Trip Reports

The Sunday paddlers enjoyed a beautiful day on the Potomac with two trips from Violette’s Lock. River level was moderately high, 3.75’ on the Little Falls gauge.  21 of us on the river.

• Alf C, Barb B, Gary & Ginny Q, Gus A, Hendrick vO, Jackie H, Lynne C, Sam M, Shae M, Tim T, Toni B, Ryan B, Allison H, & Wayne McD ran the George Washington canal. Yet another log was recently added to the Diagonal rapid woodpile making this rapid more adventurous than usual. However, we avoided any spills due to advance scouting and posted safety boaters. It is now unclear whether going right or left of the woodpile is the preferred route – paddlers, as is their wont, had divided opinions. The balance of the trip was trouble-free, with the group split between attaining Seneca Breaks and paddling the C&O canal for the return to VL
• John Snitzer reports that a piano teacher once told him " you don't learn to play Rachmaninoff by playing Rachmaninoff." Translated for paddlers that means that it is easier to develop the skills, strength and fitness to paddle more challenging streams by practicing on easy water.  That was the theme of today's Breakers run by six:  Pam, Darren, Kathleen, Gordy, Peter and John.  At.this level, Seneca Breaks is dotted with scattered riffles and drops.  It was easy to find a good eddy or a chute and try different options for turns, varying strokes, speed, boat angle, and degree of lean to polish the skill and to develop muscle memory.  The attainment back upstream gave all a good workout and a chance to hone boat control. It was a beautiful day on a beautiful stretch of river and all paddled elegantly.