Blue Heron Whitewater

Well it actually happened. The Marshall, NC volunteer fire dept. showed up at our outpost and burned down the old chicken barn. They had the required permits, it was a nice day with a little snow still on the ground, and we were ready to make room for the next phase in the life of Blue Heron Whitewater. Now it's a matter of getting the required permits and doing some building. The new outpost will be in a portion of the foot print left by the chicken barn. Not as big as the chicken barn (that was a big building), but in the same general area.
We hope to have the new outpost up and running for the beginning of the regular rafting season. So come rafting on the French Broad River with us. A new outpost is coming to Blue Heron Whitewater and we are thrilled. I'm pretty sure this is going to be the last new outpost we have for a while. Please join us as Blue Heron Whitewater continues to grow and share with you our love of whitewater adventures on the French Broad River near Asheville, NC.
www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com
888-426-7238 (h2o-raft)

So last week we got a call from our friend Tom at the Asheville Visitor Center. He said he was talking to a couple of young women who wanted to go rafting on the French Broad River and could we take them. The weather looked like it was going to cooperate, there was plenty of water in the river, and these women were from Copenhagen, and not deterred by a little chilly weather. So the trip was a go.
Sandy drove to Asheville to pick up Marie and Nana at their hostel. I believe they were staying at a new hostel in Asheville called Sweet Peas, located above the LAB (Lexington Avenue Brewery). Sandy, Nana, and Marie then met up with Drew, who was going to kayak along and take photos, Fritz who would drive the trip, and Amy who was going to ride along in the raft to see if she might want to be a raft guide this summer. And off they went, rafting down the French Broad River on beautiful, sunny, if somewhat cool day. The water was up a bit so they paddled the nine mile stretch to Hot Springs through plenty of big class III waves and lots of sunshine and smiles. A great time was had by all and we want to thank Marie and Nana for making our fist trip of the 2010 whitewater rafting season so much fun. A special thanks to Tom and the Asheville Visitor Center for calling us and getting the ball rolling on what we are sure is going to be a great white water rafting season here on the French Broad River.
There's five inches of snow out there right now, but if you want a unique adventure (snowater rafting?) give us a call, it'll be fun, even if you're not from Denmark. Remember, we're only 18 minutes from Asheville, NC.
888-426-7238 (h2o-raft) www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com

Seems like it was just yesterday we were trying to water-proof the roof of the chicken house/raft barn, and now we find ourselves fighting our way through that recently applied caulk to get the tin roof off. I guess thats life here at Blue Heron Whitewater as we implement our "new outpost every year" strategy. It's good though, to be reusing and reclaiming as much of the wood and tin as is possible. Most of the tin has a new home and much of the wood salvaged from the tobacco barn has been picked up by the building contractors at The Red Shed here in Marshall. They will de-bug, plane and reuse much of that great old timber. And thanks to Jackie and his tractor we were able to move the changing room tent platforms without killing our backs. There are still a few chicken boxes available if anyone is interested. The weather has been a bit nippy lately and the snow has slowed us down a bit, but later this week the temps are supposed to be in the upper forty's. Might just be warm enough to get us off the roof and into a raft, floating between ice flows down the French Broad River. If you want to join us give a call to 888-h2o-raft (426-7238). Our web address is www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com

Happy Holidays to all from everyone here at Blue Heron Whitewater. Looks like we are going to have at least a partially white Christmas this year. There's still like eight inches of snow at the outpost and the hills are still sledable. The French Broad River is gorgeous with snow blanketing the trees and it is tempting to take a raft out and float down the river. Maybe tomorrow. Now I think I'll just sit by the fire with a cup of coffee and a book, a magazine, and an x-box controller.
Now that the end of the year is fast approaching it is time for us here at Blue Heron Whitewater to give some serious thought to next years whitewater rafting season on the French Broad River. Our focus right now is what to do with the outpost. We moved in mid-season this past summer and were very happy with our new location. Both in how it works logistically for running our white water rafting trips and float trips, and the usability of the land for an outpost. We had a sweet raft barn on the top floor of an old chicken house that allowed us to load rafts directly to the top of a bus, and our thoughts were running along the line of keeping and refurbishing the chicken house as our entire outpost with store, bathrooms, and changing rooms (it's a big chicken house). Unfortunately, and after much thought and consultation with experts, it has been decided that the chicken house must come down and that we will build a new outpost at that location. So if you are interested in any chicken coops or lumber from the tobacco barn give us a call. We have started taking off the roof and will continue with the deconstruction when the snow melts. Stay tuned for further developments. 
If you have any questions about any of our trips or the barn give us a call at 888-h2o-raft (426-7238), or you can check out our website at www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com.

