Thursday, 3/14 was the first of the 2024 Thursday paddles. There were two trips, one coordinated by Mark B. to Hopeville Canyon and included Ned H., Peter R. and Gary S. The other, coordinated by Gary Q. to the Cacapon River. Quams and Hendrik vO. in OC-1s, Kim B. and friend Jenney in OC-2, Jenny T., Ron S., Lisa L., Virginia dR. and Ken C. in K-1s.
We did the classic Cacapon run, putting in at Mr. Sine’s on Cold Stream Rd. where we paid him $5/vehicle and taking out at the WV 127 Bridge. We think it is 7.7 miles, but there are varying opinions about the distance. We had spectacular mid March weather, sunny, mid 70s and little wind. Water level on the AW virtual gauge was 2.65 ft. And the RC/painted gauge was observed just under 6”. Water temp was still cold, about 50. Turned out to be a really nice water level to make the 3 ledges interesting and plenty of class I-II rapids and riffles to make it a fun day. We saw two immature bald eagles and one adult. Many mergansers were paired off, apparently that’s what they do in the spring.