Spring 2019 Armada

[Sir Adam]

It's been quite a few years since we did a spring get together, and I'm already thinking of heading south in late April for some paddling (for better or worse the 3rd weekend in May commitment that has kept me north for 7 years now is likely to continue for 3 more years).

We don't know the schedule yet, but I figured I'd toss it out there. I'm hoping to find an open campground with hot showers (likely bringing at least one family member:) ), but that may be tough in late April.

I'll post up again as we get closer (and the release schedule is posted for 2019), but if you are interested in meeting up feel free to post here as well - I know some of the usual suspects in PA, MD, and WV would be interested in getting together:)

[old and in the way]

Interested!!!

[Sir Adam]

I figured you would be;)

Right now I'm hoping there will be a release the weekend of the April 20/21, as that is our only free weekend from the 13/14th of April through mid July. Thankfully the first weekend in May is the WW Derby so I'll be getting some paddling in;)

[Sir Adam]

2019 schedule has been posted... looks like a release the 27th and 28th of April (weekend after Easter).

At this point I'm planning on making it down, and am trying to figure out where to camp (Robert Craig @ Jennings Randolph lake opens the following weekend of course...).

Mountain Meadows at Deep Creek perhaps? http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pag ... mping.aspx

Who is interested in joining us, and any recommendations for other places to camp? I know the Savage is always a possibility for camping, but hoping to find a place with hot showers (at least part of the family is likely to be tagging along...).

[Sir Adam]

Right now here is the plan - if you want to join in please do!

Saturday, April 27th meet up at the North Branch of the Potomac take out (or perhaps the brick building nearby we have in the past?) at 10 am to figure out shuttle and such. In theory I'll be paddling the Storm Giant.

Saturday night - right now likely at Paddler's Lane up in Confluence, but I need to call them and confirm they will be open

Sunday - We may head north, or paddle something and head north.

I'll be in the area on Friday, but may be spending time with relatives vs. visiting shops and having a Cquirt competition like we used to do. If there is interest though plans may change....

Post here if you think you'd like to join us - we used to have a crew of 30-60 appear, but I know it has been a few years and this is a little earlier than we used to meet up.

[PAC]

I'm out for the 4/27 release... I'll be traveling north! Have fun folks!

[Kelly-Rand]

Adam,

Currently I'm scheduled to join a group canoe camping in Smoke Hole Canyon that weekend. If the water is too low there then I may join you at the North Branch.

[Sir Adam]

Have fun whatever you do! It will be nice to see whomever can make it - and there is always next year;)

[Sir Adam]

A few of us are meeting at the North Branch of the Potomac takeout in Bloomington on Saturday (4/27) at 10 (ish) to run shuttle and run the river. Camping at Paddlers Lane in Confluence Sat. night. If anyone wants to join us please do! I'll be paddling the Storm Giant

[PAC]

Enjoy! I'll be missing - heading north (to NY of all places). I'll toast you folks from a far!

[Kelly-Rand]

Looks like it is going to be a beautiful weekend to enjoy. My most memorable armadas was the year when there were heavy rainstorms that brought the river up higher than normal release levels and we put in in pea soup fog that limited visibility to maybe 100 yards. It was so surreal, sounds seemed muted as well as vision.
Have a great weekend all.

[Sir Adam]

Funny you mention that - that is my favorite / most memorable armada as well, especially the lower section where the tree branches are low. "floating" among the trees and mist was magical.

That said, for hauling my daughter down there 60's and sunny sounds good;)

[Sir Adam]

A nice fun run on Saturday - they had plenty of water so it was a 1500 CFS release which was a lot of fun. Not too many folks on the river that day (admittedly it IS April, but I don't think there were a dozen cars in the put in parking lot).

Camping at Paddler's Lane in Confluence was great too.

[Kelly-Rand]

Adam,
Glad to hear you had good level on the NB. A lot of natural flow rivers were up in the area so that contributed to the low turn out. In brief conversations with other boaters in the NE I get a sense that there has been a noticeable drop off in numbers. Among the people I canoe with that seems less true.
Like to here more about the Storm Giant.

[Mike W.]

Glad you had good water. Hate I missed it. I've got to paddle more this year.