A beautiful day (blue skies, high around 70) lured a record crowd to the GW Canal - 20 paddlers in 19 boats: Alf C, Barb B, Cory, Heather & Scott H, Daniel & Lisa, Gary & Ginny Q, Glenn D, Gus A, Hein B, John S, Pam W, Peter R, Tijen B, Toni B, Tim T and Wayne McD. Our mighty flotilla included 15 kayaks, three open canoes and one tandem ducky. The golf course security zone was in effect but, oddly, no DNR boat sped up to insure that we stayed within the transit zone - that's a first.
3.9 ft Given the large number of boats it was perhaps inevitable that there would be some mishaps and we had three - two capsizes and one bail-out. The first capsize was especially concerning because the paddler was possibly in danger of being pinned under a large log in the Diagonal Rapid. Debate continues on what, if anything, should have been done to reduce the risk in this situation. Re. the strainer in the "new" rapid below jacuzzi rapid, somebody (presumably Calleva) cut the branch that extended across the slot. However, it continues to be a hazardous situation due to the adjacent woodpile - should be run only by experienced paddlers with excellent boat control skills. Photos of the trip are available at
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