Just before Christmas this year I got a chance to go creeking in West Virginia. The plan was to catch something in the Cheat Basin, as melting snow and rain should have made for favorable conditions. As Joe Stumpfel, Steve Graybil, and myself drove through heavy rains optimism was high. As we crossed Roaring, Dogerty, Elzy, and Pringle creeks the mood changed. These creeks all looked like they were ready for foamies rather than us! As creekboaters that are use to this type of outcome after three plus hours of driving we moved on to plan B, check out the Blackwater.

The take-out for the Upper Blackwater is also the put-in and take-out for the North Fork of the Blackwater. As we drove down the snow and ice covered dirt take-out road we saw that the North Fork was running strong, actually at a higher level than any of us at run it prior. With snow falling and daylight running low we decided to put on the North Fork, and forgo having to run shuttle for the Upper Blackwater. This extremely cold weather was a shock to my system after just spending a month in Africa paddling the extremely warm Zambezi.

Joe was paddling the final Large Solo prototype and I was paddling the final Small Solo prototype. It took me a few rapids to get use to the cold weather and a creek boat again, after paddling in my Flirt on the Zambezi for almost a month. Just when I was starting to feel good about my creeking skills again we got to Gluteal Falls. On my one other run of the North Fork I portaged the 30 foot falls. This time the water was higher and the landing looked softer. Steve, Joe, and I all had quality lines. Joe had the picture perfect line with a 45 degree entrance into the pool at the bottom. My line was a bit less graceful with a huge boof stroke at the lip and a completely flat landing at the bottom. I managed to lean forward enough that my back didn't get hurt, but I did manage to connect my forehead with the cockpit rim. I didn't break the skin, but I did get a large knot just above my right eyebrow. The rest of the run was tons of fun as my confidence increased and the water rose. The hike out wasn't even that bad. The Zambezi take-outs must have done my legs some good: )

Keep an eye out for the Solo's to hit North America in February of '05. These boats have gone through tons of testing in the name of perfection. I can say that we are there: ) Be sure to check these boats out with their all new outfitting before you buy your next creekboat.

See you on the river- Bryon Dorr