forwarded from the Musconetcong Watershed Association for anyone interested in paddling the Musky up north:

"Paddling the Musconetcong River - Everything You Need To Know About Canoeing and Kayaking a National Treasure"

 

Saturday October 4, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

The Merrill Creek Visitor Center Auditorium

 

All are welcome, novice and experienced paddlers alike, to register for this class. This interactive, indoor short-course is designed for both novice and experienced paddlers who would like to know where and when to paddle the Musky, what to seek out, and what to avoid altogether. Join John Brunner, river advocate, avid paddler and former MWA Executive Director for a virtual tour down the Musconetcong River as he shares his nearly two decades of studying, photographing, writing about and, of course, canoeing his favorite waterway. The course will cover general information about paddling local streams in cold weather, address the various advantages and disadvantages of canoes and kayaks for different types of water, safety issues and appropriate clothing for fall and winter boating. Brunner is the Chair of the Delaware Valley Division of the American Canoe Association and serves on the American Canoe Association's National Board of Directors. This is an indoor class, we will not be going in the water.

 

This class will be held in the Merrill Creek Visitor Center auditorium located at 34 Merrill Creek Road, Washington New Jersey (www.merrillcreek.com). Please call (908) 537-7060 or e-mail beth@musconetcong.org to register for the course or for details. $25 fee includes lunch, Musconetcong Waterway Trail Guide and Delaware River Water Trail Guide. To register online or for more details visit www.musconetcong.org

 

*October Paddling Trips*

 

Saturday October 11, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hampton to Franklin Township

 

Saturday October 18, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Butler Park to Asbury

 

Sunday October 19, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Beattystown to Butler Park

 

Saturday October 25, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Beattystown to Hampton

 

The MWA is offering canoe and kayak paddling trips covering the 4 segments on the Musconetcong River listed above. The trips are timed to take advantage of the good flow and depth conditions due to the release of water from Lake Hopatcong. (Every fifth year the lake is lowered to allow for dock maintenance and weed removal.) Because of expected river conditions, these trips are not suitable for the true novice – we do plan to schedule additional trips for beginners soon. Trip leader John Brunner will evaluate your level of experience when you e-mail him to register. All participants must register for each trip by e-mailing John at riverhealer@gmail.com al least one week before your chosen trip, registration will be limited to 15 paddlers per trip so register soon. Details are available upon registration. Location of each trip is subject to change based on river conditions. Participants must be properly equipped for cold water paddling. Members $10, non-members $15, payable on the day of the trip.