Summer has officially arrived. And that means that it’s time to start preparing for the premier event of the summer – PFC’s annual Canoe Trip and Shrimp Boil Picnic. This will be the 13th year for the Canoe Trip and the 11th year for the Shrimp Boil. The date has been set for Sunday, August 25th; the pavilions have been rented, and reservations have been made with the Outfitter. All that is left is for you to make the appropriate reservations at http://www.pghfreethought.org
For those who have not participated before, let me describe it. Those going on the water meet at Youghiogheny Outfitters in West Newton at 9:30am and are transported upriver to Smithton where the group will “put in”. This is a relatively leisurely float down the middle Youghiogheny River, from Smithton to West Newton, a distance of approximately seven miles. Depending on the current, time on the water is about four hours. (Last year’s went a little quicker because with all the rain, the current was a little faster.) There are no real “rapids” on this section of the river, just some navigable shallows, so it is very newbie- and beginner- friendly. If you have a child who wants to learn to canoe or kayak, this is an excellent opportunity for them to learn under your supervision, with gentle waters, and a large group of fellow travelers.
About halfway along the river journey on a wide sweeping curve to the right, there is a boat ramp on the left bank for Cedar Creek Park. If you are joining in the shrimp boil, or just want to join everybody for lunch, pull your watercraft out there and set it out of the way. Turn left and walk back upriver about 150 hundred yards and you will find the PFC picnic. Of course, no one is required to participate in the shrimp boil to enjoy the camaraderie of the group, but it sure is a lot of fun – and quite tasty. The menu consists of shrimp, andouille sausage, redskin potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, and French bread. Dessert is Cajun-style bread pudding with rum sauce. (Since everything is cooked in one pot, there is unfortunately no way to offer a vegan option. But you are welcome to bring your own food and eat with the group at no cost.) Food should be ready sometime between 12:30 and 1:00. After lunch, those kayaking/canoeing get back on the water and continue downriver to the outfitter’s boat ramp in West Newton where your car is waiting for you.
For those not going on the water and just coming to the picnic, Cedar Creek Park is located off of PA Rte 51 near I-70 in Rostraver. After you pass the Rostraver Township Municipal Bldg, you will pass three houses and come to the Park entrance. There are TWO entrances, about 50ft apart. Take the second entrance and follow that road as it meanders through the park, about a mile. When you get to the bottom of a relatively long hill, the road will make a quick zig-zag right then left as it crosses over the bike trail. Continue on between the bike trail on the left and pavilions on the right until you come to pavilions number 18 and 19. That is where you will find us. For those who would like to ride bikes instead of canoeing or kayaking, that bike path that you crossed over is part of the Great Allegheny Passage that goes from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC.
Prices are the same as last year: $32 for a single kayak, $53 for a 2-person canoe or tandem kayak, $14 for transport of your own canoe upriver, $12 per adult (12 and older) for the shrimp boil, $8 per child (6-12), 5 and under are free. For those with small children, a canoe can accommodate two adults with one small child under 60 lbs. The sooner that we know who and how many are planning on participating in what activities, the better we can be at organizing and making this event happen as smoothly as possible. So let us know as soon as possible if you can.
