Callicoon 2018

Where: Delaware River, Callicoon NY
When: August 24, 2018
With: The Stupids


I can't find any record of the planning stages of this trip, but I recall that a number of dates were proposed for a kayak adventure on the Delaware River, with Xeth's house as a base camp. I agreed to the weekend following the final Concert on the Common, when I'd have no other commitments. Taking advantage of a schedule freed up by my recent retirement, I made plans to visit my sister in Easton PA (downstream from Xeth's place) for a few days before the gathering. I'd drive to her place on Thursday, head to Xeth's Saturday morning, then return home on Sunday.

My plans changed two weeks before the trip, when one of the Concerts on the Common was rained out, and the band rescheduled to the weekend (Sunday) of the trip. I'd still be able to go, but I needed to be home on Sunday by 2PM. My original thought was to leave at first light on Sunday, but while driving up river Saturday morning it occurred to me that if we got off the river by 4 or 5PM, I'd be able to to drive home Saturday evening. That would give me a full night's sleep at home, and would avoid the Sunday return traffic (as well as driving into the rising sun Sunday morning).

The ride from Easton to Callicoon was scenic and relatively painless. Highways at first, then smaller roads through state parks, forests, and small towns. Finally my navigation led me to Route 97, running along the east side of the Delaware, and into Callicoon. I landed at Xeth's around 10 and explained my need to forego the evening festivities. Chip & David had arrived the previous day, and had explored some of the river with Xeth Friday evening before a night of music-making.

We chatted a bit while they had breakfast, then packed up two of the cars. We stopped at the market in Callicoon for lunch supplies before continuing 12 miles up stream to the put in at Long Eddy. A couple other groups were also there, setting off in tubes for a day on the water. We made quick work of getting everything ready and soon were paddling away from shore.

The conditions were pretty much perfect. Great weather and good water conditions. The river had been running high and dirty a few days before, due to recent rains, but it was clear and manageable for us. For the most part we were able to let the river take us along, with minimal paddling needed. 

We made a couple of stops, first at Basket Brook and then at a rock further downstream, where we ate lunch and did some swimming. Other than that though, it was just a continuous ride along the river. Stretches of flat water, sections of light rapids (nothing more than Class 2), continuous conversations, and the beautiful scenery of the Delaware River valley. We played tag with the other groups throughout the day, passing each other from time to time when one group of the other stopped for a break.

We arrived back in Callicoon about 4PM (about 5 hours on the water) and hung out a bit before driving back to Long Eddy to get our cars. I decided a ride home that evening was my best option, so I lashed the kayak on top and headed out. I sat in the parking lot of the Callicoon market a bit until I was able to get a signal for my phone's navigation, then began the journey home. A few small roads at first, then highways again, passing Bethel NY (already preparing for Woodstock's 50th), gliding through the Wurtsboro valley (lots of state troopers), and then on to 84 for the rest of the ride. I picked up the Red Sox game on the radio about that time, and called Jane to let her know I was coming home. Four hours after I left Xeth's, I was back in my driveway.

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