22 intrepid paddlers (Alf C, Bob H, David C, Dmitry D, Greg L, Gregory M, James B, Jason F, Jenny T, Jim S, John S, Julie {PFD}, Kim B, Lisa L, Pam W, Rich C, Robin W, Ross K {PFD}, Ryan B, Tim T, Toni B & Wayne McD) braved the 50 degree forecast for a rare opportunity to paddle at a decent river level – 3.57’ (6530 cfs) on the Little Falls gauge. In view of the number of paddlers, we divided into two groups and the first group was greeted by a large great blue heron as we entered the GW Canal, a welcome harbinger. In view of the heavy rain last weekend we were concerned that the canal may have collected some new strainers but that proved not to be the case with one exception: the approach to Jacuzzi Rapid appeared to be completely blocked with branches. Accordingly, both groups took the left channel below Diagonal Rapid. There was one capsize at Attainment Rapid.
After going back across the Potomac we came to what was for some the main event: climbing the newly-installed stone steps at Blockhouse Point leading up to the C&O Canal towpath. (A second set of steps, leading up from the river’s edge, will be installed when the Potomac sufficiently recedes).
This happy group of paddlers has just completed their PFA (Personal First Ascent) of the stone steps.
Following this auspicious event we proceeded up the C&O Canal to complete the loop trip. Unfortunately, the canal has been partially dewatered in connection the sewer interceptor rehabilitation project. The last couple of hundred yards to Violettes Lock were a bit of a slog but we all made it. Weather for the trip, which had been a concern, actually was quite mild: sunny and no wind with a high in the upper 50s – kudos to the trip coordinator.