We had 11 people in today’s Sunday paddle. Louise S., Toni B., Kathleen S., Diane H., Wayne McD., Paul E., Barb B., Beth K. in K-1s, Marty L. in packraft and Tim T. and Ginny Q. in OC-1s. We met at 9:30 at Violettes and were on the water shortly after 10. It was hot, on the humid side and though air quality was vastly improved, I could see a haze and faintly smell smoke. The water temp was a warm 84°, but at least not as hot as it had been. LF gage: 3.06 ft., 3170 cfs. No new obstructions and our friend Tony was surfing and welcomed us at the Wave Hole as usual. Half of our group took the right channel below Diagonal and the other half took the left channel. All were reunited below and before Exit Rapid. The takeout at Blockhouse Point was quite muddy and slippery; and the lift over the Tow Path challenging as always, but everyone helped each other out. The turtle count on the way back up the canal was 13. All in all a most enjoyable day and everyone was home in time to watch the World Cup finals.
On another note, I stopped at Pennyfield and can report that the paddlers’ lot and boat ramp are still open. There is a pipe on the grass between the parking lot and the canal. I think when they are ready to lay the pipe, they will close both the parking lot and the boat ramp.