Benscreek Canoe Club

Saturdays in late March are the unofficial kickoff to paddling season in our area.  There are three river events occuring in two weeks:

Jeff Prycl of Rocky Mountain Kayak is holding his annual two day beginners trip and clinic on the Loyalhanna Creek near Ligonier on March 24 and 25.  Loyalhanna Creek (alternate rivers: Middle Yough or Casselman) Coordinator: Jeff Prycl.  Phone : 724-925-9675 W 724-331-9566 C Email: prycl@rockymountaingarage.com
Meeting Time: 9:00 a.m. Beginners, please note: In order to go on Sunday’s trip, you must attend Saturday’s trip/lesson first.
Directions to meeting place: From Pittsburgh, take Route 30 east past Latrobe to the intersection of Rte. 217 (Kingston Dam) to the Municipal Water Authority Bldg., on the river right side. Call Jeff with questions.
Trip Description: How to organize a whitewater paddling trip, safety discussion, proper paddling gear, basic to intermediate whitewater instruction, ferrying, eddy turns, peel outs, and paddle strokes.
Experienced boaters, feel free to help with safety and encouragement for the new paddlers. If you have extra equipment, please bring it. Prepare for cold to warm weather. Clothing can be borrowed from experienced paddlers. If you don’t have proper clothing, Rocky Mountain Kayak has wet suits for rent, booties, farmer john, short sleeve paddle silk, and splash top for $10.
Please call the trip coordinator if you plan on attending or have any other
questions. Check the message board for last minute information.
Remember to bring a lunch and something to drink!
The 45th annual Red Mo Race.  This is an annual favorite for local paddlers.  This is a 7.5 mile downriver race on the class II+ Red Moshannon Creek.  There is usually a large turnout of canoes and kayaks even though it is usually cold and wild with a fair number of swimmers!  Race applications are available online at Tussey Mountain Outfitters.
The Paint Creek Regional Watershed Association’s third annual litter clean-up. See earlier previous post.

This is shaping up to be an exciting year for local paddling.  We will try to keep you informed of as many events as possible.

The Paint Creek Regional Watershed Association’s third annual litter clean-up will be held Saturday, March 31, which is two weeks before the opening day of trout, from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM.  We will again focus on Berwick Road, but new this year is our commitment to
clean-up a 2-mile stretch of Route 160 between Windber and Elton, along Little Paint Creek.  For several years, a fraternity from UPJ did this section, but, for some reason they stopped, so PCRWA decided to pick it up!  (Pun intended!)  We’ll likely meet at the pull off along Route 160, where L. Paint passes under 160 and then split into two crews – one to do Berwick and another for 160.  More details and reminders will be sent closer to the date.
Thanks,
Missy
PCRWA Vice-President

If you haven’t sent in your 2012 membership form and dues; please do so ASAP.  And please make sure to add any changes in personal data so that our roster can be as accurate as possible.  We will have membership forms at the first roll session on February 12 at the Johnstown YMCA (6:30 to 8:00 PM).