Alford Cooley
|
|
10/25/2019 10:47 AM
|
|
Having helped the Thursday Little Falls paddlers set shuttle to Fletchers, I undertook a PFD down the Canal from there to see if I could reach Georgetown through the reed forest at the foot of MacArthur Blvd. We have here a new possible family or Sunday destination - but only if we can arrange a better passage through this impediment. 15" No longer navigable: 17 Nov
Weather was perfect - sunny with no wind - and temps in the 60s. Canal level was low - 15 in. at Lock 5; 2'5" at the 31st St coffer dam. (usual level is 24"). 2.5 mi. each way. Round trip: 2 hrs, 10 min. Turtle count - 8 outbound, 15 back.
The Canal is currently navigable in small boats 1.66 mi. down from Fletchers to Foundry Branch underpass/ mule drink, where the tall (4') reeds spread from bank to bank, or more properly to the Canal Road wall. The least difficult way onwards is along the towpath side, though it is also possible to proceed in different portions, African Queen style, seeking to eel between or over less profuse vegetation. The reeds (and occasional thorn-bushes) practically choke off passage for a half mile down to the Whitehurst Freeway bridge, then become less intense under the pedestrian bridges before Wisconsin Ave. A coffer dam just before the reconstruction works at 31st St maintains the water level in this portion of the Canal - Level 4.
This Level 4 is four miles long, reaching up past Fletchers (low level) bridge, and Chain Bridge to the Feeder Canal at Lock 5. CCA has been instrumental in getting this important section rewatered, and we monitor to see that it remains that way. As said at the beginning - it's low now, but passible. Long sleeves recommended.
|
|
|
|