We were expecting a couple of inches of snow yesterday, but ended up getting upwards of a foot here at the Blue Heron Whitewater outpost on the French Broad River near Asheville, NC. That's a lot of snow for around here and it gave us the opportunity to dust off our skis and snowshoes and go play in the snow. And although the snow will be long gone before the whitewater rafting season is in full swing, the slowly melting snow will help recharge the the groundwater. So when it rains this spring and summer the water will go into the river instead of into the ground. And water in the river is easier to raft on then water in the ground.

Oddly enough, not that many people want to go whitewater rafting on the French Broad River in North Carolina in December. So at this time of year you can find Fritz, Drew, Spring and other Blue Heron Whitewater raft guides down in Atlanta selling Christmas trees. Selling Christmas trees has long been a money-making staple for raft guides needing to make a little extra money between rafting seasons. It also warms the heart to be a small part of many people's Christmas tradition. Atlanta is a great Christmas tree market for North Carolina river guides. It's not too far from the North Carolina mountains, and even though you are camping in a major metropolitan area for a month, there is some comfort in the knowledge that you are surrounded by Christmas trees from North Carolina. Often these trees arrive shrouded with the snow and clean mountain air of the North Carolina mountains. And snow on the trees means precipitation in the NC mountains, and precipitation means more water in the French Broad River, and water in the river means white water rafting.
It won't be long now before the French Broad rafting season begins again. Call now to make your 2010 rafting reservations and lock in 2009 pricing. Also, Blue Heron Whitewater gift certificates make a fantastic Christmas present. For more information check out our website at www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com or give us a call at 888-h20-raft (426-7238).

With the light snow we just got came an opportunity to see how well Blue Heron Whitewater rafts handle on a different kind of white water on the French Broad River. Or, at least close to the French Broad River. Getting to the put in was a bit of a haul, but once the boat got on the water it was smooth as ice. Matt and Maggie and their intrepid dog, Ruby successfully challenged the days biggest rapid and although Ruby didn't stay in the raft for the entire run it is believed that a good time was had by all.
For your own unique adventure on or near the French Broad River check out our website at www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com or give us a call at 888-h2o-raft (888-426-7238).

Some of the Blue Heron Whitewater staff have just returned from a 21 day river trip through the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River. It was a fantastic trip combining perfect weather, great friends, spectacular scenery, and exciting whitewater. It is difficult to describe the majesty of the Grand Canyon and photos can only hint at the sensory experience you get being on the river and camping for three weeks. The smell of the desert, the early morning light, the roar of Lava Falls, the accompanying knot in your stomach, sleeping under the stars as the Milky Way unfolds above you. These impressions, and a thousand more a day make up a river trip through the Grand Canyon.
It's great to be back in Western North Carolina. The leaves are still beautiflu, there's plenty of water in the river, and it's warm out. If you can stand the thought of listening to stories about the Colorado River come on out. We are still running fantastic trips here on the French Broad River near Asheville, NC.
For more info check out our website at www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com or give us a call at 888-h2o-raft (426-7238)

It's been raining a lot here in the Asheville, Brevard, Hendersonville area and the river is up. One of the many great things about the French Broad River is the fact that it is a free flowing river. The way rivers are supposed to be. The French Broad isn't controlled by a dam. It's an all natural river. When it rains the river level goes up. The water moves faster and the waves get bigger. When the level goes down, the water moves slower and the rapids become more technical, requiring more maneuvering of the raft between rocks. All levels on the French Broad River are good and fun; they just have a different flavor. That's one reason we love to guide on this river. The different river flows require us, as guides, to understand the dynamics of the river at different levels. It's a great challenge and a great way to connect to the life of the river.
The flow of the river is measured in cfs (cubic feet per second). A cubic foot is about the size of a square basketball, and the number of square basketballs that pass an invisible plane across the river every second is cfs. Before the recent rain, the river was running about 1000 cfs, which is fairly normal for this time of year. After the rain the river peaked at about 15,000 cfs, which produced some Grand Canyon sized waves at several rapids. Interestingly, that much water made what is usually the biggest rapid on the river, Frank Bell's Rapid, easier.
The great thing about this recent rain is that it has been a slow and steady rain. The ground is saturated and all the streams upstream are running. We should have high to highish water for a good while.
So if you want to try some big water NC rafting near Asheville, NC give us a call at 888-426-7238 (h2o-raft), or check out our website at www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com. We are also posting daily water levels on our twitter page.

