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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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