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Maryland ChapterAnne Arundel County Group |
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2009 SojournLiz Vanden HeuvelThe Sojourn got off to an exciting and scary start on June 19th. The water level on the Patuxent was quite high due to all the rain, and fast- moving water. As we launched, the river rose another foot, later determined to be caused by a dam release in Laurel. A number of paddlers flipped their boats over and some were carried downstream without their boats. Some people got to land and walked out, some were stranded with no land access.mergency responders arrived first by helicopter and finally by boat. News helicopters were also overhead and at the 4H Center. No one was hurt, although several people were frightened and shaken up. We proceeded by car and shuttle to Mt. Calvert where the trip resumed its normal pattern. There were educational and restoration programs plus contra dancing, a concert and a sing-a-long. The Sojourn ended after an owl prowl and night paddle on Mattponi Creek. |