It's mid September and as you paddle your raft down the French Broad River, just north of Asheville NC, you can see fall colors starting to seep through the leaves along the river banks. The weather and the water are still warm, the summer crowds are gone, and the glory and majesty of the mountains are on full display.
Just 20 minutes from Asheville, Blue Heron Whitewater is the closest outfitter to Asheville for this whitewater stretch of the French Broad River. The French Broad River is one of NC rafting's hidden treasures. Warmer water, fewer crowds, and gorgeous, isolated scenery make rafting on the French Broad River with Blue Heron Whitewater a great adventure for the whole family. The rapids are moderate (minimum age is 8), your guides are fantastic and experienced, and this ancient river is full of fun and the unexpected.
Join us as we go rafting with North Carolina's fall colors. Thrill to the class 2 and 3 rapids (class 4 if you go on a full day trip). Between rapids, sit back and take in the timeless splendor of the mountains as they make the miraculous transformation from summer green to autumn orange. It's a great time to go rafting.
For more information log on to our website at www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com or give us a call at 888-426-7238 (h2o-raft). We will be running trips through October and into early November. Actually, if you want to go rafting in December, January, or February, we'll go with you.

It's not really an "end of season" party because we still have a good 6-8 weeks of great rafting on the French Broad River ahead of us. It's more a moment of reflection and thanks for all the great friends and memorable guests that made 2009, our second season as Blue Heron Whitewater, a great success. So we raise a toast of thanks to you all, friends, patient families, competitors who were so generous with their time, gear, and advice, new guides, old guides, very old guides, and of course, our guests, who make everything we are trying to do possible. We appreciate you all.

Wow! Can you believe summer is gone. How did that happen? Must be true though, a sure indicator is the appearance of the fall flowers. Cardinal flowers are in bloom. The tobacco flowers have been cut and the leaves are being hung to dry. The great thing is, early fall rafting on North Carolina's French Broad River is a fantastic time to do some mountain and river exploring. The weather is still warm and trips are small and personal. And with fewer people on the river the chances of seeing some wildlife are improved. Whether you're spotting our namesake, the great blue heron, or a black bear foraging for acorns before the winter, there is much to see on the French Broad River.
Conditions now are just about perfect. Cool mornings with the sun warming things up by the time we get to the river. Small trips with wonderful guests. Warm water and clear, Carolina blue skies.
Join us at our new outpost and help us give thanks for a great summer by joining us on the river this fall. There have been some absolutely gorgeous days lately. It is a great time to go rafting in NC on the beautiful, fun, and family friendly French Broad River.
For more information see our web site at www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com or give us a call at 888-426-7238 (h2o-raft).

It's true, we have finally moved to our new location at 35 Little Pine Rd. After what has seemed like years of barn dismantling, nail pulling, hay relocating, gravel spreading and stepping on nails, we did the first trips out of our new location today. Many thanks to the hard working and generous staff and friends for their many hours grueling, hot, and often dangerous work. Could not have done it without you. Oh, and there is plenty more to do, don't think you're off the hook yet. And a special thanks to the folks at Stanley's Citgo. Their flexibility and understanding with the lease terms for our original location allowed us to get off the ground.
So a new chapter begins for Blue Heron Whitewater as we continue, with your support, to build our new little rafting company. Here on the French Broad River, one of North Carolina's great white water rafting rivers. 
For more info check out our web site at www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com, or give us a call at 888-426-7238 (h2o-raft).

We're getting close. Blue Heron Whitewater is getting close to being able to move to its new location. We've been working on the new outpost, trying to move this season so we can get a feel for the property and that whole traffic flow thing. We will still be in a temporary and transitional phase, with temporary buildings and tarp structures, but we are moving in a positive direction. Many thanks to all the wonderful guests and fantastic staff who have supported and encouraged our foray into the world of business ownership.
The next time you come white water rafting on the French Broad River with Blue Heron Whitewater we might just be in our new spot. At 35 Little Pine Rd., we are still on Hwy, 25/70 and just about five minutes further down the road from our present location.
Please join us as we continue with our adventure of owning a small, personal rafting company. For more info check out our web site at www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com or give us a call at 888-426-7238 (h2o-Raft (if the reception is good you'll know we are at the new location)).

