Well, I guess I'll toss my hat in the ring to help organize it this year...
Important 2006 Armada notes:
First off, information on the North Branch of the Potomac:
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/2430
Friday June 2 (for those interested-please let me know so i can send pertinent info)-C1 Squirt boat gathering, possibly on the Cheat, side trip (morning?) to PS Composites!!
Camp at Robert Craig Campground as with last year. As I recall the sites in the "70's" without electric hookups is what we went for last year.
http://www.reserveamerica.com/jsp/commo ... index.html
As with last year I recommend "buddying up", as two vehicles are allowed per site, and the cost is the same. If he can come, and is willing, I call dibs on the Ginger Beer King (SBroam)
Saturday, June 3rd
Meet at the North Branch Potomac (NBP) takeout for the Bloomington section on Saturday, June 3 between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00.
- Set shuttle and leave for the putin by 10:00 a.m.
- Start going down the NBP by 11:00
- Paddle, play, try out different boats and be off the river around 4:00
- Assault the Westernport township and its citizens (at least the good employees at Fox's Pizza) and feast
- Sleep at some point
Sunday, June 4th
- Wake up Sunday morningish and discuss where to paddle (if not already done)--First half of the North Branch, or ?
- Go boat, then go home
Other important notes:
1) What does this cost?
Other than the camping fee, and parking fee at the river, it's free.
2) Where do I sign up?
Right here! Just post you're coming so we know to look for you, or just show up! Be sure to introduce yourself (we'll be hard to miss...anything THAT many OC and C boaters are in one spot...). I know we all suspected we saw Longboatin' last year, but I wish he'd have said Hi! (admittedly i should have done more than give him a not of approval a few times from my craft...but that's the way we do things up in the woods I'm from, what can I say!)
3) What's the water like?
Well, since we're holding out until June, I suspect it will be a bit warmer than in the past. It's rained almost every year...we'll see if this year will be any different! Rating-wise it's Class II with one possible Class III rapid. We'll guide everyone through it as always. And hey, if MikeW can go through it in an Acrobat in a bow stall, how bad can it be?
4) Anything I should bring?
A good positive attitude and a few stories / ideas to share! Most of us feel the drive was worth it even before we hit the water, as talking about technique and outfitting with other CBoaters always causes you to learn something new. Be sure to have a helmet, lifevest, and a throwrope (a first aid kit is always a good idea too). In short, whatever you usually take boating! Camera's are always welcome too...it would be great to get some video again this year too 