June 12, 2008

June 12, 2008

We launched from the Peach Bottom Marina at 8:15 am. The temperature was 70 with low humidity and a clear sky.

We didn't have any river map for the Maryland portion of the river, the final 14 or so miles. We knew that the portage for the Conowingo Dam in Maryland was on right river, and since the Marina was on river left we decided to initially go diagonally across to river right. After 1-1/2 hours we were on the other side. Since there was no breeze, we were quickly wet from sweat.

There were not many landmarks on the river. In fact, there wasn't much at all along the edges after the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Plant. Finally ahead we saw the Conowingo Dam. We had found out in the spring that we were supposed to contact the dam a month ahead and every week after that and again the day before and the day of the portage around the dam. We found the phone number and calling requirements on a website of an outfitter in Marysville, PA. Every time I called the dam, I got a recording saying that the person was not available but would call back. I left a message each time including my phone number and never got a call back. I also never got a human being on my calls. The outfitter website also said to go to the Glen Cove Marina on river right about a half mile before the dam.

So, we landed at the marina with no previous contact with the dam. There we found a man who worked for the marina which was closed at the time. Making a long story short, the owner of the marina knew someone at the dam and we eventually got a ride around the dam by a dam employee. It seems the phone number is wrong and things will be corrected. We only spent 1-1/4 hours out of the water, so that wasn't too bad considering the lack of communications.

We were put back in just below the dam on river right and decided to stay on that side since final destination was the Tidewater Grill in Havre de Grace on river right. We were almost instantly surrounded by large rocks underwater and sticking out of the water. We think the area is called Smith's Falls. It lasted for approximately two miles until we reached the I-95 bridge. We did lots of dodging and twisting through the rock maze. We still scraped over rocks at times, but we didn't have to walk the kayaks at all. The river is down. When we left the Peach Bottom Marina in the morning, we noticed that the water in the cove was down close to a foot overnight. It was still nice to be back in current again. We had spent the previous two days in lake conditions because of the dams.

There was a total of four bridges we went under before getting to the Chesapeake Bay and the Tidewater Grill. The still air and rising temperature meant a very tiring and sweaty final leg. It was our shortest day for miles—17-1/2.

We finished feeling sore. I had some sun poisoning, but Sue really did well in that department. She burns real easy and maintained a regimen of SPF 50 and long sleeve shirts and long pants. She had a touch of sunburn between the end of her gloves and the beginning of her shirt sleeves. I tan easily and used SPF 15 on my arms. But it wasn't enough. Live and learn.

WE DID IT!!!! 444 MILES!!!!

In retrospect, we truly enjoyed paddling the wonderful Susquehanna River. The solitude of no motor noise and only paddle splashes is the way to go! We saw trees draping over the narrow beginning. We went through farmland and small towns. We went through cities. We passed through large remote pristine stretches of river where we felt like early explorers. We chatted with some very interesting people. We talked to lots of fishermen. We experienced nature at every turn. We might try the West Branch some time.