Final days in a place are typically not enjoyable. At least when all belongings must be packed, family must be hugged and errands must be run. Fortunately, thats not how I work.
The last day in Asheville began with a pre-dawn drive down to the Green. We put on shortly after the sun came up with our friend Ben Edson. Morning air feels different on the river; as if no one has brushed past it. The rapids felt the same way, ready for kayakers to enjoy and happy to allow us a safe ride through first.
Getting home by 10am meant that all the loose ends of living in a place for 4 months could be tied with a satisfying smile.
Our first stop on the road out west was actually north, in West Virginia. Adam has apparently led a sheltered life, not ever having visited this pristine Appalachian state before.
Perhaps one day you will find yourself driving down West Virginia's Route 19 and smile as you ride over the famous New River Gorge bridge, thinking "Wow, great bridge." Well, you have no idea. Take a minute and at least look at the thing from the visitor center overlooks and you will find yourself wanting to stay longer. 
We camped down in the gorge by the river, and paddled down the New River the next day with an old friend of mine. While we only really spent a day in the valley, we at least drank it in fully.
Next comes one of my favorite parts of the trip so far: Upper Youghiogheny Release. I have been looking forward to taking Adam down my favorite river since we met and finally it happened. Levels were perfect (although they rarely are anything but) and friends were abounding. Each boof and every line were my favorite, and Adam could tell. He said I was glowing (although I rarely do anything but).
And then I prepared for the most grueling, exhausting, hurtful day in the woods I would ever have. More on that later...
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