Bardstown Boaters

Rubble Dam on Beech Fork a Hazard

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:26:44 PDT

From The Kentucky Standard

The Bardstown-Nelson County Fire Rescue Squad was called to the Beech Fork River bridge on New Haven Road Friday about 8:40 p.m. Friday to assist a man and woman whose boat had overturned.

The water was high and swift. The accident happened on the “Rubble Dam” rapids upstream from the bridge.

The woman was wearing a life vest; the man was not. Both made it to shore safely.

Cartwright Creek Play Wave

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:06:23 PDT

Joshua Seabolt has a discovered a local play wave runnable after heavy rains like the area had this morning (.5"). The wave is created by a low water bridge on Grundy Home Road in Fredericktown, Kentucky. This is the same road that leads to the famous "Donkey Tree". It runs over Cartwright Creek before it reaches the Beech Fork. For a street view of the spot follow this link. The pictures below are from Monday of this week. Today it was reported to be, "much bigger than on Monday."

Plum Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:19 PDT

The Plum hit six feet today. Spalding Hurst and Joshua Seabolt got there when it was at four feet. It was a great local run with lots of surf. 25 minutes to the put in and all of the waves you want. Four and a half inches of rain hit the area today in a monster storm that knocked out power in parts of Louisville.

View Bardstown Boaters Whitewater Map in a larger map

Ocoee Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:19 PDT

From Spalding Hurst:

I was at the Ocoee this weekend. Many Vikings were there and that is who I paddled with. I ran the upper twice and the lower twice. It was a great weekend on the water, fun as always. I drove home through Nashville, this wasn't any faster, but the scenery was different at least. I din't take any pictures so here is a video from the Ocoee another time. Enjoy:

Paddle Pickup Editorial

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:19 PDT

By The Kentucky Standard Editorial Board

The Beech Fork River is one of Nelson County’s precious natural resources. It contributed to Bardstown being named one of 50 “next great adventure towns in which to live and play” by National Geographic Adventure magazine last year, and talks have begun to build a whitewater park.

It’s a shame, therefore, that there is a need for Paddle Pickup, during which the Bardstown Boaters club and other volunteers pull trash and debris from the Beech Fork. Saturday was the fifth annual Paddle Pickup, and enough stuff was pulled from the river to fill an industrial-sized garbage dumpster. Old tires, a Big Wheel and the inside tub of a washing machine were among the “treasures” found.

Some of the trash has been there for decades. Other items are more recent additions. We’d like to think littering has decreased as awareness about the need to protect the environment has improved, but one look at that industrial-sized garbage dumpster makes us wonder.

The volunteers with the Paddle Pickup are to be thanked and commended for helping clean the Beech Fork, but they can’t do it alone. All of us are responsible for disposing of our trash responsibly. That means not only keeping it out of the river, but also off roadsides and out of illegal dumps. And we shouldn’t consider the impact of our negligence only when Paddle Pickup reminds us of what it can cause.

Rockcastle Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:18 PDT

305 cfs

Joshua Seabolt, Josh Carpenter, Spalding Hurst and Mike from Ohio ran the Rockcastle River on Monday. It was another great low water whitewater adventure on the narrows of one of Kentucky's most scenic rivers. Joshua was back on whitewater for the first time in eight years, while Spalding was testing out his new RV at Bee Rock campground for this trip. A Dayton area paddler named Mike joined the group after he saw the RV roll into camp with the kayak on board.

The group ran just the Narrows, putting on below Beech Narrows and hiking in and back up for second run on the best rapids of the Rockcastle. The Rockcastle is always a great time and can be stretched out for a longer run by doing the hike back to the top on the river left side trail.

Not many people seem to get to the Rockcastle, but just know that it's there, always waiting, and almost always runnable.

View Bardstown Boaters Whitewater Map in a larger map

Mind Your Waste

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:59:57 PDT

Stan Hurst, member of the Bardstown Boaters, stands in a boat full of tires dragged from the Beech Fork River. Tires are one of the most common items found in the river and over 50 were collected during this year's Paddle Pickup.

