Setting the Scene

The usual anticipation builds up as if you’re about to go over the edge of a roller coast. The excitement for what is about to come over takes you as you reach the top of the gravel drive. You drive down the hill to the designated less gravelly parking area and you know you’ve arrived. The cabin doesn’t look like much. It’s just a small gray house with a maroon stained porch, but the cabin isn’t what matters. Back behind the cabin is the Cartecay River. When you arrive, the most common thing to do is kick off your sandals and sprint down the rest of the hill to the bank of the river. The Cartecay river rapids constantly flow, but right in front of the property is the best swimming spot. The water is still by the giant rock in the middle of the river. Not only is this the best swimming hole in the Cartecay River, it’s also the best fishing hole. You can catch long, skinny Rainbow Trout, average sized Bass, and, what my dad considers the worst tasting fish, the Carp. The water is so peaceful, which at times is interrupted by the common kayaker or tuber floating by. There’s something about the river waters that is soothing and healing. It’s refreshing to go here to get a change of pace from your busy life.