This weekly Boardman jaunt has really caught on! A few new participants today. Mike, Mary, Jo & Jim along with old timers Mike, Dan & Tracie.
We all met, unloaded boats, left a boat guard detail and ran the shuttle. The little parking lot at Brown Bridge Landing was full, forcing us to park on the side of the road. Three of us squeezed in the back seat of Dan's Subaru while Mike rode shotgun. The road had been recently graded & was in great shape so the return trip was smooth!
Everyone jumped in their boats & were off down the river except Tracie who has not participated in a shuttle for some time which has reduced her "gear donning in a hurry" skills. The trip host was kind enough to wait for her & both soon caught up to the group. The weather was overcast for most of the paddle, warm with no wind. Water was some what lower than the last couple of weeks but still enough to prevent grounding out on gravel bars, although "new hazards" (normally submerged) were encountered.
We heard birdsong but saw nary an animal on the river today nor other paddlers but did see four people fishing during our float. A solitary, beautiful, fully blossomed out Red Cardinal flower was spotted.
The chute & riffles at the head of the Brown Bridge Quiet Area were speeding along & very fun. The tales of progress regarding the vegetation throughout the "reroute" were regaled to the "newbies" who had not been able to witness it for themselves. The take out was the usual, grunting and groaning while schlepping the boats/gear up to the cars but no casualties.
Now here is the twist! Those of us who were staying zipped back to Scheck's campground for a cookout. Mike (the trip host) brought roasting forks, condiments & well seasoned wood for a cooking campfire. Tracie brought the fixings for an old fashioned hot dog roast complete with s'mores!!! It was a clear departure from the attendee's normally healthy diet therefore was appreciated as a special treat. Jo & Jim brought fresh picked cherries of two varieties especially enjoyed by those of us that didn't have to labor for such a delicacy. Mike (the new guy) evaluated the readiness of the cooking fire by toasting a pre-meal marshmallow. What followed was a roasting, toasting extravaganza of epic proportions! Only two marshmallows were lost to the flames in a hot minute by Jo who confessed that Jim was the cook in the family. He was very gallant & toasted her another set to perfection. Everyone helped clean/pack up. Jim pumped water for Tracie & Dan to douse the fire. The extra wood was left as a gift for the next camper to use the site.
Written by
Tracie