11 paddlers (Bob H, Chris K, Dan R, Dmitry D, Eliza B (PFD), Hendrik vO, Kathleen S, Lisa W, Steve C (PFD), Tim T, Wayne McD) ran the Remington to Kelly’s Ford section of the Rappahannock. The weather was delightful with temps in the mid-70s and a mild breeze under sunny skies (kudos to the trip coordinator). However, the river level was less than ideal – 466 cfs (3.66’) – demerit to the tip coordinator. That level was still well above canoe zero but many of the rock gardens were technical and scrapy, which led to one swim. We ran the two principal rapids (Sandy Beach and Piggly Wiggly) in good fashion.
The comparison of kayakers to open boaters was eight to three, a respectable ratio. We had two personal first descents, always a good thing. The most notable wildlife sighting was a very large turtle sitting on a rock on river left. It calmy observed the passing flotilla and didn’t flinch even when some boats passed quite near.