Cindy and I, along with co-trip leader Roberta Engel, will be leading a paddle along the RI/CT border on the Pawcatuck River. NOTE: The original message had the wrong put-in...we will NOT be putting in from Laurel St...we will be using the new DEM access on Post Office Lane. Look for a sign for "Potter Hill Landing" on Potter Hill Rd just west of the bridge over the river. Post Office Lane is a narrow dirt road...a short ways in from Potter Hill Rd, bear left at the fork and follow it into the parking area. Meet time is 9:30 or earlier to unload, and the vehicle shuttle will leave at 10:00. Masks are required for folks sharing a shuttle ride back to the put-in after most vehicles are left at the take-out.

This is a relatively short (5.5 mile) paddle that is mostly flatwater but has several quickwater and moving water sections as well as a couple short stretches that could be considered Class I (straightforward) rapids. You should be confident in controlling where your boat is going in moving water. The trip will pass by the former site of the White Rock Dam, which was removed about 5 years ago to restore flow into the natural river channel for the first time in almost 100 years.

Our take-out will be the Westerly Boat Ramp on Main St in Westerly. This is a one-way trip, so a vehicle shuttle will be needed. Masks will be required to share a shuttle ride back to the put-in.

Bring a snack, or even lunch if you wish. Cindy and I are planning on a late lunch at The Bridge restaurant in Westerly, near the put-in and anyone else is welcome to join us. If you plan to eat at the bridge but your car will be at the put-in, we recommend making arrangements with another driver who can fit you and your boat on their vehicle and 1) has their car at the take-out and 2) is also planning on eating at the bridge, so that we do not have to run another shuttle before lunch. If this doesn't work out, no worries, we'll just run shuttle first and then eat.

Weather forecast right now is for a partly cloudy day, high of 65...a little cool, so dress appropriately. Change of clothes in a dry bag is recommended.

No need to register for this trip, but parking IS a little tight at Post Office Lane so a courtesy e-mail or reply to this message to let me know you want to attend is appreciated. I have already heard from several folks via e-mail. chorbert13@gmail.com, or text to 418-2838 for any questions.

-Chuck