Upper Big Creek, Jan.01

Hey everybody, just wanted to say that I have been around- I just haven't had time to blog about it. School literally kicked my ass last semester, but I plan to stay current with my blog this year;)

Anyways, not the point. New Years eve was so great and it was made even better with my first time on Upper Big Creek New Years Day. Boyd and I decided to head to Rock Island New Years weekend to visit the Jackson's and the hole, as well as see their beautiful new home! On New Years Eve Christine and EJ had Boyd, myself, and few others over for dinner and fun. Clay had a newly found stash of nice fireworks so we all headed down to the dam and shot them off to bring in the new year.

Boyd and I woke up the next morning with a list of runs to choose from. Of course, we chose a favorite.... Big Creek. I have only done Lower Big Creek, so I was interested in doing a section of the Upper. Boyd and I grabbed Brad Sutton and headed over there to meet up with our friend Drew from Memphis and a guy nammed Adam from Alabama.

We got there in time for one run down, so we threw on all of our gear and hiked up the trail, me dropping my boat off below action alley and then heading up with my camera to Midnight Hole.

Boyd Ruppelt and Midnight Hole

(photo Samantha Brunner)

Then I followed the guys down to the next fun little rapid...

Boyd Ruppelt- photo Samantha Brunner

We finally get to the main rapid, Action Alley. Boyd and Brad were the only two to fire it up. This was Brad's first time down- both of them totally styled it!

Boyd and Brad scouting the top of Action Alley.

(photo Samantha Brunner)

Boyd boofing in Action Alley- by Samantha Brunner

Brad Sutton in Action Alley- by Samantha Brunner

After Action Alley, it was my turn to get in. I have to admit, Upper Big Creek looked very intimidating to me, so I was a little nervous! Nevertheles I had a blast!! Nobody swam, but I definitely flipped a time or two!

Drew Armstrong on Upper Big Creek- photo: Boyd Ruppelt

Me and my Hero having fun- by Boyd Ruppelt

Adam from Alabama, by Boyd Ruppelt

Upper Big Creek is definitely the most continuous run I have done so far. It is one of my most favorite runs: tight, technical, and lots of boofs- what more could a girl want.... besides waterfalls??? I love this Smokies run and I can't wait to do it again, but this time I'm going further up!

Samantha