Greetings!
I have started to plan the next part of my trip across the state, and have settled on a river trip down the Neuse from Raleigh to Havelock. This will take me to where I left off on Stage One. I have found a number of things out so far. One is that it would be about a 200 mile trip, and would take at least 2 full weeks on the river, with no days off. Water flow and low levels can be a big concern during the fall when the water is usually at it's lowest. This could mean that some sections are impassable. Several people have said that the best thig to hope for is a big fall storm. Water quality seems to be an issue as well, with lots of funky run-off entering the river. But I have two excellent sources of help so far- people with much experience paddeling in general, and the Neuse in particular. So it's onward and upward. I have commitments to be able to borrow either a canoe or a large kayak. I'm going to continue the research, and get some paddeling experience and/or training. After that, I would like to ride my bike West from Raleigh to the foothills, and then hike the mountains to Tennessee. Sounds like a good mix to me. Any thoughs or ideas are welcome.
