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• Illinois River

  • When
    2023-05-31
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Morris, IL

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, May 31, 2023
  Leader:  Rich Rothrock
  Co-Leader:  
  Location:  Morris, IL
  Skill Level:  Advanced beginner
  Category:  Day paddle trip
  Details: Even with low water conditions, we can be certain that there will be good paddling conditions on the Illinois River. Put-in is at Stratton State Park, under the Route 47 bridge in Morris. There is no car shift. We will launch from the jet ski ramp on the east side of the park at 10:00 a.m. We will paddle upwind, take a shore rest, and then paddle downwind back to the park. PFD required, water and a snack.

  Launch time: 10:00

  
  

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• Moving Water 2 - Canoe

  • When
    2023-06-03
  • Location
    Marge Cline, Yorkville, IL (Fox River)
  • Spaces left
    7
  • Registered
    3 registrants

  Register

  Date:  Saturday, June 3, 2023
  

  Leader:  Steve Voss
  Co-Leader:   
  Location:  Marge Cline, Yorkville, IL - Fox River
  Skill Level:  Intermediate
  Category:  Instruction
  Details:  Join us for this intermediate skill-building session led by ACA certified instructors. This Moving Water 2 class is designed to take the skills learned at Moving Water 1 and apply them to faster current. Students will refine their timing and techniques, and will learn to tame faster and pushier current.

  Prerequisite: Students must have completed the PSC Moving Water 1 class or attended the River Skills Workshop.

  Class size will depend on the number of instructors; if you want to take the class, sign up sooner than later.

  ACA membership is required for participation. You will be asked to purchase a $10 one-day membership or supply your ACA member number at check in.

  DETAILS & UPDATES:

  Paddlers must register/sign up, as only registered paddlers will receive details and updates.

  COST:

  PSC members—$30    Non-members—$50

  CONTACT INFO FOR INSTRUCTOR/COACH:

  Steve Voss - svoss1959@hotmail.com or 847/687-2406

  Please follow current Covid-19 restrictions.

  
  

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• Kishwaukee River South Branch (Rt. 64 to Baseline)

  • When
    2023-06-07
  •  
    10:30 AM
  • Location
    Sycamore

  Register

  Date(s):  Wednesday, June 7, 2023
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  Location:  Rt. 64 (Sycamore) 
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This is the first section in a series of trips along the Kishwaukee River South Branch. This part is rarely paddled and has a rural feel. It will be a 9 mile paddle. Bring water, lunch, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30. Launch time 10:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

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• Moving Water 2 - Canoe Coached Class

  • When
    2023-06-10
  • Location
    Marge Cline, Yorkville, IL (Fox River)
  • Spaces left
    7
  • Registered
    3 registrants

  Register

  Date:  Saturday, June 10, 2023
  

  Leader:  Steve Voss
  Co-Leader:   
  Location:  Marge Cline, Yorkville, IL - Fox River
  Skill Level:  Intermediate
  Category:  Instruction
  Details: If you attended a Moving Water 1 and 2 canoe class, or obtained approval from instructor/coach, this is an opportunity to practice what you have learned. It’s important to practice your newly-acquired skills and get them into muscle memory before they begin to fade. Instructors are ACA certified and will be on-hand to provide the appropriate coaching.

  DETAILS & UPDATES:  Paddlers must register/sign up, as only registered paddlers will receive details and updates.

  COST:  There is no fee for PSC members. Non-members—$40.

  CONTACT INFO FOR INSTRUCTOR/COACH:

  Steve Voss - svoss1959@hotmail.com or 847/687-2406

  Please follow current Covid-19 restrictions.

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• Wisconsin Canoe Symposium

  • Start
    2023-06-15
  • End
    2023-06-18
  • Location
    Pine Lake Camp, Westfield, WI

  
  Date(s):  June 15-18, 2023
  Leader:   Tracy Hunt
  Co-Leader:  Paul Klonowski 
  Location: Pine Lake Camp, Westfield, WI
  Skill Level: All levels
  Category:  Instruction
  Details:  Tune-up Your Paddling at The First Canoe Symposium of the Season!

  You are invited to the Wisconsin Canoe Symposium (WCS)! The symposium is located in Westfield, WI, approximately 60 minutes north of Madison, WI. Arrive as early as Thursday afternoon and paddle through mid-day on Sunday.

  The WCS offers excellent instruction in a quiet water venue for people wishing to improve their skills in paddling and precise control of their canoes. The quiet water classes are offered for all skill levels, and all WCS classes are taught by certified canoe instructors. Student/instructor ratio is limited to 5 to 1. Other special topic classes will include classes such as Touring Technique (Sit & Switch), Moving Around in Your Canoe, Forward Stroke Clinic, and Nail the Rail.

  We’ll have a 2-hour Intro to Canadian Style Paddling class on Friday morning! More info is on the Class Descriptions document, and the registration form has been updated as well. 

  Other activities will include a Giant Schlalom Fun Race, and an Interpretive FreeStyle Recital. 

  All participants are encouraged to bring musical instruments, and join in the jam session! 

