Biggest Memorial Day Buddy Paddle Ever

Back to Index

Our Memorial Day trip on the Columbus Loop was probably the biggest one yet, with 62 folks in some in 48 boats. On a slightly overcast, warm day we put in about 10 am at the Columbus Loop of the Colorado River. The river was a little higher than usual, giving some of us a bit of a workout, especially the mud when we disembarked. We were about evenly split between experienced paddlers (aka, old members) and "newbies" (more recent members) so there was some levity when only a senior paddler or two took impromptu "swims" but they insisted that was intentional to cool off from the heat.

After paddling about 2 miles to an island, we stopped to stretch our legs and visit. We moved onto Cummins creek, where we collected our group together again, rested in the shade, and then moved on to our picnic. Everyone set up their picnic on a shaded sandbar, and enjoyed a Memorial Day cake and watermelon, followed by a dip in the river. We reached the takeout about 2 pm, with everyone in good spirits.

The outing was organized by Fraser Baker and Janice Frels who did a great job leading the long string of canoes and kayaks. Cheryl Cleary worked hard as the sweep, even doing some towing.

Fraser's pictures are posted at www.fraserbaker.ws/albums/content.html.
If you want to share some photos, please let us know.

We asked folks to send comments for the newsletter and this was the first one received:

"On behalf of many of the newbies, we had a great time. Thanks to Don d'Entremont for making a genuine effort to train me. The price for this training (towing him down some of the river) seemed fair at the time (not so sure today). This was my first club sponsored event, and the turnout was impressive."

Ed Stokes

From John Bartos:
"Was that the best attended HCC trip ever? Sure was fun. Good cake & H2Omelon. Thanks."

From Don d'Entremont:
"Nice sand & gravel riverbed to crouch on for getting all wet and cooled down."

Back to Index