Rockpage Float Trip?

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Wednesday May 18, 2005

I haven't forgotten about this deal... we just need to wait until the water warms. Right now it's around 60 degrees, warm enough for kayaks, but way too cold to soak in all day in a tube. It would be possible in June, but it's much, much nicer in July... you could stay in the water all day without a break. I'm hoping we can get this put together in early-to-mid July. I'm really looking forward to this!------>JMS

the herald · Post by **the herald** » Tuesday Jun 14, 2005

float trip

Asundor · Post by **Asundor** » Tuesday Jun 14, 2005

Lets set a date and get floatin.

Jason/CYPHIN

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Wednesday Jun 15, 2005

This will be discussed this very evening! The heat wave we've had has bumped the water temp nicely... believe me, it's beneficial to have the warmest water possible, especially if, um, GIRLS go (why are they so wimpy about temperature?). Seriously, it's close to a 3 hour trip as planned, and that's a looooong time to dip your ass in chilly water.
Recent thunderstorms have also resulted in a nice rise in river levels on weekends, just enough to float my boat, and that really floats my boat, if you know what I mean.
Still looking at a Sunday afternoon maybe right after July 4th rush ends.

Here's the float plan so far: Put in at Riverside Nature Trail, which the locals know as The Old Schoolhouse (which was torn down 20 years ago, but hey...) and take out a few miles downstream at Point Access, where the Frankstown and Raystown branches of the Juniata converge. Beyond that, it's not only another 4 or more hours to the next public access, the river gets a little dirtier and much colder. Maybe next time, and with kayaks and canoes. More details to follow! Any questions or comments? Who's in?------>JMS

DMFJ03 · Post by **DMFJ03** » Wednesday Jun 15, 2005

I'm all up ons!

esa · Post by **esa** » Wednesday Jun 15, 2005

It could get warm real quick if all of us peed in the water at once!

YankeeRose · Post by **YankeeRose** » Wednesday Jun 15, 2005

"floating"...how sublime...I'd
like to go, but I'd have to follow someone to where ever the place is,
or get darn good directions, as
I'm "not from around there" and have no idea where the places you've been mentioning are at, exactly. I did something close to Whitewater once, on the Lehigh River, near Jim Thorpe, PA. It was a blast! Even though I could hardly move my arms for a day or 2, as they were sore as HELL from paddling, it was worth it! I'm Kayak, Canoe and tubeless, but if someone can recommend an inexpensive "good" tube, I'll see what I can do.

Post by **Jim Price** » Thursday Jun 16, 2005

I'm good to go if it happens either July 3 or 17. July 10 and 31 I have live guests on the "Backyard Rocker," and July 24 I'll be getting wet somewhere else, courtesy of kissmydagoass.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Friday Jun 17, 2005

Looks like it's gonna be 7/17 then, my friend. Figure a 2pm start from the Point Access.

Directions:
Hopefully you all know how to get to Huntingdon on US Rt. 22... Traveling East on Rt 22, pass the Sheetz on the left, and shortly you will see a road veering off to the right, marked by some signs for fishing guides. This road will take you past the sewage plant... at the next intersection Do Not Turn Right, this will take you to Snyder's Run Boat Launch on Lake Raystown ( nice place, go there some other time). Go straight through, it's a winding narrow road. Continue straight at next intersection (not up Henderson Hollow, which goes to Ridenour Overlook, also a very nice place, and land of my birthin') and you should see a sign for Point Access, which is where we'll be meeting. If you miss us at the Point, bear right at the Point and follow the River Road upstream. Riverside Nature Trail is on the left a few miles upstream... if you get to Corbin's Island, you went too far, and wild animals will likely strip your carcass in minutes. If not, I'll try to make my cellphone # available. There's spotty service the whole way.

You will need (and these are based on experience, trust me):
Something to float on. This can be a canoe, kayak, good inflatable raft, or automotive inner tube ($15 new at any auto store)... if it comes from K-Mart, or was meant for children in a swimming pool, it will get a hole, and you'll be trudging several miles down river on foot. Bring whatever you want, but bear that in mind.
Old sneakers, athletic sandals, or something you could walk comfortably in and wouldn't mind getting wet. The river bottom is rocks, the whole way.
Something to drink, both adult and soft-drinks, and something to carry that in (cooler). Coolers can sometimes fit in innertubes (hint) or in my canoe. You'd be surprised how thirsty you get playing in the water!
It's only a 3 hour tour (where have I heard that before?) but snacks are cool, too... there is a kickass ice cream place on Rt 22 near Alexandria on the way home, too (Paesano's, I think).
Sunscreen, and hats and sunglasses, or feel the burn.
If you fish, bring an ultralight rod and reel... there's plenty of fish, but few large ones. I've been fishing the same black and silver Teeny Tiny Torpedo lure (topwater so I don't snag bottom in the shallow water) all season, and I do okay most trips. YMMV.
A towel to leave in your car, and dry shoes.
If you bring a camera, either get one of those disposable waterproof deals (they work awesome, even underwater!) or put your camera in a Ziploc freezer bag (not for underwater), in fact anything you need to stay dry should be in a drybag or freezer bag... why?... if it shouldn't get wet, it probably will.
If you ride an innertube, wear an old T-shirt, because the rubber can irritate your skin, it does mine, and I'm not allergic to anything. Otherwise swimsuit tops are optional, ladies.

