2009 TE-DC Harper's Ferry tubing outing

[Kalidurga]

I was thinking about this last week and Catriona reminded me again... Do we want to do a Harper's Ferry tubing outing again this summer? Divingbiker suggested that we do the Shenandoah relaxed trip this year, and I agree that it'd be fun to try the other river this time. Is it too soon to figure out a date for this?

[Zen]

Funny I was just thinking about this on my drive home this evening.
let's go!

[divingbiker]

I'm in.

[HillSlugger]

I'd love to! but I'd prefer this year to old have to ride one person to a tube ;)

[Kalidurga]

Just so we can narrow it down a bit, what month is good for folks? August? September?

[HillSlugger]

I've got less going on in August than September

[Zen]

Hotter in August. I was momentarily hypothermic last year when it started to rain.

[HillSlugger]

I've got less going on in August than September

btw I'm not available the weekend of August 22-23 due to the Iron Girl triathlon

[Cataboo]

august sounds good - now having to wear a wet suit would be nice.

[ny biker]

I'd be interested, but I could only do it the last weekend in August. If that's no good for everyone else, then make sure you post pictures!

[7rider]

I'd be up for it.
Slow water, huh?
White water was a hoot...if not entirely a "group" activity.

[Zen]

I really liked the baby white water but I never saw anyone I knew the whole time.
And I, fearing an imminent lightning strike, got stuck around Redneck Rock :eek:

[madscot13]

I'd love to! but I'd prefer this year to old have to ride one person to a tube ;)

thanks for being a trooper.

ps how is the other little trooper?

[divingbiker]

Slow water, huh?
White water was a hoot...if not entirely a "group" activity.

I'd do white water again if that's the group consensus, but I had a lot of fun when I went with my vegetarian friends on the lazy river ride. I didn't see some people till the parking lot at the end of our whitewater trip.

[Kalidurga]

I'd be interested, but I could only do it the last weekend in August.

How does either Saturday, Aug 29th, or Sunday, Aug 30th, work on everyone else's calendars? If that's not a good weekend for the majority, I'll post a list of dates.

[HillSlugger]

thanks for being a trooper.

ps how is the other little trooper?

She's awesome! I bet she'd be up for another tubing trip.

[divingbiker]

How does either Saturday, Aug 29th, or Sunday, Aug 30th, work on everyone else's calendars? If that's not a good weekend for the majority, I'll post a list of dates.

Lordy, we're planning ahead! I can't think of any reason why either of those dates wouldn't work for me.

[Zen]

What's wrong with the end of July?

[Kalidurga]

Hotter in August. I was momentarily hypothermic last year when it started to rain.


What's wrong with the end of July?

July's pretty much just as hot as August, isn't it? I was thinking that later in the summer the river might not be quite as busy. But who knows?

[Zen]

I was thinking the end of august was near labor day. I don't know what that means, it's just what I was thinking:o

[HillSlugger]

Labor day is not until Sep 7, so this is the weekend before.

[sfa]

That last weekend in August is good for me, and I'm all about lazy rivers over whitewater any day! It probably *will* be less busy than July since schools will be back in session so families may stay closer to home and summer group outings (youth groups, scout groups) won't be scheduling anything.

The last time I was on that river I got such a bad sunburn that I couldn't bend my legs to walk normally for several days and couldn't wear shoes for a week.

Sarah

[HillSlugger]

That weekend looks good for me. Gotta see if Michele and Sammi want to do it, too.

[Kalidurga]

The last time I was on that river I got such a bad sunburn that I couldn't bend my legs to walk normally for several days and couldn't wear shoes for a week.

Well, we'll make sure to spray you down with a nice high spf :D

[sfa]

Well, we'll make sure to spray you down with a nice high spf :D

Water and sweat-proof, this time! I was a stupid (and a bit hungover) college student the last time around with some cheap out-of-date sunscreen that I sweated off within 30 minutes and spent the rest of the day crisping up nicely.

Sarah

[HillSlugger]

I mentioned this to Sammi this morning and her eyes opened wide and she shook her head in a vigorous yes. She votes for the white water trip.

