Trumbull Canoe Trails - View Single Post - 4-9-17 Whitewater

JPTolson · 04-10-2017, 07:26 PM

Many thanks to Mike Danko for leading a great trip down the Ashtabula River from Green Hill Road to Indian Trails Park. The painted gage on the Dewey Road bridge read 1.5 feet–plenty of water with a few bumps and scrapes when going over the ledges. The action was pretty much non stop with one class 2 or 2+ rapid after another.

Not only was the whitewater superb, but so was the scenery! In places, the riverscape reminded us of the Grand to the west with its high shale cliffs and many hemlocks. We saw several bald eagles and kingfishers.

Everyone on the trip nearly had a chance to practice their rescue skills when I came within an inch or two of flipping after getting caught involuntarily side surfing in a keeper curler wave. Thanks to a well-placed bump from Mike's boat to mine and a desperation lean downstream, we avoided a spill and chasing down a swimmer and equipment. Thanks again, Mike!

By the end of the run, the many rapids and occasional head wind left me beat! But it was well worth the drive and the effort to see and experience this beautiful combination of scenery and whitewater. We had five kayaks and one canoe. Paddlers were Matt Brady, Mike Danko, Ron Eells, Jessica Hoffart, Paul Isaac, and JP Tolson.

04-10-2017, 07:26 PM	#2
JPTolson Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Salem, Ohio Posts: 902 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTW/F/M Award(s): 0	What a run! Many thanks to Mike Danko for leading a great trip down the Ashtabula River from Green Hill Road to Indian Trails Park. The painted gage on the Dewey Road bridge read 1.5 feet–plenty of water with a few bumps and scrapes when going over the ledges. The action was pretty much non stop with one class 2 or 2+ rapid after another. Not only was the whitewater superb, but so was the scenery! In places, the riverscape reminded us of the Grand to the west with its high shale cliffs and many hemlocks. We saw several bald eagles and kingfishers. Everyone on the trip nearly had a chance to practice their rescue skills when I came within an inch or two of flipping after getting caught involuntarily side surfing in a keeper curler wave. Thanks to a well-placed bump from Mike's boat to mine and a desperation lean downstream, we avoided a spill and chasing down a swimmer and equipment. Thanks again, Mike! By the end of the run, the many rapids and occasional head wind left me beat! But it was well worth the drive and the effort to see and experience this beautiful combination of scenery and whitewater. We had five kayaks and one canoe. Paddlers were Matt Brady, Mike Danko, Ron Eells, Jessica Hoffart, Paul Isaac, and JP Tolson. Last edited by JPTolson; 04-11-2017 at 09:09 AM.