Tube-aroo 2009

This weekend, as previously mentioned we traveled to Western NC to tube down the New river, while on the river we named this trip Tube-aroo 2009, in honor of another festivity going on in another part of the country, Bonaroo.

We packed up early Saturday morning, and left around 8:40 to make the 3.5 hour trek to the mountains. When we arrived we had a beautiful day ahead of us in the middle of nowhere. Our outfitter was River Girl Fishing (google it for website), and the owner Kelly, couldn't have been nicer, cooler, and more accomadating to 30 people who had never been tubing. They loaded us up in vans and we made the 5 mile trek up the river to the point where we "put in". The water was COLD!!! But the sun was shining and pretty soon your body got used to it. We then spent the next 4 hours lazily floating down the river. Not only was it relaxing, but the scenery was breath-taking. Unfortunately I didn't take my camera on the water for fear of losing it, but I wish I had because it was just gorgeous. When we arrived at the end we were all a little sad it was over, I know I could have floated all day!

We made our way to the campsite, the Boone KOA (google it and I highly recommend staying there) the people were great, and you can feed goats, and see all kinds of animals, all with the mountains as a backdrop! We set up camp, and grilled out burgers and dogs. I know when they saw us coming they were worried we would make a lot of noise and get rowdy, but everyone was so exhausted after the day on the river we just sat around the campfire, and most were in bed by 10/11. It got sooo cold on Saturday night, and me and Budge were not prepared for that. It made for a chilly night in a tent, but we managed.

Sunday we cleaned up, and headed back. All in all it was a wonderful CHEAP weekend. With tubing, and renting the 15 passenger van, and camping it came down to appx. 40 bucks a person. Not bad for a lot of fun! I recommend this to everyone! Its easy, and fun. A great way to spend some time outside, and in this economy a cheap way to get all your friends together for the weekend.

I wish I had pics to post, but I didn't take any...oops! Hopefully I can get some from others and post later!