Violettes Loop Completely Restored

For the first time in several years, we can paddle the traditional Loop from Violettes Lock across the Potomac, down the GW Canal, back across the Po, and return up a fully watered C&O Canal from which all debris has been removed. Over in Virginia, the main obstacle removed is the large strainer at the top of the GWC; a tree had fallen in from the left, which Calleva has now chopped and sawed back 20 feet so boaters may easily pass to the right. A bonus: the years-long accumulation of wood at the bottom of the right (Jacuzzi Rapid) passage has disappeared, so both passages may be used.

—Alf Cooley, for the River Access Committee