A big, fat bag of left-handed green...nah, nevermind... I don't do that stuff anymore, although, I support your right to do so, especially out in Mother Nature.

Again, I love this trip and do it once or twice a week, and it's just so easy and enjoyable, I thought you'd all like it, too. If you have any questions, or need anything, let me know... also if you have an extra tube or something, that would be nice to know. Thanks, guys, I can't wait!

-------->JMS

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Monday Jul 11, 2005

BUMP!!!!

This Sunday! I'm buying the first case of Yuengling! Who's in fer sure?---JMS

esa · Post by **esa** » Tuesday Jul 12, 2005

::sniffs:: Did I hear the word...Yuengling???!!!???

Post by **Jim Price** » Tuesday Jul 12, 2005

IN!

I just need a vessel to haul my posterior down the river; I'll work on that this week!

What time's this shindig getting started?

Geetarzz · Post by **Geetarzz** » Tuesday Jul 12, 2005

Is this float trip rain or shine?

esa · Post by **esa** » Tuesday Jul 12, 2005

Rain or shine...Well... if you think about it.. one way or the other...we'll be gettin' wet. Lol.. that's my guess

I wanna pick up that beer cooler floaty from Wally World.. it's like 7 bucks and you can haul a full cooler with you....

DMFJ03 · Post by **DMFJ03** » Tuesday Jul 12, 2005

We're going to need to buy some tubes

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Tuesday Jul 12, 2005

Floating in the rain isn't much fun, so we'll schedule a rain date, I guess. Jim, let me know what you need. I figured on a 2pm start, but I'm flexible... let me know if that's okay.
Yeah, Esa... the Ying's the thing! I'll only have one myself, it makes me seasick.

----->JMS

DMFJ03 · Post by **DMFJ03** » Tuesday Jul 12, 2005

Where are we hooking up at John? I tried reading your directions and was like "WTF mates?!" so I figured I would just follow you down. Let me know when you're leaving and maybe we could meet somewhere.

Post by **Jim Price** » Tuesday Jul 12, 2005

2 PM works fine for me; the "Rocker" is Memorex this week, so I don't have to rush to be anywhere. Just let us know the particulars as where and when to get together, etc.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Tuesday Jul 12, 2005

Jae, you have a PM. JP, do you need a boat or tube?---->JMS

Post by **Jim Price** » Tuesday Jul 12, 2005

Yes, I do need a boat or tube, or wooden barrel or bathtub...

DMFJ03 · Post by **DMFJ03** » Wednesday Jul 13, 2005

We'll probably go to Advanced and buy two truck innertubes.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Wednesday Jul 13, 2005

Gotcha covered JP. I also have a few innertubes if anybody needs. Anybody?------->JMS

esa · Post by **esa** » Thursday Jul 14, 2005

Any clue what the weather will be?

And, we haven't gotten tubes yet. If no one lays claim to it, I'd gladly scoop it off your hands.

YankeeRose · Post by **YankeeRose** » Thursday Jul 14, 2005

ONLY if there's an extra tube...I
might be able to go...I'm going to the Allman's on Saturday...I THINK I'm finally getting this car tomorrow...I hate when a Salesperson makes it seem like they're doing me a favor, don't you? I don't want to have to go to any extra expense than what I have figured out right now...which is BITING...(Price on window, $995...Price I'm going to actually be soaked? $1,350, and they are making it so I'd really rather have a Root Canal, make that TWO, it's taking days!)...and I also don't want anyone else to have to buy a tube if they other wise wouldn't have to, if I wasn't going...so if you could let me know if there's an extra one? Thanks.

Post by **Jim Price** » Saturday Jul 16, 2005

Sunday weather forecast as of Saturday morning:

Mostly cloudy with a chance of morning showers...a thunderstorm possible in the afternoon. Continued warm and humid with highs 80 to 85.

We'll have to play it by ear when we get there, but I think it will be the same stuff we've had the past several days - cloudy, hit or miss thunderstorms around, not everybody will get one. Hopefully any storms steer clear of where our excursion is taking place. I'll check the weather maps before I leave the house...

ROCKPAGE

Rockpage Float Trip?

CYPHIN

aaaaah...