Over the weekend, we camped out in north Helen, GA.
We launched our kayaks at Appalachian Outfitters in Dahlonega, GA for a six mile section of the river. I have a sit-on kayak and Chuck has a sit-in kayak. (He had gone a few weekends before me with some other friends. Even earlier we made a weekend trip to the Blue Springs in Marianna, Florida.) There were a few on paddle boards and other kayakers that were there to fish.
Our trip on the water was about a 2 1/2 hour trip. The waters weren’t bad and it’s a good one for beginner kayakers. Just like anywhere else, you can tip over but the water is not deep as you can stand in most places.
Big Bend Beach is roughly at the halfway point and is a good spot to grab a bite. We didn’t stop, but there were some fellow river rats sunning and having lunch. Towards the end are the three rapids, YeeHaw, Bass in the Boat, and Last But Not Least.
The takeout is after the last rapids on the left. There’s a concrete area with steps to take yourself and gear back to your vehicle or shuttle if you used an outfitter.
Canoe, Kayak and Tubing Trips Down the Chestatee River near Dahlonega
The Chestatee River is about a 2 hour drive from Atlanta, GA and having an enjoyable time can be a good day trip or a weekend getaway in the mountains of North Georgia.
There are several outfitters that you can use to go down the Chestatee River. But you don’t have to use these outfitters if you have your own.
Chestatee River Adventures
The Chestatee River Adventures offers single and tandem kayak rentals and tube trips for rent. You can make your reservation online on their website, www.chestateeriveradventures.com
Appalachian Outfitters
Appalachian Outfitters is located nearby and they have tube, kayak, and canoe rentals for your river adventure. Book online with them at www.canoegeorgia.com.
Cathy Gray is a natural adventurer in her personal and professional life. She adapts to overcome while maintaining an infectious laugh that will make you smile.
Professionally, Cathy currently works for an industrial hose and hydraulics company. While she was a green-horn in the hose business, she spearheaded the company’s eCommerce site from the ground up from a blank canvas to live and selling within 6 months. She continues to grow the company’s online and digital presence while increasing sales year over year.
First weekend of May, also the weekend of Mother’s Day, I ventured to Blue Springs in Marianna, Florida with some other kayakers. I did not take my dog, Sam with me this time.
I did however took my mom on an adventure for the weekend.
In all of her worldly travels out camping with her international troop, this is something that she had never done before. My mom doesn’t even know how to swim, but after a bit of convincing she was ready to come along.
As you can see, someone had a great time relaxing on the water.
On the way to Burgess Falls, TN, I decided to take a detour since I had some time. There were so many waterfalls to see and the trails to see them were very short. All of them were under 0.75 of a mile.
The names of the waterfalls that I saw are escaping me right now, but I have some nice photos of them.
A college friend of mine moved out Las Vegas after graduation. She has visited on several occasions and it was time to pay her a visit. We went to Emerald Cove last summer (2021).
For this trip I took a few days off and made it an extended weekend vacation. (Weekend vacations are always the best.) It ended up well with a round trip for less than $125 as well!
What’s really neat about Emerald Cove is that during a certain time of the day, when the sun hits the water the right way, the reflection illuminates the cave like an emerald.
On a trip last summer (2021) to Emerald Cove, I saw a young pup on a paddle board and I immediately thought of my pup, Sam.
From a distance, we exchanged some words and it was the pups first time out on the water.
A few weeks ago, I got the Intex Challenger K2 and took Sam with me. He is always up to go for a ride, but had no idea he was going kayaking.
Same really doesn’t mind the shoes.
Sam typically doesn’t wear his shoes, but never been on an inflatable kayak and the last thing I was worrying about was his nails puncturing a hole in it.
Instead of K2 Challenger, the name is now K9 Challenger 😊
Got the kayak inflated and ready to go. Set it in the water and got in first. Called Sam to get in a few times, but he was more interested in the lake water (gross). But after he quenched his thirst, he jumped right on it.
Pushed off and ready to go!
Sam was a bit shaky and nervous at first, but quickly got use to it. I only had to tell him to sit down a few times. The last thing I’d want to do was him jumping in and having to pull him back in.
About halfway to the falls, he turned and turned me into his bed. Sam was definitely comfortable and felt safe in the new environment.
Sam was getting comfortable. Not even halfway there.
Made it to Burgess Falls. His shoes kept getting caught between the loose rocks and coming off, so they stayed off.
I think Sam is picking up a new sport of bouldering, but it’s probably just me.
I’ve always wondered what goes on in Sam’s head when we go places. What are his thoughts his emotions. Just like any doggo owner, I wish I could speak to him and he would talk back.
Sam in his thoughts people watching.
On the way back to the Rec Center, Sam comfortably laid down most of the way and he wasn’t so close to me.
I’m so glad that Sam wasn’t scared on this trip. This means I can take him on the water more often.
