Above the Confluence

© Matthew Word Bain

The confluence of the Maury with the James River features what kayakers call a “rock garden.” It’s a whole lot of whitewater in a small amount of space. I have navigated it by canoe once or twice, by inner tube more often, and I have also seen a kayaker capsize halfway through and travel the second half upside down without a helmet (while he emerged unharmed, somewhat miraculously, that was a startling way to begin a journey!).