After a wonderful day of white water rafting on North Carolina's French Broad River we enjoyed the beauty of an evening filled with the timeless and haunting beauty of mountain music. Many thanks to Spring's friends, 3 Penny Acre. The band honored us by kicking off their latest tour with a concert at Blue Heron Whitewater's new outpost. (We haven't moved yet, but we are getting close.) The evening started out a little rainy, but the rain stopped, the moon and the fireflies came out, and there was music in the cool august air.

The idea of white water rafting near Asheville, NC conjures images of splashy rapids and smiling laughter, but there is more available to you if you take a moment to look and listen. The French Broad River and the surrounding hills are alive with an astounding variety creatures. Some common, some elusive. Keep an eye out and ears pealed. The next crash through the woods you hear could be a black bear, or maybe your photographer has slipped and fallen down the river bank. In any case, whitewater rafting on North Carolina's French Broad River with Blue Heron Whitewater is sure to be an adventure. So escape the mid-summer heat by splashing and laughing your way down this fun old North Carolina river, and if you are lucky, and paying attention, you might just get a glimpse of some fabulous creatures along the way. Join Blue Heron Whitewater on the French Broad River, it's more then a white water trip, it's a river trip.
For more information peruse our website at www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com or give us a call at 888-h2o-Raft (426-7238).

You may have read about all the changes we’ve been making around here at Blue Heron in preparation for our big move over to the new location. While we have a long way to go before things are finished, we’re so excited about the place we can’t help but want to share our new vistas with everyone…and what better way to celebrate a new home than with a little mountain music in the evening? On August 5, 2009, at our future outpost on Little Pine Road, Blue Heron Whitewater will host the up and coming bluegrass outfit Three Penny Acre in an outdoor acoustic concert on the lawn.
Three Penny Acre hails from the Ozark hills of Arkansas where they were recently awarded a Northwest Arkansas Music Award for Best New Band. Featuring multi-instrumentalists, vocalists, and award-winning songwriters Shannon Wurst, Bayard Blain, Bernice Hembree and Bryan Hembree, Three Penny Acre plays an inspired mix of traditional bluegrass, old-time, and gospel favorites in addition to a suite of original songs.  Band member Shannon Wurst is a former resident of Boone, North Carolina where she was awarded a Northwest North Carolina Regional Artist Grant and began recording her album Sunday Pie. The concert, which kicks off the Three Penny Acre east coast tour, will begin at 7:30 for a suggested donation of  5 $. All funds will go toward the recording of the second 3PA album. Bring your chairs, blankets, family, and friends, and join us for an exciting evening of quality tunes on the new grounds of Blue Heron Whitewater! For more information about Three Penny Acre or Shannon Wurst, go to shannonwurst.com, or www.myspace.com/3pennyacre.

We're talking about the rafters we took out of the old tobacco barn here, not, necessarily certain members of the Blue Heron Whitewater staff. We are using the old rafters to frame walls in our new raft barn. Well, the raft barn is upstairs in an old chicken house, but it's new for us, and oh so spacious. Mostly it's just gratifying to know that an old rafter can still find itself useful as a stud.
Stay tuned as we reinvent our new property and turn it into a white water rafting outpost. Visit our website at www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com or call and chat at 888-426-7238 (H2O-Raft)

White water rafting on North Carolina's French Broad River with Blue Heron Whitewater is sure to bring out the kid in anybody. Buckle up your pfd (personal floatation device), strap on your helmet and push off shore for some adventure on the river. Leave your every day life on shore and enjoy the beauty and exhilaration of river-time. Float through the forrest under a Carolina sky. Laugh your way through the fun rapids of the French Broad River. Add a new layer of connection with friends or family. Join us for a classic river trip of adventure, fun and memories. Only 20 minutes from Asheville, but a world away. Blue Heron Whitewater on the French Broad River.
www.BlueHeronWhitewater.com
888-426-7238 (H2O-Raft)

The multi-talented Spring Rose Wood that is. Spring has returned to her North Carolina friends and rivers from her home state of Arkansas. After getting some higher education she is back for some river time. Whether she is guiding your raft, driving your bus, or taking your photo, Spring's charm and wit will surely add an extra smile to an already great day. Welcome  back Spring, we're glad you're here.