Lessons from the Allegheny
Over ten years of Spring Treks with Chupacabra, I’ve learn a multitude about both the canoeing and camping. As a member that always embraces the mantra of “Kaizen”, there are always more lessons to be learned. In this entry, I reflect on the latest Spring Trek for Chupacabra on the river that started it all, The Allegheny; below are my top five take-aways (shout out to TimeSuck!).
First, The Allegheny River isn’t what I thought. The draw to the Allegheny has to be the camping . The Multitude of islands in the stream provide many camping spots, even for such a large group like Chupacabra. Its great in that respect, but as far as the river itself, its a bit like cream of celery soup and rice. Its technically food, but there are so many better choices out there. Overall, in my yet to be released but much anticipated river rankings , I place the Allegheny second to last (See JStroke’s Allegheny River Ranking). The river feels like a slow flow of maple syrup. I hate to be so disparaging, because there is a place for a river like this, just not for a paddler with my acumen and accomplishments on the river.
Second, Chupacabra need to be so much better at scouting campsites. Its not a criticism of Grumman Master (Best Canoeist award winner), but as a group we seem to have struggled with this the past few years. The Grumman Master does a great job organizing the spring treks. I take it upon myself to lead the charge to do a better job of finding spots we need. Although, if we do a better job at scouting, we will miss out on the negative opinions of the campsites by Seacow; but I hear he’s working on being “river positive”.
Third, don’t rely on a 6 year-old on what to bring for food. I take pride in being well-prepared, but I was concerned two days in and neither The Dude and The Tick didn’t want anything I brought for them. Who would have thought a 6 year old wouldn’t follow the plan? I didn’t bring bread for toast and jelly or toasted cheese. C’mon guys, help me out. Thank goodness for Pringles.
Fourth, I like bourbon. I’ve tried to branch out over the years, but the only thing that comes close is aged rum; but its not that close. Bourbon is great as nip on the water, or perhaps a topper to the famous Chupacabra “Bourbon Mary”. And by the fire, there is nothing better. There is nothing like that Kentucky hug to warm you up on clear star-filled night on the river.
Fifth and last, we bring too much food. And does everyone need a separate water filter? But we’ll work on that!
JStroke signing off!
Chupacabra Canoe 
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