From the Kentucky Standard

By Cathy Barnes
On Saturday, 45 people joined paddles with the Bardstown Boaters to help clean up the five-mile portion of the Beech Fork River that runs through Nelson County.

For five years, the Bardstown Boaters have organized Paddle Pickup in an effort to help meet water conservation goals in Nelson County. This year, the group contributed to habitat conservation on the river by collecting enough trash to fill an industrial-sized garbage dumpster.

Although the day started off cloudy with fears of high water levels and continuing rain, the afternoon remained dry, making it an ideal day for the event.

Justin Janes, an organizer for the event, said the turnout was good considering the weather conditions.

Most people participating were from the Bardstown area but there were others who came in from Louisville as well. Boy Scout Troop 147 and Troop 142 also participated.

The group of about 15 to 20 canoes set off from the bridge at U.S. 31E and was out on the water for four hours dragging in debris that collected over the past year and in the last several decades. It took another few hours to get the debris loaded off the boats and into the dumpster.

Spalding Hurst, the president of the Bardstown Boaters, said items found included about 50 tires, a children’s Big Wheel and the inside tub of a washing machine. A prize was given to Jim Allen, assistant scoutmaster with Michael Thomas of Troop 147, who pulled out the washer because of its size and weight.

Although the effort of the volunteers was great, Hurst said they’ve only scratched the surface of the clean-up effort that needs to be done on the Beech Fork River.

“People should try to be mindful of their waste and what happens to it when they’re done with it,” said Hurst.

The Bardstown Boaters plan to host the event again sometime next May

If you would like any more information about this event or are interested in joining this group, visit www.bardstownboaters.com.

Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Wed, 20 May 2009 06:11:35 PDT

Get the 2009 Paddle Pickup Shirt

On behalf of the members of the Bardstown Boaters I would like to thank everyone who participated in the fifth annual Paddle Pickup. Rain-soaked hair and mud-caked shoes couldn’t prevent volunteers from removing tires, bottles, cans, and even the guts of a washing machine as they canoed five miles of the Beech Fork River. Once again the success of the event rested on the hard work of the volunteers and the generosity of the sponsors.

Special thanks to Judge Dean Watts, Central KY Canoe and Kayak, Horizon Hoppers, Save-a-Lot Food Stores, the Kentucky Standard, and PLG TV for their ongoing support of the event. We’re also grateful of this year’s cooperation from Quest Outdoors and Columbia Sportswear. We were fortunate to welcome the Boy Scouts Troup 147 led by Mike Thomas as they once again completed their civic duties by helping remove close to a ton of garbage from the waterway. Also big thanks go out to the Hite family who provided river access to a section of the Beech Fork in dire need of our efforts.

Sincerely,
Jay Thomas

Pictures from the Paddle Pickup

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:17 PDT

Click here for the link to the picture album on Picasa or here for Facebook.

That Was Awesome

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:16 PDT

Paddle Pickup on PLG TV News

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Thu, 14 May 2009 07:43:14 PDT

Paddle Pickup in the News

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:42:01 PDT

From the Kentucky Standard

By STEPHANIE HORNBACK

During the past four years, members of Bardstown Boaters and other volunteers, in conjunction with National River Cleanup, have pulled about four tons of trash and debris from Beech Fork River. The fifth annual Paddle Pickup is Saturday, and all ages are welcome to come lend a hand.

The condition of the river is a shame, Justin Janes, Bardstown Boaters environmental director, said, but the club hopes to help a little at a time. This year, it will tackle a new portion of the river, running west from the 31E bridge to just south of Blue Grass Parkway. The entire run will take about four hours. The county lent several industrial-size garbage containers for the effort, and the Boy Scouts will assist as well.

Participants should expect to get dirty and work their muscles, Janes said.

