Kokosing Valley Campground and Canoe was the chosen destination for the June 2023 newly formed PaCO canoe club and they did not disappoint. The folks at KVC&C have been used for the previous canoe group (OCHRA) outings and trip leaders Chuck and Kerri took advantage of this great past relationship. They allowed the club an entire strip of campsites that allowed us to spread out and truly relax and enjoy our stay. This was especially nice since the water levels were so low that the only thing they were renting out was inner tubes. Having the option of trying to wind our way through and over constant obstacles and struggle down the Kokosing River didn't sound like fun. Group members Steve, Coleen, Harold, Tom and Chuck decided that a Saturday trip would best be spent on Coleen's pontoon boat rather than fight a river that was at extremely low levels. It was decided not to even bring canoes or kayaks to the event.
Friday night was enjoyed around a warm campfire. Pie irons and hot dog forks were brought out as well as a few adult beverages. Multiple blankets and sleeping bags were unfolded as temperatures sank to mid forty levels before daylight broke.
Saturday proved to be a beautiful day and the previously mentioned group headed out after a casual morning breakfast. After Steve and Chuck hooked up a tachometer to the pontoon the group headed out to Buckeye Lake to enjoy an afternoon cruise. The boat handled well in the unlimited horsepower lake and the Tach was adjusted properly. Coleen's dog Murphy and Chuck's dog Cookie climbed aboard to much different responses. While Murphy having been on the boat multiple times was well adjusted, Cookie on the other hand clung to the floor of the boat like grim death. There wasn't a comfortable spot to be found. As the temperatures warmed to mid 80s and as the clear blue sky bounced the sunlight off the cool water one would not know that the wild fires up in Canada had us under a crisis air quality just days ago. We circled the entire lake enjoying the beautiful islands and shore line. Lunch was enjoyed onboard and Cookie eventually got her sea legs. Unfortunately Chuck struggled getting land legs after getting off the boat.
Once back at camp members Judy and Mike joined in and pot luck dinner was enjoyed with Gumbo, baked beans, sausages, hot dogs, and tossed salads were the fare of the night. Tony arrived after attending a grandsons grad party and the group was in full force. Another beautiful fire was enjoyed, on a warmer night, by the group of friends and talk of possible rain the next day gave the group hope that the short drought we were going through would end and we could get more chances to paddle.
Sunday morning the group awoke and found Steve hovering over enough ham, sausage, cheesy hash browns and toast to feed an army. Just bring a plate and belly up to the picnic table. Campers broke down their sites and stated heading for home. Tom left his easy up intact next to his mini pop up and went to church in Danville. Judy and Mike talked of riding their bikes on the local bike trail and Tony, Harold and Chuck enjoyed competing in a bocce ball game that was enjoyed on the expansive strip of ground that Kokosing Valley provided us. Tony and Chuck finished their weekend together sipping craft beers at the Hoof Hearted Brewing Company in Marengo, Ohio as the rain finally did begin to fall.
A special thank you from Chuck to Coleen and Steve for stepping up and providing a fun boating experience. I really appreciate your friendship and your pitching in to help me be trip leader in a difficult position. Also to the fine folks at Kokosing Valley Campground and Canoe for the large camp area. Had we not driven to the lake and back I'm sure we still would have enjoyed the many fun amenities your fine campground provides. Including the much hullabaloo ice cream that none of us even tasted.
No canoes, no kayaks and no ice cream. Hmm...and it was still a wonderful weekend. Thanks friends... it's good to be us!!!
View All Pictures From the Kokosing