Clarion Sojourn Wades Through
Sojourners traveling to the Clarion last weekend found themselves against the current even before attempting to boat on Friday morning. But Friday eventually brought sunshine and camaraderie, if not paddling as expected.

Last week’s round of major thunderstorms across the Midwest reached well into northern Pennsylvania, and got underway just in time to affect Sojourners arriving Thursday night to camp at Clear Creek State Park. Lightning cast a spreading glow across the skies as thunderous booms accompanied a downpour of epic proportions in Jefferson, Elk and Forest counties.

Those able to make it to the park through the storm found themselves confronted with flooded roadways from Phyllis Run and Clear Creek, that effectively cut off areas of the campground until the waters subsided. And the next morning brought the unfortunate news that boats were unavailable from the partner outfitter due to the high water levels. Non-deterred, the show went on but a little altered.

Friday morning’s scheduled press release to announce the publication of the Clarion River Water Trail Map & Guide, of which the Clarion Sojourn was to be the first planned trip utilizing said map, was a success. Nick Pinizzotto, Director of Watershed Programs at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Watershed Assistance Center, hosted the press event and introduced the morning’s speakers. Barnett Township Supervisor Mike McMurray (also owner of Pale Whale Outfitters), Tom Ford and Ted Walke from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Carol Burd from the Allegheny National Forest, and Senator Mary Jo White of Pennsylvania’s 21st District spoke on the successes of Water Trails in Pennsylvania, and the importance they have for economics and recreation along Pennsylvania Waterways. Local Clarion River activist Dave Strong gave a heartfelt and compelling wrap-up to the event.

Without the possibility of paddling, a hike was then on order for Sojourners this day. The group ascended Seneca Trail to Seneca Point, a grand view of the Clarion River set atop a rock outcropping, where bag lunches that would have been eaten on the Clarion were instead enjoyed overlooking it. The group then returned via Mohawk Trail, all the while accompanied by able naturalists from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, who never failed to point out features of the forest landscape that is part of the Clarion’s watershed.

Evening activities went on as normally planned with dinner, a campfire and professional storytelling to boot. On this weekend, Sojourners showed their ability to be flexible and enjoy the Clarion from a different angle.

Visit http://www.pawatersheds.org/WWeekly/issue.asp?ID=198 to view this week's full issue of Watershed Weekly that this article was published in.
- posted by frank cetera @ 2:41 PM