Swatara Creek '03

Swatara'03

The Swatara Creek Trip

For some nice trail info, check out The Swatara Trail Guide.

5/25/03

Trip: Swatara Creek
Trip Lead: Terry Nesbit
Trip Participants: Brian & Rachel, Barb, Terry & Donna, Bob, Paul & Amy

Though our Trip Leader gave us a quick lesson on identifying the plants, here's a couple links that may be helpful if he's not around. Our foes on the trip, which kept us from eating when we wanted and having to be careful hauling out - Poison Ivy & Poison Oak

The water was chilly, the day was overcast and maybe the sun poked out once or twice, but at least it didn't rain. The water was moving pretty fast to where it took ~2hrs for a 4hr trip. We did roughly 8miles and it was a good trip, minimal trouble spots and ended in a fossil hunt for some. We had a good small group that worked well together.

Anyhow, Happy Memorial Day - A day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice. As a vet myself, this is always a special day/weekend, and I was glad to enjoy it in part with friends. Thanks to newcomers Paul & Amy, who supplied flags to put on helmets or our boats. :)

We had a good showing of Old Town boats today, me in my Loon138, Rachel in her 120 (for the last time, onto the Prijon!) and Paul & Amy in their Castine and Castaways. All fared well and P&A did well on the mini-rapids for their first real moving water trip.
We packed helmets, PFDs and skirts for safety... I had my utility skirt (a half skirt with pockets and a water bottle hole), while the rest were sealed up like members of the Republican Guard. Fortunately, the weather and waters held to where I could share this digital moments with you. Enjoy!

Twas a muddy day Unloading the boats

...and we're off. Paul & Amy paddling their Old Towns

Terry leads, Paul & Rachel flank. Terry steers while Donna has some fruit (how I held back O:) )

Terry Nesbit says "Can you see me now?" Group shot on the water

Greenery on the creek Shredding some mini-rapids

A bridge over not so troubled waters? Yet another bridge, hello I-81

Take out point Getting lined up

Out go the canoes... Terry & Donna brave the poison ivy/oak path to freedom

Barb waves while she waits to get out
Where paddle meets water

Amusing myself, looking up thru the bridge
Loading up after lunch, good day

Updated: May 25, 2003


Twas a muddy day	Unloading the boats

...and we're off.	Paul & Amy paddling their Old Towns

Terry leads, Paul & Rachel flank.	Terry steers while Donna has some fruit (how I held back O:) )

Terry Nesbit says "Can you see me now?"	Group shot on the water

Greenery on the creek	Shredding some mini-rapids

A bridge over not so troubled waters?	Yet another bridge, hello I-81

Take out point	Getting lined up

Out go the canoes...	Terry & Donna brave the poison ivy/oak path to freedom

Barb waves while she waits to get out	Where paddle meets water

Amusing myself, looking up thru the bridge	Loading up after lunch, good day