[madscot13]

I can't believe I am going to miss this

[Kalidurga]

Aw, Mad, why're you going to miss it?

Nicole, tell Sammy that there are lots of rocks along the Shenandoah that she can stop and climb on, and there are definitely some small rapids as you pass Harpers Ferry. DB, I assume the Shenandoah trip uses the same take-out spot as the Potomac whitewater one?

Or, for those so inclined, there's always the opportunity to do both rivers (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=Detail&Activity=Tubing&TripID=15) :D

[divingbiker]

DB, I assume the Shenandoah trip uses the same take-out spot as the Potomac whitewater one?

Or, for those so inclined, there's always the opportunity to do both rivers (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=Detail&Activity=Tubing&TripID=15) :D

I went with a different outfitter and it was definitely not the same takeout point. They took us on a bus to the put-in, and then we floated to their "shop" downriver.

That combo trip sounds great!

[7rider]

Combo sounds good to me....

[amithereyet]

Never been tubing before, so I would probably only contemplate flat water.
But......I have been convinced to be wild-and-crazy in my lifetime.

[Kalidurga]

I hadn't been tubing since childhood when we did the trip last year. I thought the whitewater was actually pretty easy, and there were smoother stretches in between that you could just float lazily through.

DB and I were talking about this today-- Since there is a combo trip, it could be possible to do a mix. Folks who want only flatwater could show up in the morning and do the Shenandoah. Then any folks who prefer whitewater could time their arrival for the lunch in between the two trips, so we could all hang out together as a group for a little while before the whitewater trip. And then there will be those of us who might just do both.

Or we could take a vote and go with the majority. There's plenty of time to figure it all out.

[Kelly728]

I might be interested if you don't mind a noob coming along. End of August is a great weekend as of now for me and I'm up for pretty much anything.

[7rider]

Never been tubing before, so I would probably only contemplate flat water.
But......I have been convinced to be wild-and-crazy in my lifetime.

I had never gone tubing before last year's trip, either.
"Whitewater" was really "faster than still water" but it was hardly anything too crazy. Fun, tho. Couple of WOO-HOO spots, followed by periods of "when's the next one??".

[madscot13]

Aw, Mad, why're you going to miss it?



I'm headed back to Minnesota at the end of June and then it is med school for me!

[Cataboo]

The whitewater around Harper's ferry's pretty tame.

IF anyone's interested in rafting & doing the Gauley in West VA in the fall, it's been a few years since I've done it and I'd be game.

[Zen]

We're old :o and this is close and relatively cheap.
I can just picture myself flying out of a raft right now.

[HillSlugger]

The whitewater around Harper's ferry's pretty tame.

IF anyone's interested in rafting & doing the Gauley in West VA in the fall, it's been a few years since I've done it and I'd be game.

I might be. I've never done rafting. Maybe I need to create a bucket list so I can put this on there and then be able to cross it off. ;)

[Cataboo]

We're old :o and this is close and relatively cheap.
I can just picture myself flying out of a raft right now.

True. I might do this tubing trip, but I usually barely know what I'm doing tomorrow let alone 3 months from now.

I am planning on biking this afternoon if the scattered thunderstorms don't happen, if you want to ride.

[Kalidurga]

I usually barely know what I'm doing tomorrow let alone 3 months from now.

Ah, I used to live that way, before I grew up and began to care about whether or not I had sleep, clean laundry, or that the cats were fed on time. I miss it :( :rolleyes: ;)

[Cataboo]

Ah, I used to live that way, before I grew up and began to care about whether or not I had sleep, clean laundry, or that the cats were fed on time. I miss it :( :rolleyes: ;)

Why sleep when I can abuse caffeine? Laundry - I seem to have just bought enough clothes that I don't ever have to do it, but it does get done.

And I've made sure not to get pets. My plants don't always get water when they should, though.

[Kalidurga]

Why sleep when I can abuse caffeine?

And, again, that makes me feel nostalgic. Brings to mind the days when breakfast was a stop at 7-11 for Jolt cola and a package of mini Hostess donuts... after I'd had no sleep the night before because I'd driven all the way to who-knows-where to go hiking and exploring the countryside. Those were the days :D

[Kalidurga]

Let's hope the rivers recede a tad between now and the end of August...

