Twelve of us paddled Angler-to-Lock-10 this Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 25 2024. We were Barbara Brown, Alf Cooley, Shannon Francis, new member Brent Harclerode (PFD & welcome!), Dean Hawes (PFD), Logan Hoffman, Greg Landrigan (PFD), Gordy Lang, Kathleen Sengstock, Pam White, Lauren Williams and I.
Eight of us met at lock 10 to set the shuttle, while four met us at Anglers. The shuttle group arrived at Anglers NLT 8:45 am and had to circle to find parking spots, which we eventually did. Note for next trip: Plan to arrive even earlier (7:30 a.m.) to avoid parking conundrum for weekend trips.
We were on the water paddling at around 9:15/9:30 am and proceeded down Offutt rapids, then ferried, surfed, and partially attained the rapid using eddies at river-left. Some of us practiced rolling, while Alf and Gordy practiced bow-rescue on some of my failed roll attempts.
At Yellow Falls rapid, we stretched our legs on land to scout the rapid (river-right) for our personal ‘first descenders’ (PFDs). Everyone descended the ‘falls’ rapids splendidly and proceeded surfing, ferrying and chit-chatting after the descent. There was one combat roll and two swims while playing at the rapid. All went well. This group was on the lookout for each other! Well done.
Our last stop was to visit the Scott’s Run Falls on (river right) and enjoy the bouncy Stubblefield Falls (also river right). Soon, we passed the Beltway Bridge and started to paddle river-left for the takeout located behind Swainson Island.
All in all, it was a very pleasant trip with engaging company & many laughs.
Weatherwise, we had blue skies, little wind, 70s air & water temperatures. The water level was at 3.8 (Little Falls gage) – a really wonderful level, where rapids were well pronounced with a good bounce.