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Last night we camped within sight of Kinzua Dam, not being sure of good campsites farther down river and getting a late start after a long drive and setting up the shuttle. As we paddled today, however, there appeared to be several campsites within the first couple of miles. At lunch we even had a nice city park below Warren where we had a picnic table, bathrooms, and fresh water.
The river has had a steady current, some nice swifts, big standing waves by the refinery at Warren, countless ducks and Canada geese, and a great blue heron. Except for a few fishing boats we have not had to share the river, despite Kinzua being filled with dozens of rental canoes and their clients yesterday.
Last night Rich treated us to his kielbasa, Zatarin’s two flavors of rice, and corn combo. Salad is a given every night. Copious quantities of beer, wine, scotch, and water keep our crew lubricated and hydrated.
Tonight Jean is on tap for her pork delight. Quinoa is always part of any camping meal she makes. I will have to wait to find out the rest.
Buckaloons here is a developed camping area including tables, water, bathrooms, and even showers, all for $9 on Ray’s Golden Eagle Pass. For a while Rich was worried when Ray told him hammocks tied to trees were not allowed, but Ray stopped him before he could plead his case at headquarters.
So far we have had sufficient phone signal strength so we could call home. That is especially nice as today is Fathers’ Day.
Afternoon thunderstorms are predicted every day, but hopefully our good fortune will continue and our rain gear will remain packed. Bugs (mosquitoes) have been tolerable, but Ray and Sara have a couple of mosquito repellers that seem to work well. One is butane powered, 15 foot radius, “thermacell”, and the other is a battery powered repeller by “Off”. Anything beats putting on DEET.
The usual banter predominates but is tempered with charity and familial love. Of course that never impacts rule no. one, “Richie is to blame for everything”. By rotating paddling partners daily we get to socialize with everyone and learn to put up with each other’s idiosyncrasies.
The river current continues to move along well, although sometimes the river becomes so wide that we have to hunt for enough water to float the canoes. The new Allegheny River Paddling Guide has been very helpful with its detailed topo maps and descriptions, all sealed in plastic.
Terry is getting supper ready. Last night Jean added green chiles, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and garlic scapes to her quinoa and pork. Ginger snaps made for a spicy ending. We always eat well.
Rich just showed me his latest acquisition, a flashlight with a knife, fork, spoon, and multitool. He also has two other flashlights with him (that he admits to). Unquestionably he is our “gear junkie”. All of this provides the rest of us with endless humor.
The discussion has moved on to where to hang the bear bag rope (over the fire, over the canoe “table”, etc.). Fortunately I have no responsibility for the placement as I cannot throw.
Ray and Sara stuffed us this evening with Sicilian split pea soup followed by a vegetable medley with Thai seasoning, garlic, and ginger over Mediterranean couscous. Chocolate biscotti was a fitting dessert.
Ray and Sara just walked to the end of this island (or peninsula?) we are on and saw a large bear swim over here and amble into the brush. Who knows, we may have a visitor tonight! What’s a little excitement?
We took advantage of the city’s amenities last night and went to supper at a restaurant, a pleasant break from cooking for ourselves. The city is a showplace of gorgeous, well-maintained old Victorians, a sure sign of past oil money. They should give guided tours; we did our own as we walked through town and chatted with a former mayor on our way back.
We are sitting here with a couple of long distance cyclists, enjoying a good conversation to pass the time. Sara is doing a sudoku, Rich is in his hammock (??), and the rest of us are packed and waiting for the rain to end.
We ate lunch at the upstream end of the Kennerdel Tunnel (over 3000 feet), then walked through it and back again. Reflectors along both sides and the center for the paved bicycle path made it easier to see where we were going on the way in.
Just a short paddle downstream from there brought us to our present campsite at Danner’s Rest Canoeing Area, a large facility with large tent sites, spring water, bathroom, and picnic tables. What else could we ask for? This was an easier day with just 15 miles covered, a well deserved “rest”, a chance to dry out tents, bathe, relax, have a beer, study maps, and plan our last full day on the river tomorrow. We are unsure if we will be able to find a campsite near Emlenton. Plan B is to take out and camp nearby.
Ray and Sara are making supper, Ray’s famous amatriciana. Since we have plenty of salad supplies and no ice, a large salad will accompany it.
We have been spoiled with phone service every day. Our absent spouses appreciate the contact and we probably feel less guilty for “abandoning” them for the week.
At supper we had a far ranging discussion about where to go next year. We finally concluded that the Rideau with some b&b’s spaced between rustic campsites is the way to go. Maybe that is a sign we are getting old? Getting soft? Getting smart? If I can put the itinerary together it will be a first for us.
Early stops like this give us the opportunity to set up, relax, explore, swim, and have even more inane discussions than usual, what Sara and I have taken to calling “much ado about nothing”. We even had time for a hot lunch today, refried beans and rice with tacos, lettuce, and cheese. Nice weather continues with another warm, sunny day. The weather man has been kind to us all week. May he continue to smile on us one more day. Ray and Sara are preparing supper as I write, a medley of prepackaged Indian entrees to be served over rice. Boil in bags are a great convenience when camping.
Good weather, a good river, good fortune, and above all good companions made for another memorable trip. No disasters, no lost gear, and good water levels contrast sharply with last year’s trip on the James. Maybe we will even do the Rideau with b&b’s next year. Who knows?
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Copyright © 2010 Scott Clark