Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1888-09-21
liz NILES IN CANOES,
4 TRIP DOWN THE SHENANDOAH
RIVER OYER THE Rapids.

INTERESTING ACCOUNT OF The SUM III Elk
VOYAGE OF THE STAUNTON CANOE
CLUB-CoMMoDoRE WEBB IN THE
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. ON THE ROUTE
TO RIvERToN.
&C., &C., sc.
reported fof the Staunton VINDIcAToR1
OF all the out-of-door sports, but few
equal and none EXCEL, canoeing. Its pos
sbilities embrace wide range-from a
shortpaddle of few hours. or an afternoon
sail on lake or river, to voyage of hum
dreds of miles down some beautiful river,
or, under sail, along the coast of sea or
lake. The acme of canoeing, however, is
cruising down some narrow, beautiful
river, from source to mouth, diversified
with rapids and falls, many Of which
bring into play the canoeist's nerve and
skill, while the sport and excitement OF
shooting them successfully is unexcelled.
Provided with a suitable camping outfit,
a good supply of provisions, and small
sum of ready money, the canoeist is fitted
to enjoy most Independent and delight
full outing of few days, week, or
month. The VINDICAToR has already
given considerable space to this pastime
and the diminutive craft have been fully
described as we'll as the adventures of
those who cruise in them, but the sport is
so interesting that we gladly give space to
brief account of the recent cruise on the
Shenandoah river, of Messrs. F. r. Webb
George BealI and Lacy Gibson; three of
the most enthusiastic devotees of the
sport in this city.
THE CANOES
themselves, as before described in the
INDICATOR, are of canvas, IA feet long,
and from 26 to 80 inches wide amidships;
they are sharp at both ends, and are en-
tirely decked over, except an open space
amidships called the we'll or cockpit, in
which the crew of one sits, flor each canoe
access to the interior of the canoe for
slowing his blankets, tent, water proof bag
for extra clothing, and other necessary
supplies. This space is also closed by
matches in case of rain or rough water,
making the entire top Of the boat as i'm
house; a necessary precaution, for it is by
no means an infrequent occurrence for the
waves to roll in solid sheets of water over
the entire boat. in shooting dams, falls
or rapids
AS evening approaches, the canoes are
--draasa " on the bank near some spring or
farm house and unloaded, comfortable
bed made up, IN the boats. of carefully
folded blankets, part of The matches re-
placed over the cockpit, diminutive tent
erected over the remaining open space,
and after good. hot supper, and pleas
ant evening around a bright camp fire,
the crews turn in, each to his respective
boat and tent, and the night is passed in
the greatest of comfort.
The party, consisting, as before men
toned, of Messrs. F. R. Webb, George
Beall and Lacy Gibson, in the canoes
frankie, Rosa and Clyde, left Staunton
via B. & 0. r. r. ON Monday, Aug. 6.
intending. if weather and water were
propitious, to cruise down the Shenandoah
river, from Mt. Crawford. on N orth river,
to Harper's ferry, at the mouth Of the
river, a distance of 172 miles.
THEY LAUNCHED THEIR CANOES
at $50 in the evening, and dropped down
the river couple Of miles and camped for
the night. The river was very low and
great care was required in shooting the
numerous fish dams and rapids; much
more than would have been required had
there been foot more water In the river.
AS it was, Lacy Gibson succeeded in
knocking a hole in his canoe within five
minutes from the time he embarked which
let the water in quite freely, but which
was readily patched during the evening in
camp-it being one of the advantages of
canvas canoes, that while easier damaged
than wooden boats (not a great deal,
either, for the canvas skin. when well
oiled and painted, is far tougher and
harder to ipjure than would be imagined
they are very easily mended.
The party were much Disguised to find
the water in the river very muddy. in con-
sequence of recent local lains, which OF
course effectuaIy dispelled their plans for
plenty of fishing.
TUESDAYS TRIP
was very pleasant and Interesting; there
being plenty of rapids to shoot, while the
milldams were easily portrayed, by simply
sliding the light boats right over them
and dropping them into the water below
two of the party standing on the edge Of
the dams, to shove them over, while the
other stood in the water below, to east
them down. On reaching the mouth Of
Middle river, at o CLOCK. they were greatly
pleased to observe that the river was com
ing in clear, so-fnding a fine spring in tbt
bank-they went into camp here until Fri
day and had several days of fair fishing ,ir
Middle river. They were much pleased
also to find Messrs. Harry Wegner ant
VIM. H. Weller from town, fishing here.
ON FRIDAY MORNING,
Middle river began putting out muddy
also in consequence OF the rains, (of which
the party had their full share). so the,
gave up any hope of further fishing, unles
they should find North Fork clear, a
Riyerton, 100 miles and more below, an6
broke camp and resumed their cruise
They had an exciting run through tn.
formidable falls above Port Republic, bu
followed the Commodores lead through
the somewhat intricate boat channel, ant
got through safely. They hoped to reacl
Bear Lithia Springs, below Elkton, b,
Saturday evening, but the river was s
low, and such care was required to threat
their way through the maz,s of The reef
that extend for miles down the river fron
Port Republic all Of which are covered a