Nineteen hardy paddlers participated in the Violette-GW canal loop paddle - despites early morning rain, cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 60ties. All boaters paddled kayaks except Hendrik V who paddled his OC1. We were: Tony A, Mikey, B, Barb B, Alf C, Denise C, Dmitry D, Sergey G, Dean H, Diane H, Lisa L, Greg L, Wayne McD, Dan R, Tina S, Jim S, Kathleen S, Pam W, Hendrik V and Hildy F (coordinator-exemplar 😉). Water level was 2.75ft per Little Falls gage.
We split up into 3 groups. The trail blazers “fast group” lead by Wayne McD, the occasional “sporadic surfer” group lead by Lisa L and the exhaustive surfer group (slowest group) lead by Barb B.
Wayne’s group had six speedsters (Alf, Mikey, Hendrik, Sergey, Denise and Wayne). They checked on the log situation blocking the Jacuzzi rapid and could confirm that it has been removed. Further down, a new log was blocking the center chute of the debris pile below Jacuzzi, but Alf and Mikey were able to pry it free. THANK YOU! On the C&O canal on the way back, they counted a dismally two turtles.
Lisa’s group had Kathleen S, Pam W, Tony A and Hildy F. We started off harvesting a few native Paw Paw fruits at the top of the G.W. canal – with some of us taking a few home to ripen and consume later. We surfed leisurely down the canal and had no carnage or log blockage to report.
In Barb B’s group were 8 (Dean, Dan, Greg, Dmitry, Greg, Diane, Tina and Barb). Barb reports that the group had a lovely time. All were independent and practicing their skills. They took the right side in the canal and had a lot of fun. Picture will be coming.
The sun was out by the time we exited the GW. canal. The Blockhouse access point to the C&A canal is steep as usual, but we helped each other up. Luckily, the canal is still watered. Fingers crossed it remains that way for a few more Sundays. (Alf has asked the NHP to keep it watered until Mon, Nov 17, as they did last year)