline the structure each represent one of the Clans of the Cherokee Indians of the council. At the entrance lies the original grave of Chief Oconostota from the 1700's, which was uncovered during an archaeological survey prior to the impoundment of the Tellico River. He was identified by a pair of reading glasses that he owned which were buried with him in his canoe. After lunch and paying our respects, we headed back to our kayaks and off to our next historic site, Fort Loudon.  Two hours of steady paddling along the relatively quiet waters of the Tellico, we would arrived at the northern banks of the Fort Loudon Historical Area island. With 45 minutes left to paddle, we could see the building structures within the fort's outer walls made of vertical logs that had been carved to deadly points. The original structure was built in 1756 and lasted until 1760. This remote outpost was the home of British soldiers and settlers of the Overhill Valley territory with the "on and off" relationship with the local Cherokee Indian clans. On site is a museum, gift shop, and theater for an informative 15 minute movie about the fort during the French and Indian War era.  We explored the grounds and buildings for about an hour as we marveled at the remarkable job in the authentic reconstruction of the fort. Now it was time to focus on arriving to our campsite with a couple of hours of daylight for setting up tents, collecting wood, and preparing our meals.  Our campsite was an island located at the mouth of the Island Creek tributary with Tellico Lake. This particular island has been camped on since the dam was completed in 1979, based on some of the date carvings in a rather large birch tree. Another well known seasonal resident are the Canadian Geese that use the island for nesting. Several nests were spotted, and we made an effort to stay away from these sites and the honking parents. The evening was peaceful as we sat around our campfire and planned our next day paddle to the Loudon dam boat ramp. While listening to the NOAA weather broadcast, we learned of the next day's 60 percent chance of rain showers and decided that it would consist of exclusively paddling the 15 miles with minimal stops.  The next morning we were packed and sliding our kayaks off the island banks by 8:30, with a light mist beginning to sweep over the area. Luckily TonyB provided kayaking dry tops as the mist became a steady light rain with occasional heavier rains throughout the morning. It's always amazing how the rain changes the dynamics of the lake by flattening the waters and how quiet the air becomes with just the sound of paddles slicing through the water. Mark and Mike's paddling techniques increased as impromptu mini races would breakout each time they happen to be paddling next to each other as the miles dwindled down with each sibling competition.   Six hours later, with only one shore break for a quick snack, we paddle past Hells Bend, and off in the distance, we spot the boat ramp with white sponsor tents for the upcoming $125,000 bass fishing tournament starting the following day. It's alway bittersweet to end a paddling trip for SMK, happy that all plans and expectations have been fulfilled without any incidents, while knowing that the adventure is coming to a conclusion. Within the hour, we have loaded the kayaks back on the trailer, stowed our wet gear, and headed for Nater's Sports Bar and Grill in Maryville for a celebration toast and a hot early supper! Thanks Mike and Mark for allowing SMK to be part of your family memories and for getting TonyB out of his "logistical comfort zone" with a one-way 30+ mile tour. It was truly our pleasure to be part of your excellent adventure! Happy Paddling! -Smoky Mountain Kayaking  For those looking for a similiar adventure or maybe less ambitious miles per day Kayak camping trips, contact SMK and let us put together a custom adventure like we did for Mark & Mike. |
|
|
|
|
|
