Well, I managed to survive another OF (Old Farts) Patrol canoe outing. This is annual fall outing by a bunch of Boy Scout Dads, where they can let their hair down (FOR THOSE WITH ANY HAIR REMAINING) and just have a good time as only a bunch of married men can have when their wives or girlfriends aren’t having a “profound influence” on their daily lives. This needs no further explanation, as “what happens on the river stays on the river,” and we guys know what this means.
Lacking the eloquence of our gifted Mato Kuwapi, I’ll just give the “Cliffs Notes” version of what happened during my coherent moments.
Day one on the river. Beautiful weather during the day with crisp nights in the mountains for the entire weekend. Here we are breaking for lunch after 2 hours of paddling.
This is the back of Tom’s head and the only bridge we went under for 40 miles.
First night was spent on an island we had never camped on. Our original campsite was already over-occupied, so we paddled another 5 miles and were glad we did. Someone had put a lot of work into creating a campsite complete with a work table and seating. The tent is mine, and was referred to as “The Palace.” I don’t like those small tents that are like putting on a Speedo, so I got a 4-man tent so all my gear is inside and plenty of room to stretch out or pass out. Appetizer de jour was baked brie with apricot sauce in a dutch oven, crackers, cheese assortment and fresh fruit. Dinner was deep fried Tilapia fillets, hushpuppies, mixed greens and cherry pie. Choice of beverage.
Here’s some fish porn from the first night. I took a small pack rod with spinning reel, as there’s very limited space to backcast.
The morning was gorgeous as the river was wrapped in fog. There’s something magical about this kind of wakeup call. It’s also neat when the smallies are hitting at sun up. Not pictured is breakfast consisting of eggs benedict, Cowboy Coffee, milk & orange juice.
The second night’s camping spot was also overbooked, so we really had to rough it without table, benches or any other amenities. Here’s my twin brother Matt (aka: Methane Man) (left) and Crazy Tom making Boy Scout Beef Stew and dumplings in dutch ovens. I cannot describe just how delicious that stew was (especially after paddling 16.5 miles with loaded canoes). There was everything but the kitchen sink in it, and there was not one drop left in either pot. Appetizer was hot crab dip with crispy pita chips and cheese and cracker assortment. White & red wines were also offered. Dinner was followed up with cherry pie and chocolate pudding for dessert, along with Cowboy Coffee.
Here’s my friend Tom enjoying a “time out” after bonding with a bottle of “Jack” for most of the day.
Finally, the sun setting on the Allegheny after a long day. Believe it or not, we were all asleep by 9 p.m. You can tell how old we are.
Sunday was met early for all of us. All were up by 7. Breakfast of hot cereal, Cowboy Coffee, OJ and Captain Morgan. Camp was cleared and we were in our canoes headed downriver at 8:30 for the final 10.5 miles. We landed at the take-out at 11:30. All were dog tired, so there were no pictures after Saturday night.
Next trip will be the “OF Patrol Winter Hike.” Planning to begin soon, but you know there will be water and fishing involved for yours truly.
Thanks for looking. Wish I could have taken you all with me. We could have called it a “Float-In.” Hey, I just might be onto something there…
Joseph the Tired.
River Name: Evil Twin
