Before the Release

"Before the Release"

The whitewater season is coming to an end and there aren't many weekends left to get out on the Ocoee!

This Sunday is the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club Ocoee Race.   You should definitely join in on the fun.  This was an image I took a couple years ago before the race started.  The water hadn't been released yet and the sun was just peeking over the mountain.  A couple hours later, this river is rushing whitewater!

The proceeds of the pictures I sell at the race go to First Descends, which is actually a very unique charity.  According to their website (here), this is their story and what they do:

"In 2001, ten young adults took to the rivers of Colorado in whitewater kayaks. For seven days, they learned the basics of the sport, eventually conquering Class III rapids before the week’s end. They were there to prove a point: that cancer, no matter how aggressive, dormant, advanced, or invasive, would never be stronger than they were." "First Descents offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors (ages 18 to 39) a free week-long outdoor adventure experience designed to enable them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same."

A little closer to the hearts of those of us in Chattanooga is a story of a dear friend who ended his battle with brain cancer 2 years ago.  He spent his last months of life on the river, traveling, and living life to its fullest.  The TVCC rallied around him and allowed him to live his final days how he wanted to: paddling on the river.  They gave him his very own First Descents experience.  All funds raised at this race are given to First Descents in his memory.  I can't think of a better cause.

Before the Release No.2

This is a little variation of the image taken above with cooler tones.  I liked them both and couldn't decide which ones to print.  So I printed both!

See some of my favorites from last year's race here!