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Old 09-16-2017, 05:39 PM   #1
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Default Pittsburgh Paddle

When: September 24

Where: Millvale Riverfront Park
70 Riverfront Dr., Pittsburgh PA

Time: 10:30

We will paddle approximately 7 miles down the Allegheny onto the Ohio River. We will be taking out at Western Penitentiary. By request we will plan to eat at one of Pittsburgh's famous eatery afterwards. Would appreciate a head count to help the restaurant accommodate us. Please call or text Mark with any questions. 724-601-9801.
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Old 09-20-2017, 09:15 AM   #2
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Here's the good, the bad, and the ugly: GOOD - the forecast looks nice, BAD - there is a Turnpike (PA 76) closure all weekend for a bridge replacement - with significant detours - I suggest using 80 or 422 to 79(S) to 279(S) to 28(N) OR Ohio 11 to WV / PA 30 to 376 eastbound to 279(N) to 28(N), UGLY - I was going to make the meet time later in light of the detour, however the Pirates have a home game at 1:35 and parking can get tight.

Considering that most will be making the trip to PGH on Sunday morning, I don't expect traffic to be too bad at that time of day.

Despite the bad and the ugly, this should be a great day on the water.
This is an urban paddle with little shade, bring your sun screen and drinking water. Also, the water police will likely be out-and-about due to the Pirates game, make sure you have your required equipment - whistles and PFDs . . .

If anybody finds themselves running late or lost, give a call: 724-601-9801.

Launch: Millvale Riverfront Park: The listed address is 70 River Front Drive, Pittsburgh (Millvale) PA 15209, however this address does not work in either of my Garmin GPS units. The closest address that I was able to GPS was 100 Lincoln Avenue 15209. Coordinates my Garmin GPS gave at the launch site: N 40 28.490, W 79 58.158

From route 28, Millvale is exit 3B.

From southbound 28, stay straight down the exit ramp to the stop sign, then continue into the center lane as if going towards 28 south. After going through the second stoplight, bare left (towards 28 south) and then turn left (before going up the ramp) into the railroad crossing. Continue through the tunnel and follow the road around to the right. Pull into the first parking lot on the left.

From northbound 28, make a left at the stoplight at the end of the ramp, into the center lane, as if going towards 28 south. Bare left through the next light (towards 28 south) and then turn left (before going up the ramp) into the railroad crossing. Continue through the tunnel and follow the road around to the right. Pull into the first parking lot on the left.

Last edited by Ambridger; 09-20-2017 at 11:51 AM.
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Old 09-24-2017, 08:24 PM   #3
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12 paddlers in 11 boats (all kayaks - the Hahn's in their new tandem and the maiden voyage of Jodi's new boat) enjoyed a hot, sunny day with light winds in the City of Pittsburgh. We launched from Millvale on the Allegheny River and cruised down the back channel of Herr's Island (AKA Washington's Landing).

As we approached the 16th Street bridge, Steve Preston spotted a man in the river, in some distress after having his rented kayak tip over from a wake of a passing boat. Steve sprang into action, as we summoned PGH river rescue. By the time the rescue boat arrived, Steve had towed the partially submerged kayak about 75 yards toward shore. The man was wearing an ill-fitting PFD that rode-up above his head. He held onto his friends boat, and he paddled him to the shore. Tragedy averted!

We continued on down river and took-out at Heinz Field for a short break, and to use near-by facilities at the Carnegie Science Center. After putting back in, we merged onto the Ohio River for another three miles.

There is a "No Wake Zone" for about a mile above and below the confluence of the three rivers. Outside of that zone, we did indeed ride some wakes today. There were a good many pleasure boats on the water, as well as a couple party-liners from the Gateway Clipper fleet and one coal barge that passed by. The worst wake came as we neared the take-out. A large speed boat came by at speed and we road-out a few waves that were at least two feet. No carnages for TCTC! We took-out on the Duquesne Light ramp at Doerr Street to end a 6 mile paddle.

Several of us gathered at Sunny Jim's Tavern for some libations, and to toast newly-weds, Steve and Linda (Kohut) Preston. The PPP (pulled pork & pierogies) seemed to be a hit. And as I write this, I swear the couch is bobbing up and down . . . .
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Old 09-25-2017, 11:50 AM   #4
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Repeated attempts to post pictures failed. Pics are posted on Facebook.
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