Preparing For Your Harpeth River Canoe Adventure

By Charles Sullivan


You are on this article right now because you think it is about high time that you get out of the house and concrete jungle, and commune with nature on a vacation. Quite a few of your buddies are trying to convince you into going on a camp outing complete with the Harpeth River canoe experience. This sounds like a very good idea at this time and you want to give the go ahead. However, before you finally decide it may be to your advantage to read more about it in this article.

Prior to making the final plans for this endeavor, it may not be a bad idea to at least prepare some kind of checklist at first. This simple management tool should be able to assist you in keeping track of crucial elements in your plan and also to remind you of unfinished business also. When making decisions that will involve the use of time and money as this vacation most surely will, it is always wise to use a checklist.

Do make an honest assessment of your overall physical state and ask yourself if you can survive a few days of possibly extreme physical exertion. Also if you are over forty years of age, you may need to get a clearance from a physician, for you do not want to keel over in the midst of your activities.

Once you have decided that there is no physical or health hindrance on your part, the next step will be to find out and study more about the Harpeth, especially entry and exit point as designated by state and municipal authorities. Also research as to the best months to canoe. In addition, try to assess the overall proficiency in canoeing as a group so you know what necessary steps and precautions to take.

Should it be the case that your group members are all novices just like yourself, then it is best that also decide on routes on the river which only novices will be able to handle. Identify the points on the river which may contain whitewater rapids and undertow currents. These points are usually in places where the tributaries, such as one called the Little Harpeth, enter the main river. Avoid these places until you are more skilled and able.

Due to the physical demands of this trip, it is suggested that you do not slot off more than two or three days, as you will be definitely be exhausted. Do add one or two more days to allot for travel time and minor contingencies and delays also. Thus basically you are looking at a five day vacation minimum including the actual trip down the river itself.

Getting a good guide is also key to a successful canoe vacation. Get a well versed local who is not only experienced and knows the place well, but one who has an impeccable track record as regards safety. Always put safety as a premium attribute when it comes to getting your guide.

In sum this article has shown some things you can mull over before you finally decide on your trip. Do also additional research on the kind of equipment you will need to buy or borrow and you will be all set.




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