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  1. #1
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    May 2012
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    Conemaugh/Kiski River Kayak/Camp Trip

    Usually I'm a backpacker, but I've seen a lot of kayak/camping trip stories lately, and it got me to thinking I should try it. I've never used a kayak for anything other than a couple hours of rec paddling. So this weekend I grabbed a buddy and we took a 2 day trip down the Conemaugh and Kiskimentas rivers. (Northeast of Pittsburgh) Water was fairly high after a tornado siting/storm east of the city Friday night, but we were undeterred. Attached a few pictures. My ENO singlenest can be seen in the foreground. Picture of the river is what I saw when the sun came over the peak and woke me up. After coming back from a trip 2 weeks ago where I came home with a tick in my shoulder, I picked up the ENO bugnet during the REI sale and this was it's first use. I know it's heavier than other options, but I must say, I was glad to have it hanging by the river - bugs were out in full force. Being new to hanging (this is only the 5th trip I've made with the hammock) - and being that I don't have the most expensive (i.e. lightweight) hammock gear just yet, I must say, having the kayak was awesome. Nice summer days on the water, and camping 20 ft from a swimming hole may quickly become my go to type of trip. Anyone have a suggestion on kayaks? (Apparently I need something else to blow money on)

    We dropped in just below the Conemaugh **** and pulled out around the town of Leechburg, few miles away from the Allegheny. We covered about 25 miles (according to what the locals told us) - but did most of our paddling on day 1. We saw some white water, but only because of the storm the night before. Overall, nice easy paddling and some floating. Beautiful weather, 75 and sunny. Rain held off all weekend. Tried talking my camping mate into becoming a hanger, but he wasn't biting - Then we had to paddle about an hour longer than he wanted because on both side of us were nothing but hillsides and wilderness. He immediately saw the pros of hammock camping as we continually passed sites where I reminded him "We could camp there if you had a hammock" - he had a miserable nights sleep while I slept splendidly.

    Going out again in 2 weeks if anyone is from the area and would like to join. Starting further up river this time.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Senior Member Scottybdiving's Avatar
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    Sep 2009
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    Spicewood, TX
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    Looks like a great time. I think I would enjoy some kayak or canoe camping, especially with weather like that. MID 70'S? What is that? I have to travel great distances to experience that this time of year, which I will do in July, for a different kind of floating. Your buddy will come to his senses. I prfer to let the hammocks sell themselves. I'm sure that your luxury didn't go unoticed.
    We are now ready to start our way down the Great Unknown.We are three quarters of a mile in the depth of the earth.We have an unknown distance yet to run, an unknow river yet to explore.What falls there are, we know not; what rocks beset the channel, we know not; what walls rise over the river, we know not. Ah, well! We may conjecture many things. The men talk as cheerfully as ever; jests are bandied about freely this morning; but to me the cheer is somber and the jests are ghastly. Powell 1869

  3. #3
    Member foureyedgeek's Avatar
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    Aug 2011
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    NCSWPA
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    Hey, that's my neck of the woods! Nice pics.

    Where did you rent your boats from?

  4. #4
    Senior Member
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    I'm jealous. When I lived back in the Burgh, the dam was one of my favorite fishing spots.

  5. #5
    Senior Member dragon360's Avatar
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    Nov 2010
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    Toronto, ON
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    Some very fine pictures there! Hard on the system desk surfing as I am right now!
    The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering. - St. Augustine

    Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.
    - Bob Marley

  6. #6
    Senior Member
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    Feb 2009
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    Beaver Co. , PA
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    amsteel, treehuger
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    Hey that river looks familiar, at least from the tracks it does. did you camp in sight of the tracks? I saw a tent somewhere along the line but didn't pay too much attention to where. I went by early sun. morning. I got a couple kayaks from ****'s. They are the Future Beach trophy 126. 350$ They are a good recreational fishing kayak. Rear dry storage, front storage compartment, adjustable footrests. Yes there are faster, better boats, but for the price I love them better than my buddies boats.
    Looks like a sweet spot to kayak, camp, and fish. Hope to make it next time.

  7. #7
    Senior Member canuck_kayaker's Avatar
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    Apr 2012
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    Ontario, CANADA
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    Looks like an awesome trip! Sucks to be a tent sleeper in terrain like that though eh?

    I'm no expert when it comes to hammocks, or kayaks either for that matter, but I do know alot more about kayaks than hammocks! Here is mine...

    It is a 16' ClearWaterDesign Gaspe, with rudder. For me, it is awesome.

    Kayaks are different for everyone, you have to find the one that fits you best. Necky is one of the biggest brands out there, and they are excellent boats. Perception is also popular, and alot less expensive than Necky, but still a good boat, with a solid heritage behind them as well. Each Kayak will fit you differently, and is better suited for certain conditions than others.

    It also depends what your main use for it is... if you are going to mostly just take it out for a couple hours on a Saturday afternoon or after work then a 16ft is probably overkill. I say that, although that is what I mainly use mine for, as I don't have alot of time for overnight trips . But for me its not a big deal to throw it on the roof of my car for a quick paddle. Alot of people would consider it overkill though. Alot of people agree that a 14ft is a good mix. Its a manageable size for those after work paddles but still has the gear capacity to do a weekend trip.

    In the end it mostly comes down to personal choice though, so doing your research is key!

  8. #8
    Member dingo's Avatar
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    That river is great. I paddle that river more than any other the section that goes through packsaddle gap is exceptional. For a great kayak camping trip the clarion river out of ridgeway pa is beautiful with great campsites in allegheny national forest
    CLYDE

  9. #9
    New Member
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    May 2012
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    foureyed - We rented them from Saltsburg River & Trail, super friendly, if not a tad disorganized. Would definitely go back to them though.

    ref - you almost certainly saw us. We had a heck of a time finding a place to make camp because of that **** tent. We were quickly running out of day light when we found that spot. Not a single train was heard all day, then 6 throughout the night. At least that's what I was told, I slept through all but 2.

    Canuck - thanks for the heads up, have been looking into a bunch of manufacturers

  10. #10
    Member johmar's Avatar
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    SEQ Australia
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    Hi,
    I have a Cobra Expedition. Lots of storage and a rudder. I really recommend the rudder.
    My mate has one too. He says its the fastest hull speed of any plastic kayak.
    When he was leaving me for dead on the water one day, i complained about the alleged hull speed! He said, it was the motor (me)

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