From the Charlestown Gazette: 12 rescued from Shenandoah River during float trip (http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/200906220211). I drove across both rivers on Sunday and they were waaaay up. I was surprised to see anyone on the water, but there were a few kayaks and tubes. Crazy people, especially taking kids that small.

[Cataboo]

I've no problems with people who know what they're doing & want to risk themselves... but why the heck would you bring a 4 year old & 9 other children on that???

I read an article about 10 kayakers being rescued on the patnuxent the other day - the start of some 4 day float trip with beginner & intermediate kayakers from age 9 to 60... It sounded like the water levels rose, they got stuck in tree branches and then panicked.

Actually, my mom forced me to read the article, cause she was all worried when I went out on the potomac at Mason Neck. Water was high there, but then it was high tide, and no more choppy than it normally is down there.

[Kalidurga]

I saw the thing about the Patuxent River. It was a group of 32 or so people doing a sojourn paddle, and the trip leaders had apparently been warned by multiple sources that the river levels were too high.

There's also a new story about 2 men who're thought to have drowned on the Potomac near DC. They and some friends decided to go swimming in the river during a picnic or something. The friends were rescued but two are still missing.

I'll admit I did worry a bit about you down at Mason Neck. I'm sticking to reservoirs &/or the C&O until the levels come down.

[Cataboo]

I saw the thing about the Patuxent River. It was a group of 32 or so people doing a sojourn paddle, and the trip leaders had apparently been warned by multiple sources that the river levels were too high.

There's also a new story about 2 men who're thought to have drowned on the Potomac near DC. They and some friends decided to go swimming in the river during a picnic or something. The friends were rescued but two are still missing.

I'll admit I did worry a bit about you down at Mason Neck. I'm sticking to reservoirs &/or the C&O until the levels come down.


When I used to row crew in highschool, we used to do some races on the Potomac along the Georgetown waterfront - the current used to be vicious there, so I've always avoided that part of the potomac for paddling. I can't imagine deciding that it would be a good place to swim.


At Mason neck, I had my friend with a sit on top with me - I was more worried about her. Her boat's kinda slow & fat, so I didn't want to take her somewhere where we had to do a lot of paddling to see something pretty - which the Occoquan reservoir is... At Mason neck, to get up the creek we went to, you pretty much maybe paddle about a half mile up the Potomac which you can do next to the shore, and then turn up into the creek and the creek's literally like 2 feet deep in a lot of spots - so if it's high water & 4 feet deep that didn't seem too threatening. I posted the pics on facebook if you didn't see 'em - just generally a pretty day & calm water. Mason neck's also pretty much instantly gratifying - you don't have to go far and you're almost guaranteed to see bald eagles, herons, & a ton of other wild life.

I do enough seashore paddling in waves & rough water, open water crossings, and just jumping out of my boat & practicing self rescues & rolls that I know I'm at least not going to lose my head if something goes wrong (and whether or not not losing my head is enough to help me, probably depends on the circumstances). And I usually have just in case stuff with me... spare paddle (if not 2), dry bag, bilge pumps, emergency blankets, ropes, throw bags, lights, matches, water & food, knife on pfd for in case I get tangled in lines, etc.... All of which is normally ridiculous overkill on a normal paddling trip, but they just live in my kayak (my biking backpack is similarly ridiculous overkill). However, I avoid rivers like the Potomac or ones with whitewater when they're high.

I made sure to stick close to my friend, and had a throw rope handy and some rope in case I needed to tow her... But that sit on top of hers is probably wide enough that I didn't really have to worry about her flipping.


I might bike over to the Monocacy this evening to see if I think it's safe to paddle on one evening this week, otherwise I'll probably head out to triadelphia reservoir or brighton dam one evening.

[F8th637]

Awww . . . you guys are going again this year? I've been MIA from TE all season. Someone was asking about tubing on another board I frequent and this thread came up in the Google. :D I so would love to join you ladies this year but am 8 months pregnant with my first. Hope you ladies have fun!

