The 12th-Annual Spring-Fling River Thing
Come enjoy a weekend celebration on the beautiful Shenandoah River in the Blue Ridge
Mountains of Virginia. This 3-day canoe/camp trip is an excellent choice for first-timers,
as it offers 24 miles of mostly calm water and a chilled-out, easy-going, lazy float down the river.
The IMPORTANT STUFF:
(Here's what you need to know:)
Date: It's April 20-22, 2012. Contact me to confirm by April 10th.
Outfitters: Directions, maps, etc. are on Downriver Canoe Company's Web site.
Cost: $130/canoe, $89/kayak (includes 2 nights of camping). If you have your own boat, it's about $30 for shuttle, plus $8/night for camping.
Most important: Bring warm (non-cotton) clothes, rain gear, firewood, waterproof bags, food, water and CANNED beverages (please no glass).
Quick links:
River conditions/weather
What do I need to bring?
Details/Price/etc
Yo, share this, fool:
For more info, please read on:
So, what's the water/weather like?
In the spring, the water is usually high and cold. This year, we didn't get much snow over the winter, so I'd expect the
river levels to be a little lower than normal. See the River Conditions. (Will be updated regularly after April 1.)
Temperatures are usually moderate during the day (shorts/t-shirts) and cold at night (sweater/jacket/scarf).
Although the majority of this trip is calm water, there are a couple of nice class II rapids to play in, for the more experienced water enthusiasts. Compton Rapid, which is right at the campground, is a nice wavy ride with one big obstacle (aptly named "pinning rock") just to the right of middle.
Take this rapid about 10-20 feet off the right bank for the safest route. Go closer to the middle to have some more fun.
Those who choose not to run the rapid can take out just before and follow a short road to the campsite.
On the second day of the trip, we come upon The Ledge, a 3-foot drop over some rocks, with a spillover just to the left of middle (the tricky route). It can be fun to try and navigate through the middle, but you can also flip your boat. The safest route is about 15 feet off the left bank.
So, how's it work?
Friday morning we will go to the campground and set up. Arriving early allows us to claim a nice campspot right on the water.
Saturday morning, we drive to the outfitters. They will shuttle us to the put-in, about 13 miles upriver from the campsite. We float down the river and end our first day back at the campsite.
Sunday we paddle the remaining 11 miles and take out at the outfitters' shop. They will drive us back to the campsite.
What should I wear?
It's very important that you bring appropriate attire for the weather.
This time of year it can get pretty cold in the evenings, so you'll want to dress in layers.
Bring a sweater, coat, warm hat, scarf and maybe some gloves.
During the day, it should be warm enough for shorts/t-shirts.
Bring a Wetsuit, drysuit, or river pants, if you have them, or can borrow them from someone.
In spring, the water is pretty chilly, and if you end up swimming, you want to stay warm.
NO denim or cotton on the river! Wool/fleece/polartec are best.
More info:
Please RSVP on time!!
-
We're leaving Friday, early morning, from my house, if you'd like to caravan with us.
If you cannot come Friday, You can meet us Saturday morning, no later than 10am, at the campsite.
- The outfitters are Downriver Canoe Company in Bentonville, Va. www.downriver.com
Please check their Website for river conditions, directions, etc.
- The price this year is $130 per canoe. Two or three people can fit in 1 canoe. If you'd rather kayak, it'll be $89 per person.
- For the people who are only staying the first day: 1-day rental rates are $99 (canoe) and $69 (kayak).
- The price covers everything (canoe rental, life jackets, camping and shuttle)
- Sometimes they charge us extra for camping Friday night, sometimes they don't. It's $8 per person if they do decide to charge.
- Those who want to camp out Friday night can show up at the campground any time. Directions are on Downriver's web site.
(We strongly recommend this, if you can... This will save a lot of time on Saturday morning, because your camp will already be set up.)
- Everyone else should meet us at the camp site Saturday morning no later than 10:00 a.m.
- If you bring your own boat (or kayak), you only have to pay shuttle ( $30 ) plus camping ( $8 a night).
- If you don't have a life jacket, they'll let you use one for free.
My Camp Checklist
So, what do I need to bring?
Cheers! The 2007 trip. (photo by Peggy)
- Waterproof rain gear. Target has a decent pant/jacket combo for like $25. It's well worth it!
- CANNED beverages (Please try to avoid glass bottles.)
- Camp food & munchies
- Food for lunches on the river (sandwiches/trail mix/jerky/MREs/etc)
- Firewood OR cash to buy some. There's not much burnable wood there at the campsite, but there are locals who will deliver it.
- Sleeping bag / pillow / air mattress / blankets
- Tent
- EZ-UP or canopy
- Bug spray!
- Sunscreen!
- Toilet paper
- Personal hygene items (soap, deodorant, comb, etc)
- Flashlight & extra batteries
- Lantern
- Camp stove or grill and extra fuel
- Cards and games
- Fishing rods and bait. They don't sell live bait there, so you'll have to bring it.
- Drybags or Pelican cases for your electronics, camera, lighters, etc, while on the water. (DON'T use zip-locks! They will leak.) You can get small drybags at Dick's for $5-10.
- Coolers (1 big cooler for campsite, and a smaller cooler to take on the boat.)
- Swim wear. You don't want to be on the river wearing jeans.
- Trash bags. We leave only footprints!
- GPS
Photos from previous trips:
Kerrie, 2008
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Stef, 2008
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A bald eagle visits the campsite, 2009
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Tasha rocks the Compton rapid for the first time, 2009
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