Monastery Falls

When the river twists left and then back to the right and you have come to Monastery Falls, a class III+ drop or class IV at higher flows. This may be marked as Freeman Falls on some topographic maps. Some refer to it as 'Alexian' or 'Novitiate', all referring to the former Alexian Novitiate (Monastery) on river left. Scout on river right and avoid going ashore anywhere on the left bank, as it is private property, and has been the site of many skirmishes over trespass through the years. This is a terrific drop which may be intimidating to first-timers. The river gets squeezed down to a five foot slot with a 'launch rock' in the center. A meaty hole develops at nearly all levels, so a good 'punch' is required ("I once witnessed a buddy in a WaveSport 'Z' get sucked backwards into it and disappear in the hole, only to be spit out for a swim; quite exciting!"). Some gnarly water follows as it drops down to another squeeze and powerful hole develops. The best route is left of center and punching through the hole. There is pretty much no consequence as it ends in a humongous pool (virtually a lake). The bottom hole can provide great play, though it may be intimidating to novice boaters. One paddler was windowshaded five times before finally exiting upside-down, still in his boat. A common change-of-pace 'game' during warm weather releases is to bring inflatable 'pool toys' to run this drop and/or play the bottom hole.