Chronicles from the Delaware - 2000

(Bauer & Clark Expedition)

Day 1, Sunday, June 25 (Mile 290.1 - 275)
Launch at Narrowsburg New York at 12:30 PM, Terry receives speeding ticket on way. Camp at Cedar Rift Rapid, PA side directly below railroad. Our camp is target for golf driving range ( bar) across river. Dinner of cheddar & broccoli soup, chicken with rice, garden salad, washed down with a fine California Merlot. Day’s miles = 15

Day 2, Monday, June 26 (Mile 275 - 264)
Some whitewater, water is high, stop for lunch & beer, and decide to camp early. Camp in woods on PA side. Dinner of beef stew with dumplings, fresh garden salad, and blueberry raspberry topped cake- probably Scott’s best cake of many on trip. Day’s miles = 11

Day 3, Tuesday, June 27 (Mile 264 - 244)
Launched by 9:30, River rose during night, Mongaup rapid was at flood stage and we took plenty of water. Stopped in Port Jervis for ice, phone, and two more six-packs. Saw lots of eagles, great blue herons, a kingfisher, and assorted other wildlife. Ate lunch in thunderstorm. Made camp on east side of Minisink Island near water. Ed went fishing ( based on readout from Ray’s GPS), but Scott did not wait before starting dinner -turkey, gravy & dressing, peas, followed by apple cinnamon cake. Day’s miles = 20

Day 4, Wednesday, June 28 (Mile 244 - 233.6)
Breakfast of buckwheat cakes, Launched by 10 AM. Stopped at Dingman’s Ferry access & met with Ray’s friend Bruce, his wife Kulvinder, and son Zedo who are crafters at nearby Peter’s Valley. A beautiful day. Camped on PA side below Sparkman’s Island - found lots of worms. Dinner of Kielbasa, coos-coos, cabbage, squash, garden salad. Day’s miles = 10

Day 5, Thursday, June 29 (Mile 233.6 - 216.5)
Breakfast of veggie omelet & bagels. Cloudy in AM. Off by 9:30. Called Dotty for pick-up on Friday. Lunch of Tuna Salad , tomatoes, pita bread, & fig newtons at Hamilton Campsites. Camped on Labar Island - very spacious with lots of Boy Scout & camp neighbors. Ed caught three fish including a shad but Scott had already prepared dinner of minestrone & chicken noodle soup, linguini with clam sauce followed by lemon / poppyseed cake. Day’s miles = 17

Day 6, Friday, June 30 (Mile 216.5 - 207.6)
Breakfast of corn / whole wheat pancakes. On river by 8:30 AM. Stopped at Visitor Center in Delaware Water Gap. Saw turkey buzzards. Took some water below DWG. Arrived at take out in Portland, PA at 10;30; Dotty on time at 11:30. Returned to cars in Narrowsburg by 2PM. Day’s miles = 9

Total trip miles - 82.5

Bibliography:

Canoeing the Delaware River,revised  Gary Letcher,Rutgers University Press, isbn-0-8135-2450-4  

Delaware River Basin Commission RecreationMap  available at Visitor Center

National ParkService   map of campsites Delaware Water Gap River Guide- Milford to DWG