Shenandoah Aqua Blaze

[DMA, 2000]

The wife and I are travelling to the Mid-Atlantic region this month, and I was wondering if anyone can give any tips on canoeing on the Shenandoah. From whom can we rent canoes or get info about the common aqua blaze that bypasses SNP. Or any other good rivers on which to take a short trip in VA/MD/WV. (preferably not exceptionally far from DC/Baltimore).

[Peaks]

In the spring there are numerous nice canoeing stream coming off the Blue Ridge. I'd suggest that you get a copy of one of the guidebooks for them. I don't know if they are still published, but Lou Matacia & Corbett published a series of River Guides, and Randy Carter also published a River Guide.

Unless you go with a group, you will need a second car for the car shuttle.

[Steve Landis]

The wife and I are travelling to the Mid-Atlantic region this month, and I was wondering if anyone can give any tips on canoeing on the Shenandoah. From whom can we rent canoes or get info about the common aqua blaze that bypasses SNP. Or any other good rivers on which to take a short trip in VA/MD/WV. (preferably not exceptionally far from DC/Baltimore).

Enjoy the eastern rivers. Try these sites:

http://www.shenandoah-river.com/entrance.html
http://rapids.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/state/VA/
http://rapids.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/state/MD/
http://rapids.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/state/WV/

DC based canoe club for info
http://www.monocacycanoe.org/mccboard/mccboard.html

Steve

[Papa Bear]

It was done in 2003 with near tragic results. Here's an account: Aqua Blaze story. I first heard the story in Pennsylvania and then met the main proptagoniost (Demean) in Maine. He said he thought he would drown and that he was on the verge of hypothermia when they crawled out of the Shenandoah River after capsizing.

Lesson: get good advice from local outfitters familiar with the river. Take is seriously, especially early in the season when the river runs high.

Pb