On March 1, trip coordinators convened to discuss the current CCA trip guidelines with respect to covid. With vaccination rates increasing, exceptions to the shuttle guidelines for those who have been vaccinated generated much discussion. In the end, though, the consensus recommendation was to keep the existing shuttle guidelines in place for all participants for the time being, including use of masks and keeping windows open.
The paddling season is getting under way. Ed Gertler led his annual Ice Breaker trip on March 6 with a paddle on Nanjemoy Creek in southern Maryland. Twelve paddlers enjoyed a beautiful trip up the creek on a crisp day. Unfortunately the traditional post-paddle contra dancing had to be canceled due to covid. More recently the Thursday paddlers initiated the season with a Bridge to Bridge trip on the Shenandoah and Potomac at Harpers Ferry, followed the next week by well-attended trips on the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg and the full Staircase (see Featured Trip Reports in this issue). Pickup trips have gone out on the GW Canal, Seneca Breaks, and Antietam Creek. If you are not on the email distribution lists for Thursday paddles, pickup trips, Sunday paddles, or family paddles, send an email to trips@canoecruisers.org with the lists you would like join. Trips are also regularly posted on the CCA calendar.
After 26 years of leading the Wednesday evening trips, Mikey Baumer has decided to step down. Thank you, Mikey, for the many years of service leading countless paddlers from Anglers to Lock 10. During the summer, the Wednesday trips have been a great way for local paddlers to get in a quick midweek paddle. In order for these trips to continue we need paddlers who will volunteer to coordinate trips. If you enjoy paddling Anglers to Lock 10, or have other streams you enjoy paddling, consider coordinating a trip yourself. Co-leading with an experienced trip coordinator is a good introduction to leading. If you are interested send an email to trips@canoecruisers.org.
Warm weather is coming. If you have been hibernating, it’s time to get your paddling vessel of choice out of storage and back on the river!
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