[Zen]

Hurry up and get that kid out. Then you can join us in August;)

[F8th637]

Hurry up and get that kid out. Then you can join us in August;)

LOL She's not due till Labor Day weekend. No pun intended. . . ok, maybe pun intended but she really is due that Saturday. :D

[divingbiker]

I so would love to join you ladies this year but am 8 months pregnant with my first. Hope you ladies have fun!

Congratulations!

[Zen]

Have we chosen a day yet?

[HillSlugger]

We were talking about the last weekend of August but hadn't decided between Saturday or Sunday. I'd prefer Saturday.

[Zen]

At this point I can do either.

[Zen]

If there's gonna be a show here, lets get it on the road.
I'm just sayin' :rolleyes:

[divingbiker]

If there's gonna be a show here, lets get it on the road.
I'm just sayin' :rolleyes:

Are you volunteering to organize?

[HillSlugger]

Without having to go back through the whole thread, someone mentioned an outfitter where the tubing ends at the outfitter, without need for a bus back. Which one is this? Sounds like it could be nice.

Last I heard we were planning to do this the last weekend of August. I'd prefer it to be that Saturday.

[Zen]

Are you volunteering to organize?

I have no credit card.

[divingbiker]

I have no credit card.

That's just the last step. You could figure out the trip details (outfitter, trip cost, tubing vs whitewater, etc), figure out the number going, gather the $ from everyone who is going, and someone else (with a credit card) could make the final reservation.

I just know I'm not doing it this time!:) It was very hard to get the final count nailed down, and I'm not up to it.

[Cataboo]

I have no credit card.

I volunteer you to set up a western maryland rail trail ride sometime in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.

no credit card needed for that one.

[HillSlugger]

I volunteer to make the final reservation if someone else is willing to gather the options.

[Kalidurga]

I had a note on my calendar to revive this thread when I get back from vacation mid-August. Based on Nicole's comment above, how about we at least set the date for Saturday, August 29th?

So, here we go...

When/Who: Saturday, 8/29- MDHillSlug, KD

Outfitter: To be determined. Who wants to do some research on where they drop off/pickup and what they cost?

[sfa]

I had a note on my calendar to revive this thread when I get back from vacation mid-August. Based on Nicole's comment above, how about we at least set the date for Saturday, August 29th?

So, here we go...

When/Who: Saturday, 8/29- MDHillSlug, KD

Outfitter: To be determined. Who wants to do some research on where they drop off/pickup and what they cost?

Add me to the list, and I'll do some research. I was looking at two outfitters today (left the info at work, sorry....) and will research some more this week.

Sarah

[Zen]

Butt's (http://www.btiwhitewater.com/pricing/)-
$30.00 plus 6% tax plus $2.00 river usage fee
same section as last year

River Riders (http://www.riverriders.com/)-

Full day trip (both rivers) (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=Detail&Activity=Tubing&TripID=15)-
$39 for our flat-water / white-water combination trip

( add a $4 per person user fee ($2.00 per trip) and 6% sales tax to all trip prices.)

$27 for Flat Water Only (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=Detail&Activity=Tubing&TripID=13)
or $27 for "whitewater" (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=Detail&Activity=Tubing&TripID=13) only
Same tax and $2.00 fee

The one Nicole is probably thinking about is River and Trail outfitters (http://www.rivertrail.com/tubing-directory.php) but they only take groups of 15 or more.

[HillSlugger]

Butt's
Price is now $32 per person for the pvc tube, + 6% tax and $2 river fee. They mention a 10% discount for AAA but I don't know if everyone needs to individually show membership or if my membership would get everyone the discount

River Riders
Standard PVC tube is $27 ($25 w/online reservation), deluxe tube with backrest is $32 ($30 w/online reservation). $3 discount per person for groups of 10-19 people. all + 6% tax and $2 river fee.

We've been talking about doing this on Saturday August 29. Can we get a head count?

HillSlug, Slug daughter, maybe Slug partner

[Kalidurga]

Saturday August 29. Can we get a head count?

HillSlug,
Slug daughter,
maybe Slug partner,
KD

[ny biker]

I think I can join you guys for this. I haven't been tubing in ages!

