The day started boring at New River Academy with a study hall session. But hey, we gotta get it done, right? Immediately afterward we were going to the Lower Gauley. But somehow, I ended up riding in Clay Wright's big truck with a yellow lab in my lap on the way to do my first run of the Upper Gauley!

It was AWESOME. I spent the day trying to keep up with endless kickflips, splatwheels, rock spins, and even a sweet pogo flip off of a little ledge in a slot. Clay showed me all the creeky lines and I'm happy to say I usually followed.

The rapids that stick out in my memory are Pillow, Iron Ring, and Sweets Falls. I was proud to stay upright past the Pillow itself, only to be mystery moved by the sweet Volkswagon pourover at the end. We did the traditional leap into Pillow Rapid, where the water is so aerated you don't pop back up until it's over. Clay did a sweet front flip!

The play was also completely and utterly epic. I was learning how to fly from the Wright brothers themselves. Pun completely intended. My favorites were the wave at Insignificant and the loop spot right before take out. Trying to splat everything Stephen did was a futile exercise, but it did work out the soreness from Nationals. Pikey is a great guy when you can understand what he's saying. We were also joined by Brian Kirk and Kelsey Thompson, who often lag behind so they can Phonix the tar out of everything.

Shuttle was painless. We were able to park the van near the river instead of taking on the legendary Upper Gauley hike. After some burgers and shakes at Fat Eddy's a rousing game of frisbee golf was in order. I finished at a healthy 21 above par. Hopefully I'll have the skills to give Clay and Captain Kirk a run for their money when we meet again.

See you on the river!

Morgan the Tidd