Shenandoah River Kayak Trip (24 miles, 2 days, STRENUOUS)

Come be part of LMH’s first-ever overnight kayaking trip down Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah River! This trip will cover 24 miles over two days (about 9 hours total paddling time) with a night of car camping in between. The water should be flat and relatively easy to navigate (class I/II), but this trip is nonetheless rated strenuous because of the length of time on the water. You must have previously attended an LMH kayak event or have other kayak experience to sign up (you will have to provide this when you register).

We will be using Downriver Canoe Company as our outfitter. They will provide kayaks (optional – you can bring your own), a shuttle, and we’ll camp at Golden Rock Campground, which they own. You must provide your own camping equipment, but this is car camping so you don’t need anything ultralight.

Here’s a rough itinerary:

*7:15am: leave the DC area (carpooling encouraged!)
*9am: group meets at Downriver (884 Indian Hollow Rd, Bentonville VA) to check in. When done, drive 10 minutes south down Highway 340 to Golden Rock Campground (in Rileyville, 38.783585, -78.370482).
*10am-10:30am: group sets up camp for the night.
*10:30am: Shuttle arrives to transport group to starting point of trip.
*11:30am: Group heads out on the water.
*1pm: Stop for lunch (depending on places to stop, group hunger/fatigue level).
*2pm: Back on the water, with stops as needed.
*6pm: Arrive at Golden Rock Campground and settle in for the night. This is where our cars will be.

On day 2 we will pack up camp and aim to be on the water by a time determined by the group. We will finish up our voyage to Downriver and they will shuttle us back to the campground to collect our cars and head home. We will likely get back to DC in the evening.

PRICE: $119 for a single kayak, $179 for a tandem, and $110 if you bring your own kayak. This includes the shuttle and campsite.

PAYMENT: To secure your place in the trip you must submit a 50% deposit of the cost of the trip to me via Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or other mutually agreed-upon means. Please do this within five days of registering, otherwise you'll be moved to the "not attending" list. You'll then be required to pay me the balance by May 29. (I will handle payment to the outfitter but I am not making money off this.)

DISCLAIMERS: 1) I have never done this before and I expect there will be hiccups along the way. Please come with a good attitude and be ready to roll with the punches. It’s going to be memorable and fun! 2) Some online reviews complain about a train in the night near the campground, so we may be woken up once in the night.

CANCELLATION: The outfitter will cancel in the event of severe weather or unsafe conditions. They don't otherwise offer refunds.

TO BRING: lunch for day 1, lunch for day 2 (this shouldn’t be perishable unless you’re bringing a cooler in your car), dinner you can cook or eat at the campsite, breakfast. Camp stuff (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, supplies to cook your own dinner/breakfast), sandals or shoes that can go in the water (no flip flops – this is a Downriver rule), sunscreen/bugspray, a dry bag or ziplocs for valuables you’ll bring on the boat, a day pack for the boat, water bottles that’ll accommodate however much water you need on the boat.

You may be able to borrow or share camp supplies with other members of the group (I for example have three tents, for some reason). Please leave a comment if this applies to you.

Outfitter: https://www.downriver.com/river-trips/kayak-trips/

CARPOOLING:
We encourage those with cars to be willing to drive - you're the ones who make LMH great!
If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time
As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.
We look forward to hiking with you!

BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.html). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking and kayaking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking or kayaking instruction.

We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike or kayak trip leaders, nor do we scout out hikes or paddles. We plan hikes and paddles for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend events only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (adequate water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.
Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)
LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (Waiver of Liability - Google Docs)