The path to the long hike through the woods to the access at Earl's Ford
A group of local canoeists and kayakers accompanied Texas paddlers Marc McCord, Tom Taylor, Walter Velez and Jason Jones on the legendary Chattooga River
Walter Velez looks downriver toward the first rapid of our trip
Walter Velez poses for the camera
Tom Taylor relaxing before the next rapid
Whitewater canoes still thrive in the Southeast where the water is white and big
A couple of canoeists show us the way downriver
The Chattooga is every bit as beautiful as it was in "Deliverance"
The river narrows at the bend just ahead
A fog hangs in the air ahead of us
Tom Taylor conversing with a couple of local kayayers about the rapids ahead
Jason Jones contemplating ... something, but who knows what?
Tom Taylor getting directions from local kayakers on the best line through the rapid ahead
A local kayakers runs one of the easier class II drops we would encounter on that day
The pourover drops create great play spots for kayakers and open canoeists on the Chattooga River
Jason Jones (left) and Tom Taylor watch kayakers playing in the rapid behind us
Another local kayaker nails the drop
Another local kayaker nails the drop
Gathering up to proceed downriver after the first class II rapid
The boat is not abandoned ... we just had to stop for a restroom break!
Another playboat fun spot is just ahead
Walter Velez taking a break
Waiting on the C-1 boaters to take a restroom break - watch out for the poison ivy in there!
Jason Jones getting ready for another good rapid
Scouting Bull Sluice Rapid (Class IV to IV+) - the biggest rapid on this section of the Chattooga River
That's a LOT of water and a very strong current!
Jason Jones paddling out after nailing Bull Sluice Rapid
Here comes a local open boater into the right side of Bull Sluice Rapid
And THAT is how it is done! The take-out is just downstream a short distance.