13 paddlers turned out on an overcast day, surprised to find the Violettes parking left to ourselves and the birders. 10 kayaks, 1 canoe and a two-man ducky. Dramatis personae were: Barb B, Wayne McD, Tim T, Dean H, Mikey B, Miki, Marty, & a small one, Pam W, Tina Sch, Kathleen S, Alf C, and (new to our group) Dmitry D.
Our main interest was whether Calleva had been able to clean out the cross-stream obstruction in the upper GWC. NO, IT IS STILL THERE. The way around is on the far left. No close calls, like last week, since this time we were on the lookout. Play time at Surfers Ledge improved our game - though at the cost of two spills - one a rescue, the other a swim.
After Diagonal. all elected to take the left channel, and about 5 of us were able to attain up the eponymous rapid. Some of us threaded under a limbo log en route to the main river. In the C&O Canal we found but two turtles and the same duckling that has been trying to pass for a turtle. In all, an enjoyable, albeit uneventful day on the river.