If I'm reading this right, the location is either Harpers Ferry or Purcellville, with a mid-morning start time. Is this correct?

[7rider]

We've been talking about doing this on Saturday August 29. Can we get a head count?


Sorry. Can't make this one.
Take lots of pictures!

[HillSlugger]

I think I can join you guys for this. I haven't been tubing in ages!

If I'm reading this right, the location is either Harpers Ferry or Purcellville, with a mid-morning start time. Is this correct?

Harpers Ferry I believe. I'm not sure we ever talked start time but mid-late morning sounds good for me.

[ny biker]

Harpers Ferry I believe. I'm not sure we ever talked start time but mid-late morning sounds good for me.

I was looking at the web sites for Butt's and River Riders for the info and I saw something that started at 10:00. But I didn't look too closely, so I might have gotten it wrong.

[HillSlugger]

Butt's says:
9am – 4pm *Shuttle leaves approximately every half hour

River Riders says:
departures every half hour on the :45 and :15 from 10:45-2:45

[divingbiker]

HillSlug,
Slug daughter,
maybe Slug partner,
KD
DB

[Kalidurga]

The time of day depends on which outfitter we choose and whether we do the Shenandoah, the Potomac, or both (which some of us were considering).

[Kalidurga]

So we're doing this in two weeks and there are five of us going? That will certainly make collecting $$ for the reservation much easier :D

So, do we want to stick with the same outfitter as last year, or try one of the others?

[HillSlugger]

Who did we use last year?

Would someone like to state a preference for start time?

[Kalidurga]

Last year we used River Riders out of Harpers Ferry. They and Butts both offer a choice of Potomac (whitewater) or Shenandoah (mostly flatwater, some very small rapids), but it looks as if only River Riders has a package for both rivers.

Let's figure out what everyone's river preferences are so we can figure out a time:

HillSlug, Slug daughter, maybe Slug partner --
KD -- Either river is fine with me. I was considering doing both, but if the weather's like today the heat will wipe me out after the first run.
DB --


nybiker, sfa, Zen, are any of you ladies (yes, I know you're not all "ladies") still planning on this? If so, please add your name and preference to the list so we can settle the details and make a reservation.

Regina, it won't be the same without you!

[HillSlugger]

Last year we used River Riders out of Harpers Ferry. They and Butts both offer a choice of Potomac (whitewater) or Shenandoah (mostly flatwater, some very small rapids), but it looks as if only River Riders has a package for both rivers.

Let's figure out what everyone's river preferences are so we can figure out a time:

HillSlug, Slug daughter, maybe Slug partner -- I'd prefer the white water
KD -- Either river is fine with me. I was considering doing both, but if the weather's like today the heat will wipe me out after the first run.
DB --


nybiker, sfa, Zen, are any of you ladies (yes, I know you're not all "ladies") still planning on this? If so, please add your name and preference to the list so we can settle the details and make a reservation.

Regina, it won't be the same without you!

Daughter and I would prefer the white water + maybe the other in addition

[divingbiker]

I'd like to do both, but of the two I'd pass on whitewater.

[HillSlugger]

OK, if we're going to do both we'll need a pretty early start, right?

[Kalidurga]

River Riders requires a 10:00am arrival for the full-day, two-river trip (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=Detail&Activity=Tubing&TripID=15). They begin with the Shenandoah at 11:00am, then you go back for lunch, then you do the Potomac at 2:15pm.

I would suggest we get commitments from everyone by the end of this week, then I'd be happy to call and make the arrangements.

So, this is what we have so far:

Saturday, August 29th

HillSlug, Slug daughter, maybe Slug partner -- Potomac, maybe Shenandoah
KD -- Shenandoah & Potomac (depending on the weather forecast)
DB -- Shenandoah, maybe Potomac

nybiker -- ??
sfa -- ??
Zen -- ??

[sfa]

Count me in still! I'd prefer just the Shenandoah, but if the majority wants to do both, I'll probably find the backbone to give the Potomac a try.

