A lovely Sunday paddle on the GW Canal. We had a total of 18, split into two groups of 9. The first group included Wayne McD., Diane H., Jackie H., Bob H., Lisa L. (who attained back up the Breaks to Violettes), Mikey B., Hendrick vO., Ken M. and Temmy K. The second group was Ginny Q., Pam and son, William W. (PFD in tandem inflatable), Toni B., Dean H., Alf C., Greg L., Natalie H. and Tim P. We met at 8:30, hoping to beat out afternoon thunderstorms. We actually started out in a fine mist and finished the day under mostly sunny skies. The Little Falls gage hovered around 3.3 ft., 4610 cfs and the water temp was about 80. There was one strainer after the bend near the top of the GW Canal, but it was passable through a chute on river left. Otherwise, the rapids were refreshingly free of wood. Surfers Ledge was lively and invited a swimmer from each group. This was the perfect level for the attainment rapid, and many folks easily attained. The paddle back up the C&O Canal had plenty of water and a few pieces of wood that were easily negotiated. Turtle count from group 1 was “a disappointing three.” Group 2 got up close and personal with a great blue heron. Last week's duckling was still on his log, minus the attendant turtles.
Photos courtesy of Dean Hawes