Monday, May 3, 2010

Octoraro, Maryland, 4.0 feet on the Richardsmere Gauge

Perfect Post-Storm Paddle on the Octo!

Another day on the water, better than a day at work . . .


I had planned a friendship paddle for this particular paddle after some arguments about how to handle river safety erupted the previous week.  But, as there are "no friends on a powder day" in skiing, the inch of rain we received Sunday-Monday led to a decision to paddle where water and gradient come together.

Mike playing on the Octo (only pic not blurred, sorry)

It was a well-executed trip.  We met in V-town and we're headed north by 2pm.  The ninety-minute drive went quickly and by 4pm we were suited up and on the water in Maryland.  Breaking storm clouds gave us mostly sunny conditions and a very nice 4.0 on the gauge, the highest level we've been able to catch on this stream.


Keith on his way in . . .

We took our time going downstream, playing and practicing in some nice class II rapids.  We used a taxi for our shuttle, but we timed it poorly, causing a half-hour wait at the take out.  All in all we were out by dark, grabbed some quick grub, and were back in V-town by 10pm, not bad for a school night.



 . . . and on his way out.


More photos and video available at Mike Cagno's blog:  http://jerseypaddler.blogspot.com/

Guide Training Resumes May 15-16, stay tuned.

Interested in whitewater paddling?  Contact me at lgcluke@yahoo.com.

And finally, pray for rain!

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