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2002
Highlights
The theme of the eight-day 2002 Sojourn is "The Delaware: A Revolutionary River." Highlights include:
Friday, May 31 (Pre-trip
kick-off)
Optional afternoon instruction in canoe/kayak skills, early camp set-up and
event registration will be offered. Reservations are required for evening
tours of the Gifford Pinchot mansion and grounds at Grey Towers National Historic
Landmark in Milford, Pa., and for a sojourn kick-off reception.
Saturday, June 1 (Day 1)
Pond Eddy, N.Y. to Milford, Pa. (12 miles), Class I and II rapids.
Paddle through one of the Upper Delaware
Scenic & Recreational River's most beautiful reaches which includes the
rock-cut at Hawks Nest where bald eagles ride thermals above towering cliffs.
Enjoy programs on the river's abundant resources and history, topped off by
a hearty riverside barbeque and campfire.
Sunday, June 2 (Day 2) River
Beach to Dingmans Access (12 miles), flat water with riffles.
Come ashore at historic Dingmans Ferry where the first ferry to cross the
river at this point was built in 1735. Take in programs on art and photography
of the Delaware River Valley and on plant and animal life on the river's islands.
Monday, June 3 (Day 3) Worthington
State Park to Portland, Pa . (9 miles), occasional riffles.
Paddle through the Delaware Water Gap National
Recreation Area, where the river bisects the Kittatinny Ridge. Once one
of the country's most popular resort areas, it was a playground for the rich
and famous. Teddy Roosevelt was among the guests. Musical greats Fred Waring
and John Phillip Sousa play there. Enjoy programs on the Gap's geology and
on the railroads and historic hotels that once served the region.
Tuesday, June 4 (Day 4)
Martins Creek to Raubsville, Pa. (17 miles), Class I/1-plus rapids.
Pass the Lehigh River as it flows into the Delaware at Easton, where
three canals once converged, providing passageways for shipping anthracite
coal to Philadelphia and New York City during America's Industrial Revolution.
Enjoy presentations on the historical and cultural importance of the Lehigh
and Delaware Trails as well as on native American culture. Take a dip in the
river. Camp at Tohickon Valley Park.
Wednesday, June 5 (Day 5)
Lambertville, N.J. to Yardley, Pa. (8 miles), gently moving water, some riffles
and Class I rapids.
Follow "George Washington" across the Delaware where on Christmas
night, 1776, he and his Continental Army navigated the ice-choked water, pushing
on to Trenton and a decisive victory over the British Crown. Attend a reception
and tour New Jersey State Museum's
latest exhibit: "River of Leisure" which traces the Delaware's recreational
uses. Join in a native American celebration with open fire, drums, music,
and story-telling.
Thursday, June 6 (Day 6)
Crosswicks Creek/Trenton Marsh (8 miles), tidal waters, floating and paddling
with the tides.
Paddle near the spot where 44 war ships rest in watery graves on
the river's bottom, scuttled during the American Revolution to keep them out
of enemy hands. Enjoy the birds and other critters of the marsh as well as
a program on the history of the Delaware & Raritan Canal. And take in
a tale about mysterious excavations which led to a scandal among 19th century
archeologists.
Friday, June 7 (Day 7) Brandywine Creek (10 miles), non-tidal waters,
two portages with very short walks.
Paddle through the valley that inspired the art work of N.C. Wyeth and his
famous descendants and where the du Pont family's financial empire began with
a few black powder factories that were driven by the valley's water. Then
feast on Philly cheese steaks at the Academy
of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia and enjoy six rotating programs on
subjects ranging from Costa Rica butterflies to a show featuring live aquatic
creatures.
Saturday, June 8 (Day 8)
John Heinz National Wildlife
Refuge at Tinicum (Philadelphia) (8 miles), tidal waters
surrounded by marshes.
Discover how life plays out in a nature preserve located next to one of the
nation's largest cities. Witness wildlife thriving beside bustling highways
and beneath the roar of the city airport's commercial jetliners. Pizza and
ice cream will highlight the "Sojourn Finale."
This itinerary is subject to
change due to weather and river conditions. Detailed daily plans, including
information about meals, programs, campsites, and driving directions, will
be sent upon registration.
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