Long-distance challenge
After that daytrip I was inspired to kayak the river all the way to where it joins the Tennessee River near Rogersville. I saw it as another long-distance challenge for myself as well as an exploratory adventure to see my home state from the view of the river. My logistics for each day entailed simply looking on Google maps for a road crossing the river about ten miles further down from where I left off the previous time, and aim for that bridge. I approached the section-kayak trip casually, where I have spent one or two days a year over the past five years working my way South toward the Tennessee River, a hundred-mile journey. Before the river widens out ten miles shy of the Tennessee River, the Elk River is nice and narrow, giving the feel of a secret oasis. The river seems far removed from roads and neighborhoods, hidden by rocky banks and wide pastures. The majority of the time when I kayaked during the fall, I was the only one on the river besides the occasional fisherman. Solitude on the river was a welcome respite, allowing me to clear my head all while flowing with the current downstream. I found myself dreaming of future plans but would then remind myself to be present because like time, the river never stands still. In these moments of heightened sensory awareness I fo-
The author kayaking from Cheatham Road bridge near Dellrose, Tenn.
cused on the small rapids echoing in the distance, animals foraging in the leaves at the river’s edge, or the musty smell of rain approaching. One of the highlights of my time on the water was wildlife viewing. Besides the usual cows resting on the riverbank when passing farmland, I have seen deer, raccoon, turtles, herons, river otters, and even a beaver. I was not aware there were river otters in the area, so the first time I heard and saw them I immediately stopped paddling and floated, my mouth open in awe. Later I continued paddling with a big grin on my face, feeling extremely lucky that I was able to witness them playing in their natural habitat. I left them swimming in the water knowing that we shared in a special secret, a moment in time, that remains only between the river, otters and me. Whenever I finish kayaking for the day I cannot wait to get back out on the water because I never know what I will encounter on the ever-flowing, engaging Elk River. Sara Leibold is from Hazel Green, Alabama. She was a student-athlete at The University of Alabama, an Appalachian Trail thru hiker, and is currently looking for new adventures. You can follow her by checking out her adventure travel blog at www. whereintheworldissara.com
River canoe/kayak tips: - Gear needed: lifejacket, whistle, hat, sunscreen, food, water, first aid and navigation equipment if needed. Store your gear in a dry bag and attach it to the kayak to keep your gear from getting wet and floating downriver in case of an accidental flip. - Have a plan and a backup plan with your pick-up person, as cell phone service is spotty at times. There were several stretches were I did not have service at all. - Check the weather before heading out to the river. High winds will make paddling extremely difficult and you never want to be on the water when it’s lightning. - Practice pushing the oar away from yourself with your top hand, instead of pulling the oar toward yourself with your lower hand while paddling. This pushnot-pull technique will keep your arms and shoulders from aching after spending hours on the water. - Kayak in the fall. It’s my favorite time of year to kayak due to more comfortable temperatures. - Make sure to treat the river water if you need water to drink. There are many cows along the waterway. I personally have never filtered the water as I have always brought enough water with me. - Always practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: www.lnt.org
26 JUNE 2017
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