Day 65: Ferry Crossing to Chillissees’ Falls

I broke camp at 6:30 this morning and was on the water by 7. I quickly covered the six miles down to Scottsville and stopped at James River Reeling and Rafting to charge my electronics. While the batteries were charging, I walked into town in search of breakfast. Not a single restaurant was open yet, so I settled for a coffee shop and spent $13 on an iced mocha and a small blueberry muffin. On the way back to the outfitter, I stopped at a gas station hoping for something more substantial and ordered a chicken biscuit for $6.70. It turned out to be little more than a large chicken nugget sandwiched between something resembling a bun. I ate it begrudgingly.

Back at James River Reeling and Rafting, I followed their recommendation and called a rafting company in Richmond. They were enthusiastic about my trip and quickly arranged a shuttle for my gear past the falls on Friday, along with a spot for me in one of their rafts. It was a huge relief to have that logistics piece settled.

Back on the river, I still had about 20 miles to go to reach my daily goal. I spent the early afternoon paddling through the remnants of yesterday’s thunderstorms, but the clouds finally parted around 3 PM just as I approached the Seven Islands stretch. The FarOut guide recommended staying south of the islands, but I followed the Batteau festival maps and took the northern route instead. It was the best decision I’ve made in a while. What followed was easily the most fun three miles I have paddled on this entire journey: multiple Class II slaloms and a mile-long stretch of 200-year-old Batteau sluices that propelled me through at nearly 10 mph. It was exhilarating.

At the 20-mile mark, I pulled over at the New Canton boat ramp to bathe, recharge my watch, and send an email to the James River Association requesting guidance on camping and resupply options as I approach the tidal section. I then hopped back in the boat and finished the final miles to hit my 25-mile goal for the day.

By 8 PM I spotted a nice flat piece of ground on river right and set up camp for the night. It was a solid day with good miles, fun whitewater, and important logistics taken care of. Onward toward the falls tomorrow.