Please see the bottomof the listing for some safety rules I am imposing to keep everyone safe.
Ahoy, ye scurvy dogs! This is the 10th annual incarnation of the Rhode Island Armada. We've sailed a lot of seas, found a lot of hidden caches, and swung from a lot of ropes.
So, grab your cutlass, a patch, and your favorite parrot, and let's set sail for adventure one more time!
Itinerary:
Gather at the Launch Point (L1): 9am-10am.
We'll meet & mingle and get ready for the paddle up the Pawcatuck River. Any last minute instructions and cautions will be provided. This is now and out and back paddle - there will be no shuttling of cars.
Paddle up the Pawcatuck River, Approximately 10am-12pm
We'll put in and then paddle up the Pawcatuck River, enjoying the scenery and company.
The Event - Party by the shore: 12pm until 2pm
There is a spot along the river inside the boundaries of Burlingame WMA that is a canoe camp. We will put ashore there, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Everyone is responsible for their own lunch and (non-alcoholic) beverages. We will eat, relax, and have a few laughs. There is a rope swing, so maybe some swimming will be in order. Feel free to stick around as long as you want!
You need to be at the Event Location at some point point during actual Event (12-2pm) to claim the "Attended" log (whether you paddled or hiked in).
There will be enough time spent here, that you should be able to explore the WMA a little bit, and maybe grab some of the caches here. We will make sure there is always someone around to watch the vessels.
If you do not wish to stay for the entire lunch, you are free to continue on down the river to the Launch/Take Out spot.
This spot is accessible via trails in the WMA, so if you don't want to paddle, you can still meet up with us and enjoy the festivities. For those that will hike in to the event, here is a map of the trails from parking. See Waypoint P1 below for parking coordinates. It is just under two miles from parking to the event location.
Once again there will a Cookie Toss Challenge - exact details will remain a closely guarded secret until the day of the event - complete with prizes. Please bring one cookie of your choosing for the challenge.
The Rest of the Journey: Approximately ?pm-?pm
After lunch, we will back down the Pawcatuck until we reach the launch/take out location, L1. Again, feel free to leave the event at any time.
Additional Information:
This is a nice stretch of river to paddle (see map here), and we should not have too many issues with blow downs or jams. Total paddle distance is approximately 6 miles , and should take about 4 hours to complete (not including any time spent at the event). All paddlers are responsible for their own equipment, including a PFD and water cannons!
Especially the water cannons!
Additional details will be provided as we get closer, and plans may change slightly, so please "Watch Listing" for any updates. The rain date will be TBD.
Note: The Terrain rating is if your are boating. If you hike in, the Terrain is about a 2.5.
Additional rules due to the Corona Virus and State Rules During Phase 2:
Note: These are based on rules being considered by RICKA, and are being put in place for your protection as well as your fellow paddlers.
You will be required to wear a mask at the launch & take out, for you safety and the safety of others. Mask is strongly encouraged during the event.
Launching will be staggered to avoid people getting too close to one another.
Maintain 6' distancing at the launch and take out, as well as during the event. 6' should be pretty much guaranteed while paddling!
Group sizes are limited to 15 people during Phase 2. This should not be a problem based on the "Will Attend" log count.
You are responsible for your own beverage and food. Bringing your own wipes/hand sanitizer is also recommended, just in case.
No handling/touching of other people's boats or equipment unless specifically asked to help them.
Please bring a single cookie of your choice for the Cookie Toss Challenge (there will be prizes!). The game will be a simple "one and done" toss challenge. Feel free to bring more for your own snacking pleasure.
Thank you for understanding and following the rules.