17 paddlers took advantage of the remnants of Hurricane Debby (411 cfs at the put-in) and a delightful summer day (high in the mid-70s under sunny skies) to run the seldom-paddled Cacapon River in West Virginia. The group included seven Personal First Descents and, remarkably, there were no capsizes – clearly these folks were fast learners! Although, to be fair, the absence of a capsize was not for lack of trying by one of the more experienced paddlers (okay, it was me, Alf). Our flotilla was 2/3 kayaks, 1/3 open canoes, an appropriate distribution. The participants were Alf Cooley, Brent Harclerode (PFD), Dean & Lori Geis, Dean Hawes (PFD), Diane Hobbs (PFD), Dorothy Smith (PFD), Gary & Ginny Quam, Hendrik van Oss, John Snitzer, Lauren Williams (PFD), Mar Solis (PFD), Ned George, Pam White (PFD), Tim Tilson & Wayne McDaniel.
Most of the group followed the book line at the three Class II+ ledges – far right sneak at Darby’s Nose, center left at Chapel Rock and center angling right at Caudy’s Castle. Wildlife sightings included a couple of eagles and two bankside beavers.
Part of our flotilla below Caudy’s Castle (photo courtesy of Pam White)
Alf Cooley and Dorothy Smith enjoying the pause that refreshes under Mushroom Rock (photo courtesy of Pam White)