Okay, it wasn’t our first time on The French Broad, but it was the first time we were on the water in our new-to-us used raft.

On this trip, we put the boat in at Bent Creek River Park across from The North Carolina Arboretum, and got out of the river at Hominy Creek River Park. I forgot to time the trip. Next time, I hope to be able to provide a “time on the river” statistic!

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The oars were in high demand. Note to self: bring one for everyone on the next trip.

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This stretch of river does take you past the Biltmore House.

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Turned out, our used raft had a slow leak in the floor. After about two hours on the river, our feet were in a couple inches of water. We stopped in a shallow edge of the river, turned the boat over, and took time out to jump for a picture. Later, we figured out we have four small holes in the floor. We have attempted a crude fix and look forward to seeing how it works.

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To remember for next time:

• time how long the trip takes
• take pictures of the put in and take out
• take pictures of more highlights
• bring carabiners, hook dry sacks to rings on raft
• oars for everyone
• we don’t need our towels

Any requests for the report on our next trip?