Editor's Pick: Rollin’ on the river

Delaware River Sojourn returns with a celebration of Native American culture

• WHEN: Sunday, June 24 through Saturday, June 30.

• WHERE: Delaware River, starting at Ten Mile River landing, Tusten.

• COST: $55 per day for adults and $40 for children if postmarked by June 1; $65 per day for adults and $50 for children if postmarked after June 1, plus a one-time $5 insurance fee.

• CONTACT: schultz@nps.gov or 570/729-8251.

BARRYVILLE, NY — Usually our “editor’s picks” focus on events occurring the same week, but this gem requires a little advance planning — and is worth it. The Delaware River Sojourn is an annual event that provides an opportunity to get up-close and personal with the river that provides the keystone of our local environment. For a week, hundreds of participants paddle down the river, investigate its tributaries, dine and camp in its environs and learn about its ecology, history and economic significance. This year the theme is “Celebrating Native American Culture.” Space is limited and there’s a $10 per day, per individual discount if you register before June 1.

The daily fee covers the guided river trip, boat rental if needed, shuttle transportation, educational programs, certain meals and optional overnight camping. All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt featuring the “Celebrating Native American Culture” theme.

The National Park Service (NPS) Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and the Upper Delaware Council (UDC), members of the Delaware River Sojourn Steering Committee since the event’s inception in 1995, will coordinate the itineraries for the first two days. Day one will start with on-site registration at 11:00 a.m. at Kittatinny Campgrounds, located 2.5 miles north of Barryville at 3854 NYS Route 97. A kick-off program and catered lunch will take place under the pavilion at noon. Shuttle buses will transport Sojourners north to the put-in location at 1:00 p.m. Following a safety briefing, Sojourners will launch their boats from the Ten Mile River Access at 2:00 p.m. and paddle back to Kittatinny Campgrounds to enjoy a 7:00 p.m. River Runners Barbecue. The next day will feature a white-water trip on the Lackawaxen River. Inflatable rafts will be used, except by boaters who can demonstrate their whitewater proficiency in kayaks and canoes on the first day.

Presentations given during the first two days will include an expert demonstration of the ancient, spear-throwing weapon known as the atlatl and a program on Native American culture.

Those continuing on the Sojourn for Day 3 will drive to Shawnee-on-the-Delaware in Bushkill, PA for an evening cookout and camping. Information about the continuing trip on the lower reaches of the Delaware may be found at delawareriversojourn.org.

To register: Registration and liability waiver forms may be accessed at www.delawareriversojourn.org, or by calling 570/828-2319. Make checks with a “2007 Sojourn” notation payable to “Heritage Conservancy.” Mail registration materials and payments to PEEC, Attn: Sojourn, RR 2 Box 1010, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328.