2005 River Sojourns Blog
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Susquehanna North Branch River of the Year
I joined up with the folks from the Alliance for the Chespeake Bay and DCNR to help celebrate the Susquehanna North Branch as River of the Year in Pennsylvania, during the pre-sojourn kick-off events last Wednesday in Sayre, PA. We all gathered in the Sayre Elks (after registering and setting up camp in the local community park) for dinner and presentations.
Everyone partook in a buffet of potatoes, salad, a few meat entrees, pasta salad, green beans, and carrot cake for dessert. I met a great fellow Sojourner at my table who brought along some marinated tofu cubes which she shared with me, a fellow vegetarian. And one of the other pluses to this location was that you could also partake in the open bar if you so chose (with perhaps a Yuengling lager, a PA brew from America's oldest brewery).
Following Dinner were recognitions of Alliance staff such as Dana Lomma who was in charge of planning and coordinating the Sojourn, local officials and partners, myself reprenting POWR, Marian Hrubovcak from DCNR, Cindy Dunn from DCNR, and DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. Cindy also told the story of the history of Sojourns in Pennsylvania, since they got started right here in Sayre and on the Susquehanna a good 14 years ago!
Folk music followed for those who stayed at the Elks, while some groups slowly worked thier way back to the park which was about a 20 minute walk away. Darkness had fallen and small groups gathered here and there for conversation before hitting thier tents for the night and the next dawn's first day on the river. I paddled along for the day and wished I could have stayed longer but other duties called. And as I write this, the Susquehanna Sojourners are still at it, 5 days later, with one to go, before heading home giddy with sun, water, friendships and the Susquehanna in thier memories of another year's Sojourn.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Sojourning Juniata
I was pleased to see so many people sitting up around a fire at the Mifflin Community Park when I arrived last Thursday night. I didn't make it until after dark for one reason or another (had to stop off and get a waterproof disposable camera for use on the river for one). After I set up my tent, I joined the ring for a short while.
Deb Nardone of EPCAMR, and a long-time proponent of the Juniata, said hi, and introduced me to the rest of the group as a late arrival, along with Sara Nicholas of American Rivers and her guest. I knew one other face in that of Allan Quant, safety guru from Canoe Susquehanna and POWR supporter and Board Member.
Morning got off to a good start, and the forecast looked clear and sunny for the day on Friday. Would this be the first Sojourn of the year I attended that wasn't deluged? Yes it would be. A grand breakfast of egg and cheese melt sandwiches, bananas and oranges, fruit drink, and donuts, had eveyone ready to get on the river. After shuttling our cars to the take-out at Pittman's Campground off the US-22 Millerstown Exit, we returned to Mifflin and put-in a fairly fast moving Juniata.
Right before however, we had the obligatory safety talk by Allan, a short promotion of POWR and the PA River Sojourn Grants Program by myself, and a short talk on Dam Removal by Sara. Finally the reading of the day got us motivated to paddle:
"The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it" - Chinese Philosopher
After a decent stretch of morning paddling, the sun was starting to set high and the heat was flaring up as we took out at the Thompsontown Shad Hatchery (PA Fish and Boat Commission) for lunch and tour. It was amazing to see millions of little 1/2 inch long shad in the huge barrells, just waiting to be released.
Lunch was cheese and meat sandwiches, fruit, pretzels, cookies and drinks, and shade was sought out as the spring sun showed portents of the approaching hot summer days.
The afternoon left us with 10 miles (out of the 18 scheduled for the day)so we would be able to finish well on schedule at the planned 5pm takeout. There was quite a lot of effort at paddling put into the afternoon as the water was fairly flat and wide at points. It almost seemed as if we were standing still, but the force of the Juniata propelled us ahead. With all our hard work, a swim break was called, and at about the 7 mile mark, we all shored up our boats at a shallow area, and took a plunge. Snacks were had, and the squirt guns made thier presence known. I was certainly cooled off enough to easily push the final hour of paddling and just exhausted enough when we pulled out to appreciate the effort, beauty, and fun of the river.
