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Apollo at Fishtop Falls

Yesterday was a very, very sad day for Apollo’s following. He finally pushed his luck just a little too far. We all knew it was coming, we just didn’t know when. Apollo’s final adventure concluded with a trip down the mountain to Saluda, where he headed to Fish Top Falls for the short walk up to some of the gnarly, world-class whitewater class V rapids of the Green River Narrows. When Apollo got to Fishtop, he met a fly fishing guy that said a lot of fancy words relating to flies. Apollo had no idea what the dude was talking about, but nodded profusely and acted highly interested. When he made his way to the pool below Fishtop, he met a couple of other fishing guys that weren’t really so nice. Those guys were dicks.

Cairn on the Green River near Fishtop Falls

After messing with the fishermen for a little bit, Apollo headed upstream looking for some more heart-pumping rapids than the puny, albeit pretty Fishtop Falls. Luckily, someone setup these cairns to mark the completely wrong trail that heads up to Hammer Factor, the rapid that swallowed Apollo whole.

Heading upstream into the Narrows

First time visitors to the Green River are usually surprised at just how scenic it is here. Apollo used to think that they are probably just so happy after the sheer stress of first navigating the ridiculousness of Green Cove Road. During Apollo’s last visit, the water was still a bit too cold to attract many people… but boy that sure changes once the weather warms up. People flock to this river in the summertime, and for damn good reasons. The Green River offers thrilling whitewater for ALL skill levels of kayakers and boaters, and the water quality and scenery make for simply the BEST river in the southeast for kayaking and tubing.

High above the Green River in Saluda.

Apollo trudged up the trail in search of a big mean nasty rapid. Here, the trail gains a bit of elevation over the river, and makes for an impressive view. The adjacent cliffs were calling Apollo’s name. It’s sad to think he will never reach those cliffs. Perhaps in spirit.

Apollo's very last pose.

Maybe its just me, but I can sure see the worry and insecurity in Apollo’s face in this photo. Like it’s almost as if he had already accepted his fate. Here, he poses with a sadness and emptiness that just breaks my heart.

The Green River Narrows quickly start getting steep.

Apollo was happy to finally make it to Hammer Factor. He was awed at the sheer size of the boulders that lie in the Green. This is one fantastically scenic river, and Apollo became perhaps a little too eager to share this place with everyone.

Looking over Hammer Factor on the Green River Narrows

Here is the rock where Apollo bit the dust. He was teetering on the very top of a 30 foot high boulder, that slopes down at a 45º angle toward the water when a gust of wind hit and knocked him off his perch. He slid gracefully down the rock, over the edge, never to be seen again. Unfortunately, the water was too deep, too cold, and no safety gear was on hand to attempt a rescue. There was simply nothing that could be done.

Apollo died right here.

While Apollo’s death was tragically sad, it just goes to show you the dangers associated with the outdoors. A feeble night rescue mission was held with high hopes and positive thoughts. Of course those hopes were completely shattered and destroyed when we arrived around 10pm only to find the water still pumping strong. Sad and shitty as it is, Apollo’s keepers are still confident we can recover his body. We are arranging a body recovery mission soon, with help from the professionally-trained whitewater experts at Green River Adventures. Just maybe, enough people will come out with enough positive energy to recover Apollo Creed.