"TUNNEL OF TERROR" on the Etowah.( Also known as the Gold Mine)

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE SIGNING UP.

I have been taking groups thought the tunnel for about 15 years but we may lose the right to paddle this river soon.

***Our State Legislature is in the process of passing laws giving land owners by our rivers the right to block river access. If this makes you as angry as it does me, contact your representatives and senators and let them know they will be voted our of their cushy positions if they follow through with this madness. ***

In the meantime, come paddle with us before the river is closed to the pubic.

YOU MUST CLICK THIS LINK TO REGISTER FOR THIS TRIP!

This trip is water level dependent. If the levels hold between 150 and 350 CFS we will go. A decision is usually made the night before at approximately 6 pm so make sure to check your email the night before the trip and the morning of the trip for last minute changes.

This is NOT a beginner friendly trip. If you have taken our beginner class you will be fine. The last time we did this we had to get out of our boats and pull them over big river wide strainers several times. You must be able to get in and out of your boat and help get it over the strainers if we encounter them again. Even with the strainers and the work the trip is always worth it. (the strainers are not always there)

PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY TO THE END!!

This is a guided trip as opposed to a class. Nothing bigger than a class I rapid on this trip but the strainers can be a challenge. It is not for someone who HAS NEVER PADDLED BEFORE. You should be experienced enough to control your boat and negotiate small rapids and then climb over trees if necessary.

Spray skirts are optional, HELMETS ARE REQUIRED if you run the tunnel. I will have extra helmets.

Cost:
If you have your own boat the fee for the trip is $40.00. That includes the shuttle.

If you need to rent a boat, the fee for the trip will be a total of $80.00. Rental boats will include a paddle, life jacket and helmet.

If you haven't paddled through the old Gold Mine Tunnel then you are in for a real treat. Normally it is a 2.5-3.5 minute ride through the tunnel and this may be one of the most exciting thing you do kayaking.

Getting to the tunnel. The tunnel is located 3.5 miles below Castleberry Bridge. When we get to the tunnel the river splits. At this point you have two choices, go through or go around. There is a small ledge just past where the river splits and then it is an easy ¾ mile ride around to where the tunnel rejoins the river.

Details of the tunnel. From your kayak seat you should see a small dot of light which is the other end of the tunnel. If you cannot see this light the tunnel may be blocked and we will not be going through.

The ride is absolutely thrilling. It is bumpy, noisy, dark and wet. Noisy and bumpy from the water and or your kayak bouncing on the rough bottom. As you enter the tunnel it gets darker and darker until all you can see is the dot of light at the end. Your kayak will rock and roll as you go through and take on water if you don't have a skirt. There is a drop-off inside the tunnel and part way through the downhill angle changes and the ride gets a little faster. Your paddle will be useless except for pushing yourself away from the wall.

Just before you exit there is a shaft above that leads straight up to open air.

Somewhere in the middle there is a bow in the tunnel on the right side. You probably won't, but if you end up in this bow you will not slow down but the light at the end of the tunnel will disappear for a second or two. These seconds will seem like eternity and your blood pressure will soar. Don't worry. You will be in the water flow and will keep going and the light will re-appear. It just scares the h---out of you so you have been fore-warned.

Bring a lunch and we'll find a place to eat.

If you are going to join me on this trip you will be expected to wear your LIFE JACKET AT ALL TIMES. If you plan on running the tunnel a Helmet is REQUIRED. I will have extra helmets. Spray skirts are optional.

This paddle is open to anything you feel comfortable paddling!

BE WARNED. WE GET OFF THE RIVER AT THE TAKEOUT FROM HELL. YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO GET OFF AT A STEEP BANK, THEN CARRY BOATS FOR A FEW HUNDRED YARDS OVER HUGH ROCKS. NOT FUN BUT THE PRICE WE PAY TO SEE THE TUNNEL. WE WORK AS A TEAM TO MAKE IT EASIER.

We will meet in the parking lot by the Varsity at 8:30 and organize equipment and our shuttle. We will leave as many cars as possible in this parking lot. Parking is EXTREMELY limited by the river.

YOU MUST CLICK ON THIS LINK TO REGISTER:

Questions to John Miller at 678-549-4950 or Dustin Miller at 770-715-4282 or email at kayakclassesga@gmail.com