Hello Paddlers,
As you know, in early spring we canceled the PPCS trip schedule due to Covid-19. While the pandemic is still very much with us, there have been some signs of improvement in Maine in recent weeks (increased testing capacity, very low rates of positive test results, and decreasing numbers of new cases and deaths). We have also learned a bit more about how to make choices that limit our risk. Because spending time outdoors while practicing social distancing is considered lower risk, and outdoor activities can be an important part of mental and physical health, the executive committee has agreed that it’s time to reinstate the published PPCS trip schedule in a limited way.
The TC will have discretion in whether and how to run a given trip. The TC may decide that the trip cannot be run safely and choose to cancel. The size of the trip may be limited for safety. Less-experienced paddlers may be excluded from more challenging runs so that rescues and the physical contact they require are less likely. These are all decisions the TC may make. Please check with the TC several days ahead of time regarding scheduled trips. And if you feel at all sick, do not come on a trip!
Participants should be responsible for safely running their own shuttles. Ideally, a household member who is not paddling will drive the boater’s vehicle if a walk/bike shuttle is not possible. Alternatives involving the back of a truck or two boaters in a vehicle with windows down for a short shuttle have been used this spring. But these arrangements should be agreed upon ahead of time. Do not assume you will be able to get a ride in a shuttle vehicle.
Although some of the scheduled paddling trips may happen, with appropriate safety considerations, the summer picnic, potluck, and meeting will not be happening at the Forks this year. Instead, the summer Cooks Meeting will happen via Zoom video conference on Monday, July 27 at 7:30 PM. Helen Hess will send out details and an invitation to all members via email on that day. The Swiftwater rescue class that typically occurs on the Friday of the summer picnic weekend is also cancelled.
Club members will make different choices regarding paddling trips. People have different degrees of vulnerability and different levels of tolerance to risk. Please, respect the choices made by your fellow boaters and their shuttle drivers during this reopening of the trip schedule.
Have fun and stay safe!
Kenny DeCoster, President
Helen Hess, Vice President
Ron Chase, Treasurer
Ken Gordon, Secretary
Ryan Galway, Past President