Sideling Hill Creek at 300 cfs - 50 degrees - 12 Paddlers
This Class 2 (2+) stream out in the Maryland Appalachians beyond Hancock is always a delight, but the rarity with which it reaches canoeable levels (200 cfs) and its distance from DC - (2 hours) means that we're lucky to get out here once a year. In fact, it was two years ago that we last paddled Sideling Hill - with Glen Pearcy, who made an evocative video.
We were Ron Shanholtz, Pete and Sheila Chapelle, Louise Morris, Tom Gray, Mark B, Tim, Wayne, John S, Barb, Miki, and Alf. Met at Meyersville at 9:00 to shuck 3 cars, out in 30 minutes, to arrive at the put-in (old US 40 - the old National Road) at 10:45. Set shuttle at only 6 miles - paddlers voted against the 9-mile mark, as it was overcast and cold. On to the river by 11:30 - off by 2:30.
On the river we had three strainers - none dangerous. First - a downed tree, whose crest could be run on the left - second required the briefest of portages, and the third could be sneaked under on the left. The moisture in the landscape meant that various side brooks, incl a couple of waterfalls, were gushing.
We saw a beaver scurrying away, but nothing lager - certainly no people nor dwellings down the entire stretch. With the altitude of xxxx?> (I couldn't summon up a USGS map - rotten website), the season was still early - no leaves on the trees - but a lot of Rhododendron clothing the hillsides. J Snitzer shouts out that it would be a glorious trip to catch a thunderstorm in late June when they are in flower.
Of botanical note, he cointinues, SHC and tribs are home ot a federally listed endangered species called Harperella. A summer paddle would allow a view. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/metro/urban-jungle/pages/121106.html
River is gently flowing with a number of surfing rapids. Picnic. The take-out had parking for our 5 cars, incl John's van and Mark's fine new pick-up truck, and soon we were on our way home. Too early for the German dinner we had planned in Hagerstown, but allowing us to reach home earlier than planned.