The ETWC Ocoee Boatin Bikin weekend was a lot of run. I dropped by Weds. and snagged a couple of sites at Thunder Rock. I knew this was technically a no-no (not occupied the first night) but since the campground was empty I figured the Forest Service would appreciate the revenue. There is a least one ranger that doesn't see it that way and we got an earful from him on Sunday morning.

The crew began arriving Fri. afternoon and we had an evening (5:30-7:00) park and play session. Great way to start off the weekend. Cooked at camp and greeted others as they showed up that night. Sat. Zack and Eli went for a trail run early then we went for bike rides. Some of us on the trails behind the campground including the Thunder Rock Express and others to and around the Whitewater Center. That afternoon we ran the middle Ocoee and the traffic was suprisingly light. We had a first timer that had a so so run but she vowed to come back. Sunday was more biking with everyone hitting the Brush Creek Trail which starts at the Boyd Gap Overlook. This is a very fun 8 mile out and back that flows well in either direction. We ran into some trail volunteers from a bike shop in Cleveland. They were out on July 4th in the heat swinging weed eaters and rakes. Good people. I'm going to go by their shop. We came back to camp and donned our pfds and floated from the #3 powerhouse discharge down to our campsite. A great way to cool off after a ride. We again hit the middle O in the afternoon with some opting to put in at the top and others playing at Slice and Dice then all floated down from there.

Great weekend but on the way back I started having car trouble. Turns out my Tribute needs a new transmission (2nd in a year). I'm thinking about trying something else. Looking for a little better gas mileage. Maybe a used Subaru Outback or Forester. I would be interested in hearing from those of you that drive one of these. How are they as a paddling/biking/camping vehicle for 3 people?

Looking forward to the Nanty/Tsali weekend!

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Jason