April North Branch Potomac Armada call

[KNeal]

We are now 6 days away from our first gathering of "T"-stickin', single blade, decked and open boat gathering of the paddling season ! I have no idea how many people to expect and that's okay. I will paddle with whoever shows up. I know PAC is making it and is bringing several boats and NZMatt said he plans on attending (but you know how those college kids can be ). I'll be bringing my modified Atom and the Viper if anyone wants to try them out.

As a reminder of the itinerary:

- Friday, I will paddle the Lower Yough around the early afternoon--unless the Cheat is running REALLY nice (like around 3 feet), or the Savage if it is having enough of a dam(n) release (all of these trips will be around noontime). Call me if you can make it and organize a place and time to meet (plus decide on what to paddle). My phone number is below.

- Camping will be next to the Savage River near the slalom race start.

- Saturday, meet at the NB Potomac takeout in Bloomington around 9:30 a.m. (8:00 meeting time for those running on the "Kalin schedule ). I will wait at the brick building next to the Savage/NBP confluence for anyone who accidentally shows up there. Remember that there is no parking there! Set shuttle and leave takeout by 10:00 and drive to the putin off of Rt. 135. Mess around, talk, drink stuff, paddle boats and start downstream by 11:30. Play, paddle, talk, surf, float, flip, roll, swim (as needed ). Lunch break at Lunch Stop. Continue downriver, set safety and watch for carnage at Robin's Nest, finish around 4:00. Head into Westernport to terroize the local pizza parlor (again) and eat all the strombolis (again), go back to camp and pass out (in your tent if you can make it ).

- Sunday, wake up, beat back the pounding headache that developed overnight while passed out. Huddle at the campsite to decide what to do that day. For those paddling the NB again, set shuttle and try to be on the river by 11:00 for a relaxing, quick run and try to take off by 2:00.

The forecast for the area is clear, but cool for Saturday, so remember to bring the appropriate gear and dry clothing. I recommend that everyone have their usual safety gear plus throw ropes, and be competent with a roll (let me know if you feel questionable about your roll when we meet and we will decide how much shepharding you will need).

I will post directions later this week in this post, so stay tuned.

Any questions?

KNeal
(804) 405-3767

[Camille]

Hey!
I really really really want to go to the Armada. I NEED to go to the armada. but i don't think joey is going to go and i can't afford to drive up there by myself. unfortunately, i have an exam on friday at 1:00 so i can't leave williamsburg until 2:30 at the earliest. i can at least drive to richmond, maybe a little more. carpool, anyone?

camille

[PAC]

Started packing this PM. All systems are go on my end (I have the hall pass in hand)!
Already had the annual paddling trip flat tire in the Jeep! But the tire has been fixed (I'll have a patch kit just in case KNeal ) and its raining in Pittsburgh.
The rain is heading east (north of Mason-Dixon line) and things are on the rise in PA. So there will be more than just the NBofP on Friday or Sunday. NBofP is getting some rain but not like PA so it's level should be fine with the release.
CU there!
PS: Boats - Viper & Micro! This might be a Viper Armada from what I have read to date!

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/USLoca ... e&pid=none

[JKelly-Rand]

I am on my way also. With Viper and Atom. An ArgueMax may come in to play:) A Hornet too. Well a packin away i go.

[NZMatt]

Sorry folks....had intended to come, but had a job interview in Switzerland so I was there instead Fingers crossed....should hear in a week or so! Saw some mighty interesting looking rivers there.....

[the great gonzo]

Wasn't able to go either due to my injury .

Matt, I am originally from Switzerland , what in part of the country did you have the job interview?
They have definitely some very interesting rivers, not too much really big water but lot's of steeper and lower volume rivers. Some really good park and play, too . Not too much wilderness , but you can actually car scout a lot of the rapids on most on the drive to the put-in .
If you end up going there, I can, depending of the area, give you a few pointers and contacts.
The rivers are crowded there though, if you think the Ottawa is bad for that, you haven't seen anything yet...

martin

[NZMatt]

I hadn't realized you were from over there. The job is in Konolfingen, which is halfway between Bern and Thun in the German speaking part of the country. I saw some really cool looking rivers from the train and also hiked past some absolutely insane (completely unrunnable) waterfalls in the mountains. Since my main "offseason" interests are mountain oriented, I like that aspect of Switzerland a lot!

Cheers

Matt

[the great gonzo]

Matt, that's in the area I am from, Konolfingen is less than 20 miles south of the small town of Jegenstorf, where I grew up.
If you end up going there, it is definitely not a bad place for paddling.
There is a great play spot right in the town of Thun on the river Aare where they also hold a rodeo (never paddled it myself, due to lack of skill and paddling there was at the time, as far as I can recall, not allowed) and another good play spot that usually runs year round is also on the river Aare in a small town called Uttigen, less than 10 miles from Konolfingen.

There are also lots of rivers in the alps.

If you end up going there, let me know, I candefinitely get you in touch with other paddlers. C- boaters and OC- boaters are even morer rare over there than they are here (at least they were 8 years ago), but they are out there!

martin