I knew talking rafting in the New River Gorge would be fun—but I didn’t expect it to be this good.

This episode took a deeper dive than I imagined. Rafting legends and river experts Melanie Seiler Hames, Charles Seay, and Ray Ray Fillpot joined me in the studio to talk about the early days of rafting in southern West Virginia—and everything the river has taught them since.

We covered the laughs, the risks, the magic, and the madness. We talked river culture, guiding techniques, permits, wages, wild tourist moments, and what it’s really like to make a living on whitewater. There’s a reason folks say the river doesn’t lie. And to respect that, we pulled no punches in this one.

It’s part oral history, part comedy show, and part river sermon.

🎙️ Listen in for a wild ride down memory rapids and muddy truths
🌊 The New River Gorge isn’t just a place—it’s a way of life

#Creepalachia #NewRiverGorge #RaftingWV #WhitewaterStories #RiverGuides #WVAdventure #AppalachianVoices #RiverLegends #OutdoorCulture #MountainStories #WestVirginiaLife #NPSNewRiver #RaftingCommunity #WhitewaterLife #MelanieSeilerHames #CharlesSeay #RayRayFillpot

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Other Interviews - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eNIjb64yLAS3Z2N9YRDUGMz&si=pQEw9jDJAP_Z4_95

True Crime - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eNql44CayXCCBsW-6zIeWsA&si=3teIk_jc4MrmsUUe

Solo Stories - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eOSFgB6XFmefueia2ZvRc4G&si=1wL1ft-UVhM_PiAN

Mysteries - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eN0mOcv-OBjI1MqeQgoMi9W&si=wA7zLRkT5MiUQIlC

Hauntings - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8ePTwq7hLiYjlzSs-UqWtrfp&si=ddRW_lx1pXQrxLUC

Creepalachia was started and will remain as a show diving into the dark, strange, unknown, tragic, and heroic stories of J.D. 's homeland. These hills have stories. LONG LIVE APPALACHIA!

Disclaimer:
The stories, views, and opinions shared by guests on Creepalachia are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or the show. Creepalachia does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of guest statements and is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes related to their content. All discussions are presented for storytelling, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Viewers are encouraged to research and form their own conclusions.

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