Scott's Journal 2010 Old Man's Trip,Delaware River

Delaware River Old Man’s Trip

September 9-11, 2010

(Journal Recorded by Scott Clark)

Participants: Ray, Scott, Peter Martin, & Don Owen

Tuesday, Sept. 7, 7:25 PM, mile 280
We are ensconced in a gorgeous campsite on the left bank (NY side) with a big clearing, fire ring, view of the river, and a real picnic table. As I write the others are hanging the food on the bear bag rope. It’s starting to get dark already, so much earlier than when we canoe camped in June. The weather was good to us today, dry and comfortable in the mid 70’s.

Don, Peter, Ray, and I seem to be kindred souls even though we have just met as a group. Don is Peter’s friend, Peter is mine, and Ray and I have 67 years as brothers.

The river is low, a bit scratchy in places, but still gives us a good run. We did about eight miles today, eating lunch just after noon and making it here by about four. Don had the longest drive this morning, all the way from Virginia. Don and Peter paddled together and they did very well weaving through all of the rocks, many just below the surface waiting for the careless navigator.

It is a warm, pleasant evening, a good opportunity for a fire to pass the time. We come from varied backgrounds but share common interests in the outdoors. After we made camp today we had plenty of time to talk, listen, share, and become better acquainted.

For dinner Peter feted us with his special chili and ears of buttered fresh sweet corn. Dessert was Godiva brownies, all washed down with beer and scotch, tea and water. No one said we had to rough it like backpackers.

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 9:25 PM, Knight’s Eddy
We are camped on the Pennsylvania side in the Buckhorn Natural Area in an excellent site high above the river. The last half mile getting here was so wide and shallow that we seemed to walk as much as we paddled.

Today was a great day to be on the river. It was clear, warm, and with a good wind at our backs most of the way. That alone was a surprising and welcome change.

This evening Ray served us his famous amatriciana, accompanied by Les Petite Ecoliers cookies and more Godiva brownies. Stories swapped around the fire included Don’s thousand pound bear tale from the Appalachian Trail and Peter’s fireball smoking story. Discussion ranged from religion to the characteristics of fine rum.

Earlier today we stopped at the Roebling Bridge and the Zane Gray Museum. There we decided that we need to adopt Gray’s penchant for having his young “secretary” accompany him on his many trips; although finding twenty-something, strong, pulchritudinous female paddlers willing to accept the position may be difficult. Fortunately our spouses don’t read these journals.

Don is anxious to meet Richie, the man who we all blame for everything that has gone wrong. Don wants to thank such a generous individual who is willing to bear so heavy a responsibility.

The river has been good to us with its multitude of rapids, most of which have been rock gardens, forcing us to sharpen our maneuvering and water reading skills. Don and Peter have grown in confidence and precision, taking delight in the times Ray and I also became stuck on rocks. Tomorrow, our last day, the Mongaup awaits us, the most challenging rapid on this stretch of the Delaware.

Thursday, Sept. 9
We encountered cool temperatures this morning with occasional showers, but the good rapids and large standing waves held most of our attention. No one swamped but we did have to stop and bail more than once, getting damper from the waves crashing in than from the light rain.

By noon we were at Matamoras and the end of our trip, over all too soon. I think Don has become an addict. He is already talking about when we will do another canoe trip. Many rivers sing their siren songs to all of us.