PADDLE: NO SHUTTLE PADDLE – AZALEA BOAT LAUNCH (UPSTREAM)

Location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Azalea+Boat+Launch/@34.0021496,-84.3652944,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88f50ca29e0cd189:0xa72b9486ce38c66c!8m2!3d34.0021496!4d-84.3631057. This is on Azalea Dr in Roswell just east of Shoot the Hooch and just across the street from the Atlanta Rowing Club Boathouse.

This is my favorite put-in. There is easy access to the river with a boat ramp and beach area. There are restrooms, and ample parking. We are in an area above Morgan Falls dam that does not usually have a strong current, so one can paddle either upstream or downstream without difficulty.

Paddle Description: This is a bring your own boat event, so bring a kayak or canoe. Only use an inflatable kayak if you are a very, very, powerful and fast paddler. We will be paddling between the bottom of CRNRA's Island Ford Unit, below the 'rapids' as the maximum upstream, and Morgan Falls Dam as the most downsteam. On any given paddle we will only see a small portion of this area. Our paddle is certainly not a race and the goal is not maximum speed … HOWEVER, it is a paddle and not a float. The default is that the paddle would take between 2 and 3 hours. If the group is interested we could do more. Since this is a no shuttle paddle you can quit the group at any time, just let the event host know before you disappear.

•Upstream First: We will go by a small island and under the Roswell Rd bridge. Optionally we will take a quick look at Vickery Creek which is on river right just after the bridge. We will continue upstream past Don White Memorial Park (there is a dock and in an emergency ;-) bathroom facilities) and go under the 400 bridge. If we are dynamic paddlers we will continue toward the bottom of Island Ford to mile marker 319.5, just below the shoals. How far we go will be dictated by river conditions and group dynamics. From wherever we turn around, it is all downstream to our take-out, which is the same as our put-in.

• •Downstream First: There are many more nooks and crannies of the Hooch available to us if we initially head downstream, toward Morgan Falls Dam. If the water level is high we can get into lots of different little backwaters that are otherwise too shallow to explore. Regardless of the water level we can proceed as far downstream as we wish. Probably the two prettiest parts of this section of the river are the channel by the bank of CRNRA's Gold Branch unit and a large backwater on river left just upsteam of Overlook park. Since we started downstream first, we will need to go upstream (attain) to return to our cars. Make sure you have the energy to get back.

•Wildlife: I often see turtles sunning themselves and various birds like the Great Heron. Carp are plentiful; I've seen some that must have been 3 feet long resting just beneath the surface of the water.

Prompt Departure Policy: (Inspired by Larry Gosselin) Out of respect for the majority of people who arrive on time, we will paddle away from the put-in at 10 minutes after the designated time, allowing 1-2 minutes of “grace period”. The 10 minutes is to allow you to have your boat by the water and be ready to go. If you need more time, arrive earlier. If you are not sure, arrive earlier. Time, tide, and your event host, wait for no man (or woman). The event title will designate if we expect to start upstream or downstream, if you are only a little late you can probably catch us (eventually). Regardless, this is a beautiful area for a solo paddle at your own peril.

Fitness level / Difficulty: This is a moderate level difficulty paddle. Aside from some short breaks, we will be paddling instead of floating. Our pace should average 1.5-3 mph. There are no rapids on this section of the river, it is essentially flat-water with a mild current. PDF/Lifejacket: This river section is part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area (CRNRA) that stretches from just below Bufford Dam to Paces Mill. The park regulations require that every person on a craft on the river have a personal floatation device (PFD). I will wear mine, you are not required to wear yours, but must have it in your boat.

You alone are responsible for your safety on the river, and you should be able to self rescue if you fall out of your kayak. That said, why fall out of your boat on flat-water.

What to Bring:
Your kayak or canoe & paddles.
Personal Flotation Device – PDF
whistle
water (maybe 16 oz. / hour)

sunglasses
glasses retainer – croakies
hat
water resistant sunscreen
closed toe shoes, sandals with secure closure (like TEVAs) or water shoes – NO FLIP FLOPS
waterproof container/ dry bag for wallet, keys, electronics and the like (no, a zip lock bag isn't good enough) – Walmart sells a 20L dry bag for 6 bucks https://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Products-Valuables-Dry-Bag-20L/17017909
snacks
change of clothes
towel

Supplemental Info:
I like to check the weather, water flow, water level, and bacteria count before I go.

For weather I like weather underground.
https://www.wunderground.com/us/ga/roswell?MR=1
and channel 2
http://www.wsbtv.com/weather/interactive-radar

Paddling and lightning should not be mixed and I'm not thrilled about getting the top of my kayak wet ;)

For info on the river conditions I check
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ga/nwis/current/?type=flow&group_key=basin_cd&search_site_no_station_nm=chattahoochee&site_no_name_select=station_nm
Here I can directly see the reservoir height at Morgan falls dam, and additionally click on link for Roswell. Reservior elevation above datum at the dam should be above 864.5. It is best when close to 866. I can usually tell if there is plenty of water by looking at the water's distance from the base of the signs near the boat ramp.

The water on this section of the hooch is released from the bottom of Buford Dam and arrives downstream near us about 8-12 hours latter. There is no reason for us to be surprised by heavy flow from a release, because the release would have happened long before we get on the river.
https://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/downstream-flow-rate-buford-dam.htm The last useful link https://ga2.er.usgs.gov/bacteria/ will show whether the park service has issued a bacteria advisory. I will still paddle if an advisory is in effect, you must have your own personal policy.

For more info contact Martin: 404-862-0007