Middle Fork of Beaver Creek, April 21, 2024

[JPTolson]

Eight paddlers in six kayaks and two canoes enjoyed a nine-mile run on the Middle Fork of Beaver Creek between Elkton and Beaver Creek State Park on a cool and cloudy day with air temperatures in the low 50s at best and a slight breeze at times. The water level held up really well over the past several days, dropping only 0.01 to 0.02 inches per hour on the day prior to the trip. The gauge reading at Grimm's bridge was 4.25 feet when we put in. We had about two to three inches of water, though it was bony in a few spots.

This section is more closed in by the hillsides than the lower section of Beaver Creek, giving the creek an intimate feel. Hemlocks graced many parts of the creekscape, and literally thousands of white trilliums were in bloom all along the water trail, much to the delight of paddlers. It was a sight to behold and something to consider when timing another trip along this section in future years.

Happily we experienced no carnage, including the two areas where the current flows into trees that are down in the creek bed. This run was a personal first descent for four paddlers. Paddlers were Scott Freese, Stan Shiderly, Eric Berger, Mark Vallecorsa, Fred Romeo, Mike and Jessica Danko, and John Paul Tolson (not pictured). Once again, it was another great day on the river!

[Ambridger]

I am delighted to say, that this was my third time out already this season, each time being a new-to-me section or stream. We had some new folks join us yesterday, and it turned out to be another enjoyable trip. Kudos to JP for what was one of the most well written pre-trip descriptions, detailing stream and safety info, as well as a great pre-trip safety briefing before we shuttled. I might note, that as members have acquired more of the waterproof walkie-talkies, we were able to equip each paddler with a radio yesterday; and radio silence was never broken. However, as past carnage has taught us, they are a great tool to have. Thanks to JP, and all who turned-out (safety in numbers) for another great trip.