Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Last Minute Rental Available for Ghost Fleet Kayaking Trip

From:	Kellie C.
Sent on:	Sunday, May 13, 2012, 4:31 AM

Hey Guys,

GOOD NEWS!!! We have two additional kayaks available. Please call Kellie at[masked] to rent.

Ghost Fleet of The Potomac Paddle! Join Us for a 5-7 Mile Paddle to One of the Largest Ship Graveyards in the World!

A most scenic paddle along the potomac River to one of the worlds largest ship graveyard! An Easy Tidal Flat Water Trip that is Great for Beginners and Skilled Paddlers Alike!

We Have 2 Sit On Tops (SOT) Kayaks to Rent on a first come first serve basis for a flat fee of 20.00 dollars, including portage, paddle, PFD, and a large dry bag. The guide will be bringing them with him so this will save you having to pick up your own rental, buy a rack, as well as portage. That is if you do not own your own boat, yet... We will only bring the 2 additional(in addition to th 3 e already have rented)addional rentals with us if they are rented, so please e-mail Kellie at [address removed] if interested. Please do not make rental requests in the RSVP or comment field below, becauseit is too difficult to keep up with requests made in multiple locations. As a result, I can only count requests made through e-mail. Thanks so much for your understanding. Your guide will bring you the boat along with a paddle, PFD, and a large dry bag.

During World War I, Congress embarked on an ambitious ship-building program to help put the nation on a war footing. As part of this effort, it authorized the construction of several hundred wooden hulled transport ships. Political infighting, excessive bureaucratic red tape, and various technical problems delayed construction of the ships, so that when the war ended, not a single one of the wooden boats had set sail across the Atlantic. When world trade contracted after the war, the ships were rendered useless. After lying idle for decades, they eventually were abandoned in little known Mallows Bay, a shallow out of the way bay on the tidal Potomac River. This area was covered with warm shallow water which made it a suitable habitat for sand tiger sharks, mackerel sharks, Turritella (snails) and Eagle Rays more specifically Cownose Rays which all lived during this time period.

Mallows Bay where we put in, is home to about 150 abandoned ships, making it one of the largest ship’s graveyards in the world. Over time, the forgotten ships have mostly rotted away, but a few ships still poke above the waterline. Satellite pics of the area show the outlines of dozens of ship hulls below the waterline. The ships now provide habitat for fish and birds, an make an excellent place to spend some time exploring by canoe or kayak!

Click Here for a very interesting and informative story " The Ghost Fleet of Mallaw's Bay" shared by one of our members, Vicky! Click Here for pics from a paddlers trip, "Fossil Guy" (I can only credit the name shown because I don't see a "real" name) which has a narrative as well and is a great preview of what we will be seeing! This is very exciting!

The shores sandy beach make an excellent launching place in addition to a great place to explore on foot for fossil gathering. Because of this, we will have a post paddle fossil hunt at the lower tide (if our timing works out) and see how many sharks teeth we. Heading upriver from the park. Kayaks are ideal for this trip; although canoes will be fine in calm weather. Mallows Bay very easily identified once you get near where the ships are by the presence of a giant iroen shipwreck, an abandoned old ferry called the “Accomac". which is pictured in the picture link above: then you know you hav e found the massive ship graveyard!

Paddle Trip Information

A ctivity Type: Kayak/Canoe
Nearby City: Potomac River, MD

Put In/Launch Site: Mallows Bay

Length: About 5 Miles of Tidal Flat Water Paddling
Approximate Paddling Time: About 3-4 hours for proper time to enjoy it
Water Type: Tidal Flat Water
Difficulty: Easy and Appropriate for Beginners

Weather Information
We paddle shine only and also due to the location, we will also cancel for choppy water. Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be exploring. IF this event is cancelled due to weather and you are signed up to go, you will be notified no later than 7:00 p.m. the night before the paddle.

REQUIRED GEAR
Kayak or canoe, paddle, personal flotation device. If you rent a boat from us we also supply you with a paddle, PFD, and a large dry bag.

Park And/Or Launch Fee
None, yay!

What is the Event Fee For?

Click here to find out why there is a $15.00 event fee associated with guided paddle trips.

Carpool Information

There are 2 carpools for this paddle but be certain they have racks for the boats!
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station. Use the comment section to discuss carpooling with other members. Be SURE that whomever you carpool with has room for your boat!