“It’s not an easy day on the river,” he said, but the payoff of knowing you’re working for a good cause is worth it. You’ll also get to see parts of Nelson County that you don’t normally see, Janes said.

Canoes and life jackets will be provided, or participants can bring their own. Life jackets are required. Trash bags, gloves and some refreshments will also be provided, but extras are welcome.

Volunteers will take to the water at 9 a.m., and the Bardstown Boaters Web site, www.bardstownboaters.com, advises getting to the meeting spot — the south side of the 31E bridge about a mile south of the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral — a few minutes early to sign in and get the canoes organized. A tent and banner will mark the meeting spot.

Prizes will be given for the most unique item found during the cleanup. Some of the trash has been there for decades, Janes said.

“You’d be surprised at the style of coke and beer cans we find.”

Paddle Pickup 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:40 PDT

French Broad

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:11 PDT

Jay Thomas and Spalding Hurst made their first run on the French Broad during the French Broad River Festival. It was a very fun run that could make for a great club destination. The water level was on the low side at 1000cfs. The highlights are the last two rapids, Kayakers Ledge and Frank Bell's. The latter being the hardest, but the most fun. The Bardstown Boaters look forwad to getting back to Hot Springs for this one.

View Bardstown Boaters Whitewater Map in a larger map

Flashback to the Ocoee

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:10 PDT

Paddle Pickup Route for 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:39 PDT

View Paddle Pickup 2009 in a larger map

The stretch of river that the Bardstown Boaters will be covering for the 2009 Paddle Pickup has been set. It is a 5.2 mile stretch from 31e in Bardstown , Ky., to a very good access spot on the private property of the Hite family. They have graciously agreed to let us take out there. This will be the first time the river cleanup has taken place on this section of the Beech Fork.

For all the information on the Paddle Pickup please visit t his section of the website.

Muddy Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:09 PDT

Spalding Hurst joined a group of Viking Canoe Club paddlers for a run on Muddy Creek this Saturday. The level was at 3.5 feet. Muddy Creek is considered by many to be one of the best whitewater stretches in Central Ky. Consisiting of mostly class II-III easy and wide open rapids the Muddy is littered with numerous play opportunities. The limestone shelves forming the creek bottom create innumerable wave/holes perfect for surfing. As the water gets higher the holes only get better and more abundant. The Muddy can usually be run in combination with the other Madison Co. streams such as Otter, Tates or Silver Creek.

View Bardstown Boaters Whitewater Map in a larger map

Media: Pictures | Video

Elkhorn Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:09 PDT

Jay Thomas and and Spalding Hurst ran Elkhorn Creek after work on this Monday. The creek was at about 900cfs. The weather was beginning to cool off from the day, but it was still nice and good run. The paddling was pretty straight forward. Trying to finish before the sun set after putting on at 6 p.m. there wasn't much stopping for surfing, even though they both agreed the surfing wasn't very good at this level.

They finished at 8 p.m. taking just under two hours to run from the the Forks to the old take, shorter, take-out. They hope to get in more after work, weekday runs this year. Join them if you can make it out. 6 p.m. looks like the normal put-in time after driving to Frankfort.

Glenwood Whitewater Events

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:38 PDT

Glenwood Springs, Colorado has long been a rafting and kayaking destination and community, located at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers. It is the site of the new Glenwood Whitewater Park, a standing wave feature built in the Colorado River at the Midland Avenue Bridge.

The Glenwood Whitewater Events committee is a group of community volunteers, whitewater enthusiasts, amateur and professional freestyle kayakers and others who have an interest in bringing competitive kayaking and spectator events to the park. Glenwood Whitewater Events has hosted a freestyle kayak competition in September 2008 and has recruited the US Team Trials freestyle kayaking event through the USA Freestyle Kayaking Association.

www.glenwoodwhitewaterevents.com

Ron Perrin Photography Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:37 PDT

Photographer Ron Perrin is having a double exhibition this friday, March 20th. The Java Joint exhibition is 20 random photographs from all over. The ...At Mary's exhibition, is a small body of Kentucky equine photographs. Again, both openings will take place this Friday on North third street (main street) in downtown Bardstown. Both venues are within easy walking distance of one another. Weather permitting, this should be a nice turnout and fun event.