Monday, June 21, 2004
E.D. Judy Jordan "in the field"
(from the June 18th issue of Watershed Weekly)
"The Delaware River Sojourn was an extraordinary experience. I was blessed to spend two refreshing days outdoors with fascinating people. Along the way we were treated to delectable meals, and learned about macroinvertabrates, local history and river management (approximately five percent of the nation's population rely on the Delaware River Basin for drinking and industrial use). Some people fished and others painted the scenery. Where else can you eco-tour like that for $35 a day? Dave's top-notch crew guided us safely, and I owe thanks to him, Mitzi, Ryan, Jim, Bill and especially Chuck (who taught me to roll a kayak) for their friendly hospitality."
"The sojourn program is administered by POWR under a grant from Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Rocky Mountain Kayaks donated a terrific Riot kayak, which I was fortunate enough to paddle and which we are auctioning off to benefit the program (see our homepage www.pawatersheds.org for a bid sheet).
Delaware River Sojourn Steering Committee Chair Suzanne Forbes says that government officials have paddled the Delaware and its tributaries during past sojourns, coming away with a better understanding of the importance of protecting a resource which has so much to offer their constituents. I met people on the Delaware who have never paddled before. Others were awestruck by their first sight of a soaring bald eagle. Thinking back, it seems that many of us developed a conservation ethic because of moments like those that occur on a sojourn, when we were struck by one of nature's marvels. To give people these experiences is to recruit them to the cause of conservation, and this is why I believe the sojourn program is so important."
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
RMK's Riot Voyager Out-and-About the Delaware and Juniata
Our 2004 Sojourns Fleet Boat, the Rocky mountain Kayak's donated Riot Voyager, could be seen on the Delaware Sojourn last Monday and Tuesday (June 7th and 8th), being paddled by our Executive Director Judy Jordan. If you were along for that trip you may have gotten a chance to check out the sleek hybrid hull, that Judy says is as fast as all the hype it brought with it. Judy said she could drift to the back of the pack and then easily move back up to the front again whenever she chose.
I'll be taking the Voyager out onto the Juniata Sojourn this Friday (June 18th). Look for the bright red, 13 footer, with the RMK logo decals, and pull up alongside to say hi and check out the boat yourself. You'll surely want to put in a bid to pick this beauty up and support Sojourns in the process. The minimum bid is $350 (on a retail value of $850 that include spray skirt). Go to http://www.pawatersheds.org/sojourn04/sojournbidsheet.pdf to print out a bid sheet to send in to POWR.
Monday, June 14, 2004
Pennsylvania's 2004 River Sojourns: A Part Of June Rivers Month
A mid-season PA River Sojourns press release from the POWR offices:
Despite some rainy weather during the month of May and the beginning of June, early season Sojourns have introduced many participants to Pennsylvania Rivers in 2004. Additional Pennsylvania River Sojourns scheduled in June will help celebrate June Rivers Month in Pennsylvania.
The Swatara Sojourn (May 1 - 2) collected 31 tires and an estimated 3.5 tons of trash during their annual cleanup; a part of National River Cleanup Week sponsored by America Outdoors, the national association for outfitters and guides.
(Photo courtesy of Swatara Creek Watershed Association)
Carrying tires along as a third passenger is a fun, challenging, and rewarding aspect of the Swatara Sojourn.
The Clarion Sojourn (May 21 - 22) celebrated the Clarion's new "River Water Trail" designation, and publication of map and guide by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Senator Mary Jo White helped celebrate the occasion at the Pale Whale Canoe Livery adjacent to Cook's Forest State Park.
The Schuylkill Sojourn (June 4 - 10) reported a record number of registrants at 184 people who signed up for part or the entire trip. 41 brave souls signed up as through-trippers to tackle all 7 days on the river.
Allan Quant, of Canoe Susquehanna, gives the day's safety briefing talk to the full contingent of Sunday's Sojourners.
River Sojourns are the perfect way to celebrate June Rivers Month, a nationwide movement to emphasize the importance of rivers in our communities. Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell's Proclamation for 2004 June Rivers Month states, "events and activities scheduled for June reaffirm our commitment to the value and beauty of our river resources."