DC Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, meetup at the Centerville Park and Ride. Click here for informationand directions to the Centerville location. Use the comment section to discuss carpooling with other members. Be SURE that whomever you carpool with has room for your boat!

If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations such as the DC area, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!

Directions to Where We Meet for the Paddle

Click Here for directions to where we meet for this paddle!

Paddle is at 9:00 a.m.

Carpool meetup time from Savage Station is 7:00 a.m.

Carpool meetup time at Centerville Park and Ride is 7:30 a.m.

Our Paddling Disclaimer Blurb and Refund Policy

By attending this or any other paddling/hiking event with The Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group, you are agreeing that you are responsible for your own safety at all times. No member of the group except yourself can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, or liabilities incurred while paddling with us. Paddling is an inherently dangerous sport like any other outdoor activity. Information is provided with the understanding that the providers are not engaged in rendering advice on technical matters, equipment performance, safety, or any other aspect of the sport in absolute terms or advocating any of the techniques or experiences described.

This trip and our kayak rentals are non-refundable and non-transferable, period. Please take this into consideration prior to RSVP'ing for this event. It is your responsibility to secure a boat for this trip before RSVP'ing. Refunds are not provided if you RSVP for the trip without making sure you had a boat for the trip. A detailed explanation of why there are no refunds for kayak trips is provided in the link provided under the heading "What is the Event Fee For" above. I am putting this here in great detail in case you change your mind, or could not get a boat, that it has been clear since this was first posted that there are no refunds for this trip.

See you There for This Great Adventure!

Mike Harris:[masked]

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Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Washington, DC

Founded Jul 21, 2007

About us…

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**![](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/6/8/7/600_4...)**
***\- Reconnecting People with the Natural World \- for the Health of It \-***
Founded in 2007, Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group (MAHG) *aka Outdoors for Health* was inspired by a passion for promoting and providing low-cost opportunities for people to get up and outside to connect with the natural world and enjoy the health benefits it provides. Today, the organization has grown to become a *very* active 23,000+ member strong **[501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/mahg-charity.html)**[ ](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/mahg-charity.html)dedic... to serving our \*\*[mission ](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/index.html)\*\*of providing education, awareness, and opportunities for people to experience the variety of health benefits provided by connecting with the outdoors, “just for the health of it!” Our organization has hosted over \~7000 events ranging from 2-mile newbie sneaker social hikes all the way up to 50+ mile one day fully supported hikes, educational/awareness offerings, paddle trips, and more. So no matter your preference, we should have something for you. We are a diverse organization filled with members who enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities including - but not limited to hiking and educational opportunities related to the natural world. MAHG also promotes the importance of being good outdoor stewards through environmental awareness activities.
We enjoy exploring an incredible variety of locations throughout Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group (MAHG) appreciates Mother Nature’s diversity and the diversity of people. *ALL* are welcome and encouraged to join. Whether you are a newbie or a very seasoned outdoor enthusiast, we are sure to have an event for you on our very active and varied calendar.
*Our focus is on safety, camaraderie, and having a ton of fun while connecting with the natural world. So a sense of humor is a must with us!* \

