Sweep the Hooche 2013 #sweephooch was great. We had 38 people for a 4.5 mile stretch of the river from Johnson Ferry road to Powers Island. Less trash than I have seen on previous floats in that section, but we really didn't have much time for it anyway, so it was just enough to keep us amused.

Several novice paddlers - all of them my good friends from Team GID - but no problems for them. They enjoyed the river and vow to return for future trips.

While there wasn't that much trash, we saw many turtles of more than 1 variety, Great Blue Heron, otters at play, geese, ducks and cormarans - evidence that real life isn't that far from the pavement of our surburban/urban existance.

 

Not in the Congo yet, but these are my 2 kayaks restless after a long winter in the garage. The Pungo Classic, bought barely used 3 years ago and the Jackson Rogue, bought new from Outside World last month.

Well, I'm restless. The Rogue hasn't even had her maiden voyage yet. We'll all be out together next Saturday for Sweep the Hooch. Straps are counted, PFD's laid out, new carrying equipment looked at. For a cheapskate, I have somehow amassed 4 different carrying systems and a multitude of straps in 3 years. Will come in handy this weekend as I get Team GID on the water.