13th Delaware River Sojourn

Paddlers commence 7-day boating and camping trip

By SANDY LONG

UPPER DELAWARE RIVER — Some participate for the pure pleasure of paddling the longest un-dammed river east of the Mississippi. Others like the added benefit of socializing with like-minded folks whose environmental interests they share. Toss in some great food, an array of theme-based educational programming and a sense of adventure unique to a week-long river paddle and you’ve got the 13th Annual Delaware River Sojourn.

Approximately 80 Sojourners gathered at Kittatinny Canoes Campground on June 24 to attend opening ceremonies for the trip, which began at Ten Mile River Landing in Narrowsburg, NY and will conclude at Mill Park in Mt. Holly, NJ.

Among the group was Don Emrey of Bethlehem, PA, who has joined the Sojourn for many years and was accompanied this year by sons Damon and Dean, Dean’s pregnant wife Jen and her father, Don Yelsits. Don, who paddles a unique folding kayak that he purchased in 1962, said that he particularly enjoys the fellowship and companionship that occurs during the trip. Damon appreciates the attention drawn to recreation and conservation issues associated with the river. And Dean, a member of the Lehigh Valley Canoe and Kayak Club, values the information provided about the ecology of the river and its watershed.

Throughout the week, participants enjoy a well-planned schedule of meals, paddling and programs that support this year’s theme, “Celebrating Native American Culture.” First-day paddlers learned about primitive skills from Bob Berg of Thunderbird Atlatl, who demonstrated the proper technique for throwing the atlatl, an ancient spear-like weapon. Other programs on Lenape daily life, the river’s geology and Pennsylvania’s dugout canoe project were among the offerings.

New this year was a recreational release of water from PPL’s hydroelectric dam at Lake Wallenpaupack, which provided participants their first opportunity to paddle the Lackawaxen River and its Class I, II and II+ rapids. Paddling between eight to 15 miles per day, the trip passes through parts of New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

At the opening ceremony, the Delaware River Sojourn honored its 2007 “Lord High Admirals” of the Upper Delaware section. Michael Reuber, a recently retired 27-year employee of the National Park Service, received recognition for his individual efforts, while the Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on preserving the natural environment of the Upper Delaware River, received recognition for its efforts as a group. The title is bestowed upon men and women in tribute to Daniel Skinner, the first man to navigate a raft of logs down the river in 1767.

In addition, the National Canoe Safety Patrol at the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River was recognized for its outstanding contributions to river safety as the Northeast Region’s George B. Hartzog Jr. Group Volunteer Award nominee for the national award. Founder Richard Rhodes received the award on behalf of the group.

The sojourn is organized by a partnership of individuals, organizations and governmental agencies to raise awareness of, and appreciation for, the historical, recreational and environmental resources of the Delaware River.

Visit www.delawareriversojourn.org for more information.