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Our group, which convened at Old 421 River Park on Saturday, October 1, 2011 was small but enthusiastic. River journeymen Wilson Somerville and Ward Swann led the charge with Mark and Rachel Boles plus Katie Harper and Nick in tow. We coould not have managed without the backup of Paul Carter with Yadkin River Adventures and it was great to see Montie Hamby who showed up to send off the group. Marilyn Stemp provided ground support.

After a wet week, Staurday's weather was perfect for our morning paddle and day at the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival in Elkin. It was great to have 14 boats and even more people meet up with Montie and Ward to get out and enjoy the river.

Predictably, the atmosphere was spirited at the wine festival. Plenty of people stopped by the booth to talk with us and learn more about the work of Yadkin Riverkeeper. We were grateful for the volunteer help of Donna, Mark and Matt.

On this last Friday of Tour de Yadkin 2011 we paddled from Morrow Mountain to Falls Resevoir and Lake Tillery.

The Badin Lake to Falls Reservoir requires a portage - not my favorite thing. But after a good night's sleep at the remote camping spot I found, I was ready.

Nancy from my office brought along her cousin Andrew to paddle. Andrew was visiting from Michigan. My neighbor came out to paddle to and we had a great day on the river, after camping at Boone's Cave Park.

Today's plan was to put in at York Hill and travel to Tamarac Marina where we'd camp for the holiday weekend as High Rock Lake takes center stage on this section of Tour de Yadkin. But rain took a bow instead, slowing us down but not holding us back from making progress.

Easter Sunday on the Yadkin River! We were joined by friends from REI Greensboro for a great day of paddling. The day was topped off by a traditional Easter dinner at the water's edge.

As bad as Saturday's weather was predicted to be, Sunday's made up for it. It was great to have some new people come out and paddle with us - friends we didn't know we had before today. That's the value of the website for all of us; people can find a great way to join like-minded paddlers and the Yadkin Riverkeeper can garner more suppport to raise awareness and spread the word to protect the Yadkin River.

This might have been the best weather day of Tour de yadkin 2011 so far. And I was glad because we had quite a crew on the river, including our friends from Duke Law School, people on the YRK staff, and friends of the river. With the help of our partner outfitter, Paul Carter of Yadkin River Adventures, we got everyone on the river for a great day of paddling.

Take a look at these pictures by Christine Rucker and you'll see what I mean. Look for more on our Facebook page.

Got a late start on the river after a noon-time speaking engagement in Winston-Salem. In the rush I misplaced my camera and cell phone only to realize that Bill Trout had driven away with them on the top of his car where I'd inadvertantly left them.

The calm water and beautiful sunset, along with being present to witness a mayfly hatch, soothed the frazzled nerves as Eric and I set up camp.

After all the activity on Sunday with the Adventure Guides, it was nice to get on the water with just Bill and Matt and float along in the reverie.

I've been looking forward to this day. Good friends will once again join me to paddle, aided by our friend Paul Carter of Yadkin River Adventures. When we finish, Paul will shuttle everyone to Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery where our hosts, Pat and Clyde Colewell, will welcome paddlers and non-paddlers alike for music, munchies, and wine-tasting. Carolina Heritage is the only certified organic winery in the state: well worth a visit any day but a dynamite destination on this day.

The planned paddle is from Roaring River to Ronda. I'll be with Krista and we hope to be joined by Rick Chatham. Bill Trout will also paddle with us again as he continues his mapping work.

Kathy will pick up Krista later and I'll be the guest of Bill Blabkley for the night - a welcome respite after  the unpredictable camping of the last few nights.

A wicked thunder and lightening storm at Warrior Creek Campground on the second night didn't slow down the Tour de Yadkin paddlers one bit. On Day 3 Dean Naujoks, along with Colton Brown, Megan Woodward, and Bill Trout paddled from the Tailwaters at Kerr Scott Reservoir to Smoot Park.

Take a look at these pictures of the chilly, overcast day then click to see the YouTube video of near peril on the Yadkin!

Operation Medicine Cabinet in Winston-Salem, NC

Yadkin Riverkeeper participated in an Operation Medicine Drop take back day on March 20, 2011 at the Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem that was organized by Donna Joyner, the Coordinator for Safe Kids Northwest Piedmont with Wake Forest. Our thanks to Donna for graciously letting us be a part of this event!

The 2010 Yadkin Riverkeeper Annual Meeting was held at Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery in Elkin, NC. Billed as "Wine and Swine" it proved to be an ideal spot for the gathering featuring wine, of course, pit cooked barbeque, and live bluegrass music. The weather was fine, if a bit on the cool side, but the company was grand.