This week’s Sunday paddle was a beautiful day to get out and enjoy Father’s Day and the summer solstice. We had 19 people in 2 groups. The fast group was led by Wayne McD. and had John S., Alf C., Tim T., Jim S., Hendrik van O., Bob B. In the second group, trip coordinators, Gary and Ginny Q. had Toni B., Rich C., Lisa L., Dean H., Bob H., Anne K., Dmitry D., Denise C., Natalie H. and James B. We met at 9:30 at Violettes. Weather: sunny, low to mid 80s, wind NNW 9-11 mph. Water temp 78°. LF gage: 2.91 ft., 2400 cfs. Almost everyone was early so we were on about 9:45, off about 12:30 pm.
Wayne reports a peaceful trip with no carnage for our seven paddlers. The center drop in Jacuzzi Rapid is now obstructed by a tree branch but we easily paddled to the left or right of it. Turtle count on the C&O was five.
The second group enjoyed a nice amount of playing, but we didn’t dawdle endlessly. Those that had a roll, practiced. There was surfing, eddy turns and ferrying at all the usual spots. Several people were successful at the attainment rapid, which was not easy. We took our time in Exit Rapid surfing and finding every eddy possible with one harmless swim. On the way back across the river, we did a little more surfing in favorite waves before making our way to the C&O canal for the return trip. Our turtle count was also five, but I’m guessing not the same five.
Pennyfield Lock update as of 6/21/26: construction work looks to have taken some parking to the left of the entry road towards the lock house, but to the right of the entry road all parking spots and the boat ramp are accessible where boaters usually park.