A day of family rafting, courtesy of UDC

POND EDDY, NY — The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) will hold its 20th annual Family Raft Trip on Sunday, August 3. Reservations with advance payment are required by Friday, July 28.

This year’s float trip features an eight-mile segment of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River between Minisink Ford and Pond Eddy.

Rafters will rendezvous between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. at Lander’s Pond Eddy Base, located at 2395 Route 97 in Pond Eddy. After parking and checking in at the UDC registration table, guests will be shuttled up to Lander’s Minisink Base for their launch.

The host livery, Lander’s River Trips, will provide the rafts, paddles, life vests and safety instructions. Average rafting time is two miles per hour, depending on river levels, wind and each group’s desired pace.

Minimum occupancy per raft is four people. Parties of less than four will be matched at the UDC’s discretion. Participants should be in good physical condition. Children must be at least 40 pounds, five years of age and able to swim to join the trip. The UDC strongly recommends that all boaters and swimmers wear securely fastened life vests while on the water. Children age 12 and under are required by law to do so.

Dress to get wet, wear sunscreen and foot protection and avoid bringing valuables. Pack a picnic lunch if desired and bring plenty of drinking water (no glass containers). Small coolers and waterproof bags for items such as cameras and keys may be tied into the raft.

The UDC’s discounted cost is $12 for children ages five through 12 and $20 for ages 13 and up.

Request a registration form or submit the names of all participants, with the ages of any minor children under 18, to the UDC at P.O. Box 192, Narrowsburg, NY 12764; fax 845/252-3359; or e-mail udcramie@hvc.rr.com.

For more information call 845/252-3022.