Directions:
Java Joint
126 N 3rd St
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 350-0883

At Mary's
116 N 3rd St
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 350-9009

French Broad River Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:36 PDT

Mark your calendars for this Bardstown Boaters club outing to the French Broad River Festival. Trip planning in the forum.

Tom Lamont

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:34 PDT

Tom Lamont was a volunteer with the Bardstown Boaters at the annual Paddle Pickup. He died Monday, March 9, 2009, in Bullitt County. Tom will be missed.

Thomas F. Lamont, 58, Boston, was a native of Chicago and a material handler for Publisher’s Printing Company, Shepherdsville. He was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church, Bardstown, a scoutmaster for several Boy Scout of America troops including Troop no. 617 in Boston. He was a member of the Boston Fire Board.

Survivors include his wife, the former Peggy K. Pierce; three sons, Michael Lamont, Boston, Mass., Daniel Lamont, St. Paul, Minn., and Russell Lamont, Blair, W.Va.

The funeral was 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Clare Catholic Church, Colesburg, with burial in St. Clare Cemetery, Colesburg. The Rev. Mike Tobin officiated.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Boy scouts of America.

Greetings Bourbon Chasers!

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:33 PDT

Details are coming together for the 2009 Bourbon Chase. Your planning committee is working hard to make this a great experience for your team. Their goal is for every participant to think “Wow! We have to do this next year!” If you have a great idea, share it with us. You’re going to have a blast and have some great stories to share too!

Going to run, just haven’t signed up?
Hurry! March 31st is the deadline for early bird registration, be sure to rally the troops and get your team captain to sign up. It isn’t required to have your whole team in place before registering, just the captain! So, save $300 and sign up now by clicking here! http://www.bourbonchase.com/registration.html

Need a team or a few runners?
Do you want to run the Bourbon Chase but don’t have a team? Has your team found most of its runners, but need a few more to complete your roster. Great news, we just formed a new group to help you find those kindred spirits, just click here for more http://tinyurl.com/dgsqxv

Are you crazy? I’m not running 200 miles with 11 other crazy people, but I can help!
The Bourbon Chase is a massive undertaking and we are looking for some friendly volunteers to help in a thousand different ways. We’ll need help on the various work groups, at the 35 exchange zones along the 200 mile course, starting line, finish line and every point between. Email us at patrick@bourbonchase.com

My company is better than your company!!
Many companies are looking for ways to promote wellness and camaraderie. Uh...and plus its great advertising!! Register your team in the corporate division today! Pass this info along to your HR folks and, who knows, maybe they’ll pick up the tab!

Don’t be selfish, tell your friends!
That’s right; I know Mother taught you how to share! Don’t keep the Bourbon Chase from your friends, share the love! C’mon pass this email along to your comrades!

Keep up with us all the time!
Follow us on Twitter @ willrun4bourbon – regularly updated 140 characters or less!
Also join our Facebook Group “The Bourbon Chase”

Future Bardstown Whitewater Park at 400cfs

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:32 PDT

Here is a real-time picture from the Beech Fork in Bardstown, Ky at 400cfs, a projected, optimum level for the future play-wave.

Become a Member

noreply@blogger.com (Spalding Hurst) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:31 PDT

AND GET THE SHIRT

SOLD OUT!!

Join the Bardstown Boaters in 2009 and receive for free the official club t-shirt.

This is the one. The mother of all shirts that have come before. The 2009 official Bardstown Boaters club t-shirt. Wear this down to your local watering hole, riverside or at work, just to let them know where your head is really at.

This design is based on the club logo with an ode to Kentucky, the greatest state in the union. Get the shirt for free with a paid membership for 2009. Join now.