by Tim Tilson
Eleven Sunday paddlers returned to Violette’s Lock for a wonderful sun dappled trip. Before we started Mark Wray stopped by to ensure we knew the downed sycamore blocking most of the lower GWC is gone. He then left to teach a BSA class at Riley’s. Paddling today were Alf Cooley, Wayne McDaniel, Kathleen Sengstock, Gordon Lang, Toni Bickart, Jackie Hoglund, David Madlund, Tom Panning, Shae Metcalf, Hendrik van Oss and Tim Tilson. Level was 3.73 ft, so lots of water. No major issues to report. At the little attaining rapie Tini, Gordy, Jackie, and Alf got up in kayaks, Tom in his canoe. At rhe transfer trail to the C&O Canal, a large very helpful group helped us older folks get our boats up the embankment. As an added bonus Alf got to practice his Mandarin. Canal brimming full, but a month on, the two downed trees in the prism have not been tended to. Several of us did further pruning of the lesser obstructing branches with folding saw and loppers. Turtle count ranged from the high 20s to the low 50 depending on who was counting. Alf counted 51.