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Trip Reports

GW Canal @ 2.96' - 29 Aug 2021
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Posted by Wayne McDaniel on behalf of TL Mike Keefe: On Sunday 8/29/2021 ten daring paddlers entered the GW Canal with the Little Falls gauge at 2.96’. Weather was cloudy and the air temperature did not exceed 80 until the trip concluded. 

Paddling canoes were Tom and Evelyn Panning, tandem, Gary and Ginny Quam, each solo. The other participants: Peter Ryan, John Miner, Louise S, Jackie Hoglund, Wayne McDaniel and Mike Keefe paddling K-1. Jackie secured the most humorous comment of the day with a question regarding the size of someone’s head. John, a first time whitewater boater, demonstrated superior swimming skills as the river offered him two opportunities to do so. His paddling competency was dramatically improved by the end of the trip. Much thanks to Jackie for helping him with technique.The group divided at Diagonal rapid with Wayne, Louise, Tom and Evelyn taking the right fork while the others chose the left. Both routes were passable although a large fallen sycamore has blocked all but the very left of the left fork. Return via the C&O canal still presents two downed trees, the first of which can be passed under on the left and the second avoided by going far right.

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