The USGS announced they will be removing several stream gages from rivers in Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland. This action is due to the lack of funding. The rivers being affected in Pennsylvania seem to be located on the upper Susquehanna River, the West Branch of the Susquehanna and its tributaries such as the Sinnemahoning, Clearfield Creek, and several others. 

This action makes me wonder if these gages really ever provided any relevant data to the USGS at all. Do these gages really provide any relevant data other than waterflow measurements for the paddlers and fisherman? For more info go to the Moshannon Blog USGS Gages being removed.

Knot tying is something many of us neglected to learn because the basic square knot, or our own adaptations of the square knot, are usually adequate in most cases. But the truckers hitch knot is one good knot to learn because it is useful for securely latching down canoes, kayaks and other objects on top of the vehicle, it’s quick tying and quick release.  

Watch the video on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywqx_3TLSd8

Fall is in the air and that means it’s time for a change in my paddling habits. This summer I mostly did canoe fishing trips on local lakes such as Nockamixon and Beltsville. And I really neglected my kayaking this year, but that’s alright because I generally do slow down on the kayaking throughout the dog days of summer, then pick it up again in the fall. And that time is here again.

One of my favorite fall kayak trips is through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. There are several sections on the river where you can paddle around the boat access and enjoy fall colors without having to paddle with the flow downriver. Poxono Boat Access is one of those areas. But if you are looking for a lengthy fall foliage kayak trip on the Delaware River then you might want to consider beginning at Dingmans Ferry Bridge and paddling to Smithfield Beach or beyond to the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center.

The Moshannon Falls blog has more information on this fall foliage trip through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.