We had 13 today on our Sunday Violettes Lock Paddle - Wayne McD., Diane H., Lisa L., Sharon O., Bill B., Toni B., Gus A., Laura in K-1s; David M. in rec kayak; Rich C., Hendrik vO and co-coordinators Gary and Ginny Q. in OC-1s.
The Little Falls gage was at 3.24 ft. Water temp fell from well into the 80s to mid 70 today. The weather was stunning - sunny, low to mid 70s with no humidity. The only imperfection in the weather was a strong, steady wind from the northwest which made both river crossings, but especially heading to the GW Canal, quite a workout. Happy to report that no one unintentionally went down the Breaks.
The GW Canal was mostly clear of wood except in Diagonal there is one small piece of wood up top and a giant tree stump, upright, in the middle. Neither impede any line you may want to take. There was eddy hopping and surfing by all, and some successful attainment at the attainment rapid. Once again, the rapid at the bottom of the Jacuzzi rapid channel was chock full of wood.
I wish I could say the paddle back across the river to the C&O Canal was uneventful and it was until Bill came across a meetup group with one paddler out of her kayak. She was lucky to have Bill there for the rescue. Hendrik’s official turtle count was 22. Several people enjoyed lunch at Vie de France after the paddle.