***\*\*\* WARNING! — Our [Calendar](https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/calendar/) is VERY Active ALL Four Seasons and Can be Beneficial to Your Health \*\*\****
*Today’s fast-paced and technologically dominated society can take a toll on a person’s psychological, physical, and emotional well-being. Many people are trapped within an indoor and plugged-in lifestyle that can be overwhelming and very stressful. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group promotes reconnecting people with nature by providing plentiful and varied opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors.*
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s activities are a healthy and fun way to relieve stress and “unplug” while enjoying the variety of what Mother Nature has to offer throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. *Decrease stress - get fitter - get healthier, and get nature empowered, all while knowing you are supporting an important cause with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group.*
***[Click Here](https://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/about/) for information about our current charitable initiatives and programs/studies serving our mission.***
**•** Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group offers many opportunities to give back by helping with maintaining trails throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and hosting in addition to participating in other environmental stewardship and community building events and workshops. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group offers educational classes and certifications in Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and our own highly regarded Outdoor Leadership Certification program. Additionally, MAHG has an active outreach program to help with educating others regarding the many health benefits of hiking and the importance of taking care of our trails and our overall environment.
**•** Youth Education and Re-Connecting with the Natural World - We are currently preparing to expand our program that benefits under-represented and inner-city youth by combining connection with nature and education. Our solutions-based approach begins with a full immersion experience of hiking and other fun, unplugged, and screen-less outdoor activities. We combine the activities while educating tomorrow's workers regarding the abundant employment opportunities the natural world offers in the booming field of green-collar jobs. **"For references and more, please visit our [main website](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org). *Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group provides opportunities for increased confidence, self-esteem, and hope for a better tomorrow. Today's youth will be the earth's stewards of tomorrow, so it is imperative that they become familiar with the world outside of their screens."***
**Why Hike with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group? —** As a **[registered 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/mahg-charity.html)**, when you hike with MAHG, you are also helping us with serving our mission to benefit the health of others! Every step you take with MAHG is also a step for recipients of our initiatives and programs. We bring people together to have fun and make friends while enjoying the many health benefits of the great outdoors in a safe and welcoming environment. Hiking not only connects people with the natural world but also fosters an appreciation and respect for the environment and an overall sense of community. *Whether you are looking to lose weight, have never hiked a mile in your life, or are looking to rise to the challenge of hiking 30+ miles in one day, we have a hike for you, all seasons. Remember, we were all newbies once, and we enjoy introducing others to hiking and other outdoor pursuits - in fact, it is a core part of our mission to reconnect people with the natural world.*
**Who Can Hike with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group? —** Simply put, you! Whether you are young, old, working, single, in a committed relationship, retired, laid off, shy, talkative, energetic, geeky, lazy, recovering from an injury, social, or a competitive hiker, Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is for you. We do more than just embrace our diversity — we thrive on it! \

**When We Hike? —** We do it in the morning, afternoon, after work, evening, darkest of night, every weekend day, and all year round and average 10 times a week. Get your mind out of the gutter ‘cause we are talking about hiking, stewardship, and outdoor education here. Seasonally, we offer weekday day hikes in addition to our variety of after-work hikes.
**Where We Hike? —** We hike throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond! We visit Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, and the Appalachian Trail almost *every* weekend. We strive to offer at least one easy, moderate, and strenuous hike within 60 miles of Baltimore, DC, and Northern Virginia each weekend day. MAHG hosts cookouts, white water floats, hike out/paddle backs, cave trips, natural water slides hikes, hikes to view frozen waterfalls, Appalachian Trail section hikes, camping trips, volunteer offerings, and last but certainly not least, our very popular Monuments in the Moonlight hikes.
**How We Hike —** *Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a* \*\**[mission-driven](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/index.html) nonprofit charitable organization*. **[Click Here](https://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/about/)** to learn about our mission, programs and initiatives, and accomplishments! We are committed to connecting people with the natural world, community building, giving back/stewardship, and providing educational opportunities. MAHG is a well-established and highly regarded organization well known for its excellent camaraderie — all with safety in mind while emphasizing *having fun out on the trails!* We limit our hikes to *small* groups for the comfort and consideration of others and to better enjoy and respect the environment.We have many partnerships. A sample of a few and how we work with them - as a partner with ***[Leave No Trace](https://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/pages/959...)*** *(LNT),* we practice, encourage, and educate others about the importance of practicing proper outdoor ethics and teach LNT certification courses several times every year. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is also proud to be a Gold level Alliance Member of the ***[American Hiking Society](https://www.americanhiking.org/)***. MAHG participates in the "Adopt an Acre" program by adopting land in the Appalachian Mountains to support **[The Nature Conservancy](https://www.nature.org/)**. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group provides volunteer and trail maintenance opportunities and other community-building events throughout the entire Mid-Atlantic Region. Contact our office at 410.480.5000 or see our **[main website](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org)** for more information regarding our cause and our accomplishments, initiatives, partnerships, and programs.
Our leadership team consists of qualified, dedicated, and very appreciated volunteers who are some of the best in the region!
*We hope to see you on the trail soon for great times while enjoying all the health benefits of connecting with the natural world - remember to bring your sense of humor (a must with us) and be prepared to have a ton of fun!*
***Kellie Carlisle - Founder, MAHGs Board of Directors, and the MAHG Volunteer Leadership Team***

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Last Minute Rental Available for Ghost Fleet Kayaking Trip

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