If getting there is half the fun, we certainly scored today as we spiraled in to our initial meeting place using crapped-out GPS finders trying to navigate a confusion of highways under construction. Suffice it to say that Barb, Miki, and Alf managed to assemble for the Goose Creek trip only an hour after the projected 9:30. We then swiftly dumped cars at the fine Kephart Landing (take-out) and by 11:45 had put in at Sycolin bridge, at the head of the Goose Creek Reservoir - None of us had put in here before, but it was fine - Miki had never been on the Goose, Barbara not since she was a girl, and I not for five years. Cold and blustery overcast day, but no rain.
The 22-foot Dam (the former put-in) is now set about with DO NOT signs, though we're assured that it's OK. Descended into the free-flowing part of the river, where six Cl. II rapids awaited us. The Cl. II+ Golf Course rapid claimed one of our number, who dropped over a foaming rock at its end. Canada geese, cormorants, an eagle, a little green heron, and a great blue heron accompanied us much of the way. One deer was seen. Good to be back on the Goose - its loss as a resource for training new paddlers is a minor crime against humanity.
The parking at the put-in is perfectly good for two or three cars, although the large, sharp rocks underfoot are a bit daunting - hope that the paving is ultimately made of smaller stone. Lots of good shoulder available. I, however, was nearer the truth on the amount of time spent in dithering - to which I'll count the getting lost en route to our meeting point. A blockage on I-270 had Barb looking for a (closed) White's Ferry, finally crossing the river on U.S, 15. I don't do GPS (and had been there before, but the terrain is thoroughly messed up with new roadbuilding at Belmont Hill Rd/Rte 7 intersection, where they've temporarily created a "you can't get there from here" situation.
So from 9:30 we didn't get back to Kephart T.O. until 2:15 - almost my predicted 5 hours with dithering. Time on the river - which at 633 cfs was moving quickly: 2 1/2 hrs.