Fontana and Tuckaseegee River Trip (Aug 3-5)

Nelson Fields and I paddled for three days on Fontana August 3-5.  We began at Tsali and camped the first night at NPS Campsite 78 which is normally beautiful, but has been recently damaged with fallen trees and littered with MANY mounds of toilet paper. Just a shame.  We cleaned some of the mess.  On day two we paddled all the way to Bryson City at the public boat ramp and back to Indian Ridge islands....long day!  Sunday was a quick paddle back to Tsali.  We experienced lots of rain (which was awesome), thunder and lightning, barred owls, screech owls, osprey, bald eagles, a waxing moon, warm temps, and good conversation.  I just love that lake!  The highlight for me was the thunder in that valley!