Big Neshannock Creek 5/4/14

[paul isaac]

Looks like the Kamikazi [devine] winds are going to save some wear on some boats.

WE will meet at the put-in to set up shuttle at 10:30. Mapquesting Mayville Pa should put a flag on the map with-in 50yds. of Alduk boat launch [not found on internet].

The address is;

2841 state highway 956
Volant Pa 16156


This creek has a pretty even gradient and has a good current the hole way. The trip is 10.27 miles long with an expected moving time of two hours. We will be taking a shore lunch so bring a snack.
The take out will be The Towne Mall in New Castle. Both put-in and take-out are quite handy to parking. I have to say the trip is class l though some bends may be sharp. Expect some splashing from wave trains and irregular waves from shallow rock gardens, therefor I recommend a skirt and gear to stay dry.

For anyone who wants to run the gorge show up at 9;30 and please bring a brain bucket. The gorge has 8 class ll rapids, with four said to be tougher. I will attest to one being quite technical for a class ll. In low water it has several sharp turns and a drop that will put water in your cockpit. In higher water it has a hole that becomes fairly sticky.

If you need any more info my Number is 724-730-6351


ps I paddled the gorge in very low water today and found it had no significant wood problems.

[mfdanko99]

If any one need here is the GPS to the state Launch.
41.086700, -80.312557

Here is the link to bing maps for the GPS
http://www.bing.com/maps/?FORM=Z9LH2...AtODAuMzEyNTU3

hope this helps mike danko

[JPTolson]

Paul,

I plan to be there in time to paddle the Neshannock gorge.

jp

[brucea]

Paul,

Dianne and I will be paddling the Neshannock gorge with you.

Bruce

[mfdanko99]

Count Jessica and Me in

[paul isaac]

If water levels were like on Thursday I would have cancelled the gorge but the rest of the trip would have been really fast. the gorge had four foot waves with some hydraulics thrown in not to mention the swift current that was doing it's best to flow into boulders.

As of now my resident experts say we have about 8-9 inches of water to play with. Should be an enjoyable day.

[zzrufus1]

I'd like to try the gorge as well, but I don't have a helmet... Will I be ok without one? If not, does anyone have an extra helmet I could borrow?

Steve

[JPTolson]

Today's trip on the Neshannock was FANTASTIC! Weather, water level, rapids, early vegetation, and scenery all aligned to make this a classic spring river run. Who would have known during our planning meeting in frigid February that we would have such optimum conditions to make this such a memorable trip. I think we had 16 boats and 17 paddlers. Many thanks to Paul Isaac for leading this one.