Submitted Article
The Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) and Endless Mountains Outfitters (EMO) are teaming up to conduct a three-day, two-night kayaking sojourn for adults. “Corks and Kayaks” will take place Friday through Sunday, Oct. 11 to 13, starting in at the Sayre Riverfront Access and ending at EMO’s headquarters in Sugar Run. Participation is limited to the first 25 registrants.
Highlights, in addition to boundless engagements with the natural beauty of the North Branch Susquehanna River, will include tasting events at a local winery and cidery and meals from Hurley’s Market, the Community Cup and the Wysox Fire Company, along the way.
“We’ve done plenty of sojourns for adults, but we’ve never combined it with the tasting,” said Keith Brown of EMO, who noted that the tasting activities are held at night, well after participants are off the water.
Representatives from the PA Fish & Boat Commission will assist with the send-off after providing a safety lesson. Historic landmarks participants will paddle by on the first day include Herrigan’s Island, Tioga Point at the confluence of the Chemung River, and Queen Ester’s Flat. Day two’s highlights will include the historic Standing Stone and French Azilum. Camping will be at Larnard-Hornbrook County Park and French Azilum Historic Site.
“It’s a really awesome stretch of river,” Brown said of the natural beauty and working farms that paddlers will see. Wildlife my include bald eagles, beavers, deer and blue herons. “We’re starting to see a lot more egrets,” Brown noted.
Corks will be popping at Grovedale Winery in Wyalusing on Friday night and at Deep Roots Hard Cider in Sugar Run. Representatives from both will talk with kayakers about the impacts of the environment on vineyards and orchards.
Though the sojourn is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. on Friday and end at 2 p.m. on Sunday, all times are subject to weather and the condition of the river.
The cost of $175 per person for two days and $250 per person for three days includes kayak rental, shuttling, food and tasting fees, and camping. Any purchases of additional wine or cider is the responsibility of the customer. Rates are slightly less for those employing their own watercraft, but shuttling is still included.
Registration is being handled online via fireharbor.com. Interested readers should log onto the Endless Mountains Heritage Region Facebook page or EMHeritage.org, click on events, then on the registration URL. Additional questions can be answered by EMO staff at 570-746-9140.
Sponsorships by area businesses and individuals help to offset the cost of this and other activities hosted by the EMHR. To lend support, interested readers should call EMHR executive director Cain Chamberlin at 570-265-1528.