The 17th Annual CJ Canoe Trip is set for Sunday, June 28. As in the recent past, Calleva Outdoor Adventures will coordinate efforts that day and provide canoes. Kayaks and kayak guides will be provided by Liquid Adventures, a Cabin John company run by CJ Gardens resident Tom McEwan. Last year we got about 11 kayaks out on the water, and hope to do so this year as well.
As usual, we will put in at Old Anglers Inn in the morning (probably around 10 am) and take out at Lockhouse 10 in Cabin John in the mid-afternoon (probably between 3 – 3:30 pm). The trip is generally limited to Cabin John residents and friends, but we can usually fit in outsiders. Fees are $15/head (maximum of $30/canoe), and there is a separate charge of $30 if you rent a canoe or kayak. These fees, along with a sbusidy from the Cabin John Citizens Association, pay for the Calleva and Liquid Adventure guides and associated costs.
On the trip, you are likely to encounter herons, ducks and possibly ospreys and eagles. We plan to stop for lunch on the Virginia side by Scott’s Run Creek, which has a nice waterfall that in previous years has drawn some of the more adventurous.
Canoe/kayak paddling instruction is strongly recommended for all and begins at the River’s edge about 10 am. Expect to get wet in some fashion during this trip. People do tip over on occasion, usually unexpectedly. We will avoid Yellow Falls, which can be somewhat difficult, but expect to have fun going through Stubblefield Falls, just upstream of the Beltway Bridge. It’s wavy and bouncy but no rocks. We’ll get some pictures of you in your canoe/kayak as you go through, so it’s an opportunity of a lifetime to get yourself in an action photo.
Bring your own canoe/kayak or let us know that you will need to rent one. You will need to bring your own lunch/sodas/water/sun tan lotion. As always, the mystery dessert is provided by CJCA. Past participants are sworn to secrecy regarding the mystery dessert.
If you are planning to participate, it is very important that you notify Burr Gray (burrgray@aol.com) as soon as you know you will be coming but no later than June 21 so that we can plan on how many guides to get and provide you in advance with other instruction and the specifics of the trip. Please indicate the following: 1) number of canoes or kayaks you will need to rent or will bring yourself, 2) number of people in your group, plus the ages of any kids, and 3) level of expertise. State in particular whether you will rent or bring your own canoe/kayak, and give a phone number where you can be reached the morning of the trip and an e-mail address. More information will be emailed to participants in advance of the trip.