Sarah

[HillSlugger]

Count me in still! I'd prefer just the Shenandoah, but if the majority wants to do both, I'll probably find the backbone to give the Potomac a try.

Sarah

Last year the white water was enough to quicken your hear rate a bit but nothing that ever threatened to toss you out of the tube. We're talking maybe a 1-2 foot drop. My 11 yo daughter loved it.

[Kalidurga]

River Riders requires a 10:00am arrival for the full-day, two-river trip (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=Detail&Activity=Tubing&TripID=15). They begin with the Shenandoah at 11:00am, then you go back for lunch, then you do the Potomac at 2:15pm.

I would suggest we get commitments from everyone by the end of this week, then I'd be happy to call and make the arrangements.

So, this is what we have so far:

Saturday, August 29th

HillSlug, Slug daughter, maybe Slug partner -- Potomac, maybe Shenandoah
KD -- Shenandoah & Potomac (depending on the weather forecast)
DB -- Shenandoah, maybe Potomac
sfa -- Shenandoah, maybe Potomac

nybiker -- ??
Zen -- ??

Glad you can join us, Sarah, it'll be fun to meet you!

I saw a few rafts out on the Shenandoah yesterday as I was crossing the 340 bridge upstream from Harpers Ferry. Not to throw a monkey wrench into our planning, but that could be a fun option, too: Shenandoah or Potomac River Whitewater Rafting (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=Detail&Activity=Rafting&TripID=1). Apparently that trip does include a few whitewater sections on the Shenandoah. I'm guessing the "Staircase" rapids are the section close to Harpers Ferry...?

[HillSlugger]

So, is there still life in this or is it DOA?

[divingbiker]

Rafting sounds fun, too. The only time I've ever done it was a 5-day trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon (and then had to hike out of the canyon.) I think this one might be a bit tamer.:)

I'd like to do something, either the combo trip or the rafting, so I'd say it's still got life.

[HillSlugger]

OK, then let's commit to the combo trip, get a head count, and get this thing moving along!

[Kalidurga]

At this point, the head count is 5 definites and 1 maybe:

HillSlug, Slug daughter, maybe Slug partner (??) -- Potomac, maybe Shenandoah
KD -- Shenandoah & Potomac (depending on the weather forecast)
DB -- Shenandoah, maybe Potomac
sfa -- Shenandoah, maybe Potomac

Nicole, how strongly do you and Sammy feel about the Potomac? Do we want to just choose one river and then decide on rafting or tubing? Or are we still going to have some of us doing one river and some of us doing the other?

Anyone else who's interested, please speak up now. I'll call for reservations tomorrow if we can get a final head count and river/tube/raft/etc plan.

[divingbiker]

At this point, the head count is 5 definites and 1 maybe:

HillSlug, Slug daughter, maybe Slug partner (??) -- Potomac, maybe Shenandoah
KD -- Shenandoah & Potomac (depending on the weather forecast)
DB -- Shenandoah, maybe Potomac
sfa -- Shenandoah, maybe Potomac

Nicole, how strongly do you and Sammy feel about the Potomac? Do we want to just choose one river and then decide on rafting or tubing? Or are we still going to have some of us doing one river and some of us doing the other?

Anyone else who's interested, please speak up now. I'll call for reservations tomorrow if we can get a final head count and river/tube/raft/etc plan.

I'll do both.

[Kalidurga]

HillSlug, Slug daughter, maybe Slug partner (??) -- Two-river package
KD -- Two-river package
DB -- Two-river package
sfa -- Two-river package

Ok, at this point I'm assuming it's just us. Last question: Nicole, will it be just you and Sammy, or you, Sammy & Slug partner?

[HillSlugger]

HillSlug, Slug daughter, maybe Slug partner (??) -- Two-river package
KD -- Two-river package
DB -- Two-river package
sfa -- Two-river package

Ok, at this point I'm assuming it's just us. Last question: Nicole, will it be just you and Sammy, or you, Sammy & Slug partner?

Two rivers for us. Seeking final answer from Michele

[divingbiker]

I just left a message for my neighbor, who came with us last year. I'll let you know later today if she's in or not.

