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 Colorful kayaks and canoes filled the Schuylkill Canal’s Lock 60 in Mont Clare recently as the ninth annual Schuylkill River Sojourn made its way along the river.
The Schuylkill River Heritage Area, managed by the Schuylkill River Greenway Association, sponsored the seven-day paddle on the Schuylkill River from Schuylkill Haven. At landing sites along the route, landing captains and their volunteers host the sojourners overnight as they pass through the river communities on the week-long trip.
According to Sue Fordyce of the SRGA, the purpose of the Sojourn is “to teach people about the Schuylkill River’s history, recreational possibilities, the people who love it and the people who care about it, and that it is a resource.”
In their registration fee for the guided trip, participants receive three meals a day and entertainment, and their gear is shuttled from one landing site to the next. Safety is key, with at least one safety person for every 10 participants.
“We just like to make it a very pleasant experience for people on the river, so they can enjoy what it has to offer,” Fordyce said.
The Sojourn has stopped at Lock 60 each year, with the Schuylkill Canal Association serving as hosts. Fordyce noted a core group of sojourners has also participated each year.
About 70 to 75 people participated in this year’s Sojourn, many of them in solo kayaks. At least 60 boats were locked through Lock 60 from the forebay to the canal’s boat dock. In fact, so many boats were lined up to pass through the lock, one lock opening was not sufficient to accommodate them all. Some of the colorful craft, in bright reds, blues, yellows and more, had to wait for the second opening.
After landing their boats, the sojourners pitched their tents, cleaned up and headed for dinner at St. Michael’s Park. Otterbein United Methodist Church served the spaghetti dinner, and St. Michael of the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church provided dessert.
After dinner, “Classic Cartoons, the Movie” was presented by Ted the Fiddler, Spring City, an old-time movie enthusiast and collector. Ted showed a movie of cartoon shorts including Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse, Tom & Jerry and more.
After a good night sleep out under the stars, a hearty, cold breakfast was served at St. Michael’s Pavilion. The sojourners then launched back into the canal to its end, then portaged back over to the Schuylkill River to continue on their way.
“We always take pleasure in providing our beautiful site for others to enjoy and learn about. And we appreciate all the support we have received from the local community this year as well as in the past,” commented Betsy Daley, executive director of the Schuylkill Canal Association. “SCA would like to thank our partners for providing the support that is needed to bring the sojourners and our regional river community together.”
Volunteers and sponsors for the Lock 60 landing included Mont Clare Fire Co., Otterbein United Methodist Church, St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church, Spring-Ford Area School District, 8th Grade Center Student Government, Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County, Exelon Nuclear’s Limerick Generating Station and Ted The Fiddler.
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