On the weekend of June 3rd-5th Natalie Warren, of Wild River Academy and Canoe & Kayak Magazine came and stayed with Paul and Alisa Moody at New River’s Edge. Friday evening she was welcomed by the Town of Pembroke, Giles County Administration, stakeholders, outfitters and others during her presentation on “Your Community from the Paddler’s Perspective“. Afterwards, she and Giles Chamber Members enjoyed a cookout at New River’s Edge where they all got to know each other better and discuss the New River’s significance to Giles County businesses and tourism.
On Saturday, Natalie paddled with a small group that included Cora Gnegy, Giles County Tourism Marketing Director, Paul and Alisa Moody, Ralph Robertson, and others from Eggleston to Pembroke to experience the New River herself. Other than a quick, heavy rain shower the kayak trip was fun, relaxing and showed off the natural beauty of the New River.
Sunday, Natalie explored the areas favorite tourist spots; Cascade Falls, Mountain Lake Hotel and Conservancy, and War Spur Trail, talking to visitors, hikers, staff and business owners along the way. She landed in the Town of Narrows where she wrapped up her visit with a paddler’s point of view on Giles County’s trail towns and how to reach out to paddler’s to bring them off the river and into town to spend money. Natalie also offered her professional observations about how Giles County can not only improve, but also better promote the New River Water Trail.
We look forward to reading about her experience with the Town of Pembroke and the New River Water Trail in her blog “The Next Best Paddling Town” on Canoe & Kayak Magazine’s website in the coming weeks.
You can read more about Natalie’s life as a professional speaker and canoeist here:
How to Make a River Town: An expedition paddler’s perspective on community development