River Sojourns are multi-day paddling trips for all skill levels on Pennsylvania's waterways that highlight environmental issues, recreational opportunities, community events, and social interaction. Sojourns are perfect family trips catering to all age and skill levels. Most registration fees are all inclusive in regard to meals and lodging (usually tent camping). The remaining Sojourns scheduled for 2004 include:
Stonycreek-Kiski-Connie Rivers June 10 - 13
Juniata River June 12 - 19
Susquehanna River (North Branch) 2004 River of the Year! June 23 - 30
Lehigh River June 25 - 28
Allegheny River July 08 - 10
Ohiopyle Over the Falls Festival Sept 09 - 12
For more information, visit www.pawatersheds.org,; or contact POWR at 717-234-7910, sojourns@pawatersheds.org. The 2004 PA River Sojourn Season is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and Rocky Mountain Kayaks.
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
A Wet Start to the Schuylkill Sojourn
My opportunities as staff administrator of the PA River Sojourn Program include participation in a few days on a few trips each year. My scheduled trip on the Clarion Sojourn 2 weeks ago went off as planned, although with a bit of a change in the activities scheduled due to heavy rains. So I was a bit worried again when I slept through another night of rain at Schuykill Haven for the start of the Schuylkill Sojourn last Friday night.
And although it rained constantly Saturday, and we all got soaked to the bone, it wasn't enough to call off our trip, so we all enjoyed a challenging day on the river, an essential experience on occassion to keep strong mentally and practice those outdoor skills necessary for keeping warm and dealing with inclement elements.
This isn't to say though that the whole group wasn't happy to finally arrive at the take-out at Port Clinton and to look forward to a hot meal and a dry night. Although it continued to rain through the night, options such as tenting under a picnic pavilion or sleeping in the volunteer fire department were arranged to provide relief from the super wet conditions outside.
By launch on Sunday morning, the rains had fallen off and although it wasn't until late in the afternoon when the sun started to warm things up enough to shed some layers, all were thankful that we were staying dry. And ahead in the week, those still out on the trip only have hot and humid and sunny weather to look forward to, and some may be wishing for the cooler temps at the beginning of the week when those temps possibly hit 90 degrees today or tomorrow.
Friday, June 04, 2004
Rocky Mountain Kayak Sponsors 2004 River Sojourns
POWR welcomes Rocky Mountain Kayak as a partner for the 2004 River Sojourn Season. RMK’s owner Jeff Prycl generously sponsored POWR’s fleet boat for the season, a Riot Voyager Kayak, which will be sold to the highest bidder in POWR's Sojourn Season silent auction with bidding through September’s Ohiopyle Over The Falls Festival. The Voyager will be paddled on numerous sojourns and will be available for viewing at selected locations during the sojourns. To bid on the Voyager which comes with a spray skirt, vist www.pawatersheds.org/sojourn04/sojournbidsheet.pdf or call POWR for more information. Also available for bidding are a Stohlquist Drifter PFD, and a Seven2 Kayak Paddle.
The Voyager is a versatile and responsive kayak, designed for paddlers looking for a kayak that will let them paddle everything from lake to river to surf. This boat can turn on a dime, yet has the speed and storage capacity of a much larger kayak. Beginners will appreciate its stability and ease of paddling, and experienced paddlers will notice its versatility and quickness.
Cruising a coastal inlet or fishing your local pond, the Voyager is stable and forgiving. Introduce this kayak to whitewater or ocean surf and the Voyager allows the paddler to surf to thier heart’s delight or run class III whitewater.
Ideal for mid to large sized paddlers, the Voyager features a large, comfortable cockpit. Ample storage room is accessed through stern and bow hatches, with the stern watertight hatch the perfect place to store items like a lunch or cameras.
Length- 13' Width- 25" Cockpit- 32x19 Weight- 46lbs
This year Riot has garnered both consumer and industry accolades, taking home an OUTSIDE magazine “Gear of the Year” award, as well as winning the award for Innovation from the Canadian Plastics Industry Association.
Please visit www.RockyMountainKayak.com to support our sponsor; or visit them on site at Arona Rd, New Stanton, PA to shop for gear and learn to Kayak. RMK has summer roll classes at their on-site lake every Wednesday at 6:30 PM May-September, and Demo Days throughout the summer with the first on Sunday June 20th.
