by Nathan Williamson
the James was an amazing, ideal family paddling experience. We paddled the James between Gala and Eagle Rock on Saturday with 8 adults and 6 kids. This was a 4 mile stretch of class I with some current, great for getting the kids in the water, two of whom were in their own kayaks. On Sunday, 6 adults and 5 kids paddled the Balcony Falls section of the James. This was class II+ pool and drop, with Balcony Falls considered to be III. Monday we brought out the inflatable unicorn and practiced our SWR swimming through some riffle water next to the camp. Everyone had a great time. We have pictures with all smiles, big waves for fodder to get other families to join these trips in the future. I didn't sneak away for anything else, though I was in my own playboat both days and was enjoying some surfing.