by Jackie Hoglund
Many thanks to this year's trip coordinator coaching staff (looking at you Alf, Tim, Wayne, Ron) for helping this TC decide where to point a Dealer's Choice trip after several days of rain. 12 paddlers: Alf, Barb, Wayne, Dean, Pam, Kathleen, Ron, Marilyn, and Jackie (in K-1s) and Rich, Robin, and Tim (in OC-1s) met at MD 34 bridge at 12:30. Temps in the low 50s felt warmer thanks to the sunshine, and as promised by the experts, the gusty winds predicted up on dry land did not reach those of us at stream level. No leaves on the trees yet, but a pretty paddle nonetheless. Levels of 3.51 ft / 554 cfs kept the work to a minimum. There was a brief lunch stop early on as there aren't many options later. Just below Furnace Rapid, and just above Harpers Ferry Rd bridge, eleven boaters used the river right take out; the twelfth had a unique/slightly wetter approach but ultimately made it ashore. Several paddlers opted for Ron's Boat Hauling Service to get their boats to parking lot level - much appreciated. Ice cream at Nutter's (open 2-6 on Sundays) after. A good day - and a personal first descent for three of us, including yours truly. SYOTR. Jackie H.