OCT: North Branch Potomac at Bloomington 5/21 - 22

[bambam]

This run forms part of the border between West Virginia and Maryland. I consider it to be a fairly fast-moving class II / III run. Years ago, for me it was a test to see if I was ready to move up to the lower Yough in Pennsylvania.

Dam releases are scheduled for both days. This allows for consistent good flows,usually. This current weekend, for example, the "whitewater" releases were cancelled because they had too much water. The river was still running. Water can be released from the reservoir from various depths so the water temperature can cover a significant range. Come prepared for chilly.

We usually paddle both days with a later start on Saturday to allow for travel there and earlier on Sunday to allow travel time home. Exact times to be determined.

https://www.americanwhitewater.org/cont ... /2430/main

I am going to go the wimp route this time and stay in a hotel. I have had good camping experiences at the Robert Craig campground which is not far from the put in.

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233604

More details to come. Please sing out if interested, here, messaging, or email. This is another one where it is not okay to just show up.

Cheers,

Ken Dubel

[open boater]

I'm planning to be there, camping at Robert Craig, site# 60

[paddlin_bill]

I am currently planning to be there. Camping at Robert Craig 009. Jenny Wiley (currently in the Grand Canyon) is also planning on going. Terri B. would like to go as well.

Ken I will hit you up this weekend to see if I am kidding myself about this one, but it has always sounded like good fun.

[Terri]

I plan to join you as well. I love this run! But I've only done it twice, and I might back out if it's too cold. Thanks for coordinating, Terri

[Alicia]

Bumping this for the upcoming weekend. I'm looking forward to the trip!

Not only is it a good place for folks looking to step up from class 2+, it's a great place for strong intermediates and more advanced boaters to practice hard moves on an easier river and surf a bunch of ledges.

As Ken said, the water tends to be cold (very cold to this ol' gal). The Keyser, WV forecast is for 88 on Saturday but just 74 on Sunday, so bring some cold water gear. There's always the chance of scattered T-storms, too.

[dkeller]

My 24 yo son (kayak) and I (Aire Lynx, IK) plan to paddle both days.

Please post meet times, etc when nailed down

Been a few years. We used to run this almost every year in the 1990’s thru early 2010’’s

[bambam]

Hi Don. I sent you a test email. Let me know here if you didn't get it.

......................

The area river gauges seem to have settled down and no real rain is in the forecast so my guess is we'll have an ordinary planned dam release both days at around 1,000 cfs. Will the nearby Savage River run? Prolly not, sorry.

So far we are a group of thirteen. Thankfully this river section handles larger groups pretty well. The river's and my capacities are not unlimited though. If you are out there lurking and want to go then you need to chime in soon.

Cheers,

Ken Dubel

[Leerail]

I'll be coming, and maybe camping for the 2nd day.

[dkeller]

What is going on up there this weekend?? No hotel rooms for miles around.

[bambam]

What is going on up there this weekend?? No hotel rooms for miles around.

Uh oh. I have no idea.

Ken

[bambam]

I just sent an email to all of those who I know plan to attend. If you are on this thread and didn't hear from me then please sound the alarm.

Ken Dubel