The Delaware River Sojourn, this year to be held June 20-27, is one of the oldest river sojourns in the nation, combines the experiences of guided paddling excursions with interpretive programs, camping, and camaraderie.
"The Delaware River is one of our nation's most important waterways, and this year's theme, Birthplace of America, will celebrate the river and region's rich history," said Ian Kindle, Environmental Educator with Delaware Canal State Park, Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources, and co-chair of the 2015 Sojourn steering committee.
Close to 75 miles of the main stem Delaware River will be paddled in 2015, split into daily trips ranging from eight to 13 miles. This year's sojourn will also visit Crosswicks Creek, a N.J. tributary to the Delaware River.
In brief, the sojourn will include the following stretches:
— June 20: Balls Eddy, Pa. to Buckingham, Pa.
— June 21: Lordville, N.Y. to Hankins, N.Y.
— June 22: Narrowsburg, N.Y. to Lackawaxen, Pa.
— June 23: Dingmans Ferry, Pa. to Bushkill, Pa.
— June 24: Bushkill, Pa. to Worthington State Forest, N.J.
— June 25: Easton, Pa. to Riegelsville, N.J.
— June 26: Bordentown, N.J. to Crosswicks Creek, and back to Bordentown
— June 27: Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia, Pa. to Fort Mifflin, Philadelphia.
Participants may sign up for the entire eight-day trip or for the day(s) of their choice.
"The Delaware Sojourn is a wonderful way to see the Delaware River from the river and to experience first-hand its beauty and the inherent diversity of its different sections," said Steve Tambini, Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission. "DRBC has been working for more than 50 years to manage this shared water resource. We encourage the public to consider enjoying this family-friendly paddling and learning adventure."
The cost for sojourners who register by June 13 is $80 per day for adults and $60 per day for children (ages 15 and under). There is an additional one-time insurance fee of $5 per person for this American Canoe Association-sanctioned event, except for current ACA members.
Further discount opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis for adult paddlers new to the Delaware River Sojourn. Add $10 to the daily rates for registrations made after June 13.
Registration fees cover the guided river trip, single or tandem kayak rental (with paddle and life jacket), shuttle transportation, educational programs, most meals, a souvenir T-shirt, and optional overnight camping sites. Participants may bring their own river-worthy boat, but please note that aluminum canoes are not recommended.
Several exciting programs are being offered this year, including a tour of the Fort Delaware Museum in Narrowsburg, N.Y., a visit to the new Tulpehaking Nature Center, part of the Abbott Marshlands, in Hamilton Township, N.J., and an overnight stay at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, Pa.
Sojourners may have the option to participate in Tall Ships Philadelphia-Camden, the largest sailing event of its kind in the U.S. in 2015, while in Philadelphia June 27.
"This year, the Delaware Sojourn received donations from many individuals and several corporations, including ShopRite, S.J. Shrubsole, and PPL, as well as grants from the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers and the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program," said John Mauser, Director of the Martins Jacoby Watershed Association and co-chair of the steering committee. "These funds help subsidize sojourn expenses, keeping costs as low as possible for participants, and the steering committee is very appreciative of this support," he continued.
This non-profit, annual event is organized by a steering committee comprised of representatives from federal, state, and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and individual volunteers.
The Delaware River Basin Commission has proudly served on the steering committee since the sojourn's early years; Communications Assistant Kate Schmidt has served as DRBC's representative on the steering committee since 2006.
Space is limited, so please register early! Registration details, itinerary overview, and sojourn guidelines are available at the Delaware River Sojourn website.
Sojourners are again offered the option to register online using Paypal. Registration-related questions and discount availability inquiries may be directed to Dejay Branch at 646-205-2724 or send email to: info@riversojourn.com.
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