A Brief Paddle Around Some Favorite Spots on Canoecruisers.org

By Alf Cooley and Susan Sherrod

Ever since CCA started using its new website in the Spring of 2016, canoecruisers.org has become increasingly central to the Club’s operations. Yet many members may be unfamiliar with some basic functions that help them plan for and enjoy river outings. And the propensity of the web host, ClubExpress, to change how routine operations are performed can be irritating.

Many parts of the site are available without logging in, but logging in gives you access to the fullest range of functions and information, including the Documents Library and the Membership Directory. (The Member Login link is on the upper right side of the screen.) If you check the Remember me on this computer box when you first log in, clicking on Member Login will readmit you later without having to re-enter your username and password. 

If you don’t remember your Username or Password.

• Click the Forgot Username/Password button on the login screen and enter your email address and first name. The email address must be the one we have on file. The system will send you an email with your username and a temporary password. 
• Enter your username and the temporary password on the login screen. You will then be required to change the temporary password to a permanent password. 
• After changing your password, click the Remember Me on This Computer box, and you will not have to enter the password again.
• Remember to click the Save button at the bottom of the Password Change screen.

Here are a few tips for frequently helpful functions:

Trip Report Search

Suppose you’re coordinating a trip to the Thornton and want to know who’s been out there recently and might know current conditions or dangers? Was it too high? Too low?

Place your pointer over the Trips and Events Calendar menu button on the left side of the screen. The submenu will open. Then click on Trip Reports. Type the stream name into the Search This Forum box at the top right side of the screen, then click on the magnifying glass or press the enter key. All Thornton trip reports will appear.

Post Your Trip Report (Login Required)

On the menu, go to Trip and Events Calendar > Trip Reports. At the top left of the screen click on Start New Message. It is straightforward. Choose 18-point type. If after posting you see a typo or necessary change, reopen the trip report and press Edit (at the bottom in blue).

StreamFinder

StreamFinder has its own button near the bottom of the menu. It can be used to determine which swift-water streams are running in our area, and has active links to USGS gauges, AW, NOAA, etc. Like the American Whitewater database, but in a different format—and simply local streams, up to three hours away from DC in MD, VA, WV, and PA. Some of the links are not functioning. These will be corrected after the end of covid allows visits in person. Extensive directions for use are at the beginning of the StreamFinder.

Members’ Profiles (Login Required)

Place your pointer over the Members Only menu button, then click on Membership Directory. Type the member’s last name (or the first couple of letters if you don’t know how to spell it) in the Search Text box, then click on the Search button or press the enter key. When the record appears click on the member's name to see the profile. You can change your own profile, but not others’.  It’s helpful if you enter your paddling interests, like conservation, so we can use them for special activities.

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