[Kalidurga]

Alrighty! I just made a reservation for 5 people for Saturday, August 29th and I'll let y'all know when it's confirmed. I also asked if we could add more people to our reservation and they said that's fine as long as it's done more than 48 hours in advance. So, if anyone would still like to join in, let me know before Thursday.

I'll pm everyone involved about payment.

[Cataboo]

A lady on craigslist just bought my whitewater boat from me, cycles as well, and I was telling her about your trip & she thought she'd want to come. So I'll email her this link to see if she does.

[divingbiker]

No go on the neighbor coming with us.

[Kalidurga]

We are confirmed:


Thank you for choosing River Riders for your full day tubing trip for 5 people on 08/29 at 11am. We have charged your card for the full amount. Please plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to your trips departure time [So we need to be there at 10:00am]. Your help is needed. Please carpool as much as possible. We have very limited parking, especially on weekends. Besides, it's good for the environment

Also please make sure everybody dresses appropriately and wears shoes that will stay attached to their feet (no bare feet), and bring a change of clothes for afterwards.

For more details on what you will need for your trip you can go to www.riverriders.com/bring.htm and for directions to us please see www.riverriders.com/directions.htm.

Just to reiterate, if anyone decides they'd like to join us, let me know before Thursday.

[withm]

Holy moly! It took 93 posts and 2-1/2 months to make a reservation for 5 people to go tubing? :)

[Kalidurga]

As my mother likes to put it, sometimes getting people organized is like herding cats.

[HillSlugger]

Pathetic, huh?

[divingbiker]

Cross your fingers that the weather cooperates. It's looking a little iffy right now.:mad:

[Kalidurga]

It was iffy last year, too, but turned out ok. We experienced it all!

[7rider]

So....
How'd it go?
Get wet?

[divingbiker]

Great fun! and the day turned out to be gorgeous.

[HillSlugger]

Lotsa fun!

The Shenandoah was nice but not too exciting; a little drizzle early but the skies cleared later. The Potomac was like last year, but without the drama of popped tubes, etc.

Laying face up in the sun for a few hours went a long way towards evening up my tan ;)

Sammi loves the white water! We got separated from Janice and Sarah but stayed fairly near Tam.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/3871335812_f63d15dd23.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3870554285_cdfec4cfd1.jpg

[owlice]

Wow; looks like a great time!!

[Kalidurga]

It definitely was a fun day, though a long one. And I'm with Sammi, the whitewater sections are a blast.

You got some great shots of the cliffs, Nicole.

[HillSlugger]

It definitely was a fun day, though a long one. And I'm with Sammi, the whitewater sections are a blast.

You got some great shots of the cliffs, Nicole.
So, for next year, where can we go to get MORE whitewater?! :D

[Cataboo]

So, for next year, where can we go to get MORE whitewater?! :D

http://www.songerwhitewater.com/gauley-river.php

New River or Gauley river... Considerably more expensive, in a raft, and I could possibly be convinced to go down since it's been a few years since I've done it. Gauley season starts Sat the 11th. (they release water over the damn every weekend in the fall)

[Kalidurga]

Depends on how far you ladies are willing to drive. Off the top of my head, I'd say the Yock (Youghiogheny) or Savage rivers out in western Md/Pa. I know they're both popular with whitewater kayakers and rafters, but I don't know if tubing is available.

http://www.ohiopyletradingpost.com/

http://www.rivertrail.com/index.php

[sfa]

Good times, and great photos--I'm glad you posted the one of Sammi taken from behind. That was one of my favorite shots of the bunch.

I couldn't believe how wiped out I was that night. Floating along in the sun is hard work! I also have a raging sunburn on a two inch by half inch patch of my ankle that the sunscreen missed. I'm thinking of it as a test patch for how all of me would have looked without the sunscreen.

Sarah

[HillSlugger]

My upper thighs caught a lot of sun but it ended up just short of a burn. Forgetting to use sunscreen was stupid, forgetting to apply it on my legs when Tam offered it was really stupid.

Any other pictures you'd like to see posted here?

[Kalidurga]

Next time I'll just take aim and spray whether ya want it or not ;)