  Meals are available, served family style in Amphlett Hall in front of a large fireplace

  ________________________________________

  LODGING:

  There are several lodging options available:

  Wildwood Tent and Trailer Campground: This is a public campground owned and operated by Pine Lake Camp, and is located on the western shore of Pine Lake. The campground is accessible by footpath (approximately ½ mi.) to Pine Lake Camp or by car, and of course, you can always paddle your canoe to the camp. The campground features 40 wooded campsites, 22 of which have electricity and water. Campsite capacity is up to 6 persons over age two. Pine Lake Camp will have a number of the sites set aside for WCS.

  Bishop Rader Retreat Center: Features 28 double or triple occupancy hotel style rooms with fully accessible baths, one queen and one twin size bed; 16 of these rooms have an additional pull-out trundle bed. Bed linens are included, but you do need to furnish your own towels. 

  Birch Cabin: This is a two-room cabin, each room having 10 bunk beds and one full bathroom. The rooms will be designated by gender. There is a meeting room with fireplace in the center and also a small kitchenette. You will need to bring your own linens, pillows, blankets, and towels.

  We hope to see you there!

  Your hosts,

  Paul Klonowski, Tracy and Cathy Hunt

  To register: www.freestylecanoeing.com/wisconsin-canoe-symposium/

  
  

    

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• Blues on the Fox

  • When
    2023-06-17
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Fox River - Batavia to Aurora

  Register

  
  Date:  Saturday, June 17, 2023
  Leader:  Ray Ziemer
  Co-Leader: 
  Location:  Fox River - Batavia to Aurora
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip
  Details: Blues for Canoes (or kayaks if you choose).
  Join us for a laid-back afternoon float down the Fox River to the bluesiest beach in the ‘burbs! Aurora’s “Blues on the Fox” is back at River Edge Park. Call Ray: 630-669-7831.
  Plan on a 12:00 noon car shift from a Batavia put-in. We will shuttle cars to a public lot near the boat ramp. After the paddle we can load the boats onto cars and those who go to the festival should be able to leave them parked right there.
  Plenty of festival food and brews for your blues. We’ll time our arrival for Saturday’s first act at 3:00 p.m. It’s up to you if want to stick around for any part of the festival. (Tickets are $25 )Of course, you can laze around offshore in your boat as long as you like at no charge.
  The festival line-up at this year includes Joey Saye (3pm), Mud Morganfield (5pm), Kenny Neal (7pm) and finishes up with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Buy your tickets online early ($25 general admission).
  
  DIRECTIONS to PUT-IN: From IL Rte. 31 or 25, go to Wilson St. in Batavia. On the west side of the bridge over the Fox, turn north onto Island St., go north past Police Station to the North Lot area for put-in.
  Check out the full music program here:
  https://paramountaurora.com/events/blues-on-the-fox-2023/

  
  

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• Kishwaukee River South Branch (Baseline to Kingston)

  • When
    2023-06-21
  •  
    10:30 AM
  • Location
    Genoa

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, June 21, 2023
  Leader:  Susan Allman

  Co-Leader: Steve LaPorte 
  Location:  Baseline Road to Kingston
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:   A lovely section of the Kishwaukee River South Branch through farms & forest. It is a 9 mile paddle. We will stop for lunch at Citizens Park in Genoa. Bring a drink, lunch, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30. Launch time 10:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

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• Kishwaukee River South Branch (Kingston to Kirkland)

  • When
    2023-07-05
  •  
    10:30 AM
  • Location
    Kingston

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, July 5, 2023
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  Location:  Kingston (to Kirkland)
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This is the final section of the Kishwaukee River South Branch series. It is about a 9 mile paddle. Bring water, lunch, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30. Launch time 10:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  
  

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• Sugar River (Nelson Rd. to Two Rivers)

  • When
    2023-07-19
  • Location
    Southern WI.

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, July 19, 2023
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader: Sue Allman
  Location: Sugar River (Nelson Rd. to Two Rivers)
  Skill Level: Beginner
  Category: Day Trip 

  Details:   We will be paddling the Sugar River from Nelson Rd. to Two Rivers. This section is peaceful and scenic, and is appropriate for anyone, regardless of skill level.

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from one of the trip leaders.

  I ask that all paddlers sign up.  Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  

  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Four Rivers Trip

  • Start
    2023-07-21
  • End
    2023-07-23
  • Location
    Wisconsin River

  Register

  Date(s):  7/21/2023 through 7/23/2023 
  Leader: Steve LaPorte

  Co-Leader: Keith McClow
  Location:  Wisconsin River
  Skill Level:   Advanced Beginner
  Category: River camping
  Details: 

  Come join us for our annual four-river trip on the Kickapoo River, the Wisconsin River, the Mississippi River and the Wyalusing Canoe Trail in southwestern Wisconsin. In one weekend, you will paddle a narrow, meandering river (Kickapoo), a wide recreational river (Wisconsin), a maritime superhighway (Mississippi), and lush bayou (Wyalusing backwaters). The put-in will depend on the condition of the Kickapoo River, but in no case will this trip be rated above “advanced beginner”.
  
  We plan to camp on sandbars on the Wisconsin River, but by Saturday night we will be in an area of the river where the sandbars are covered when the river is high. I have reserved a campsite at Wyalusing State Park for 7/22/21, just in case we can’t camp on the river that night. I recommend that anyone else who wants to join us do the same, and do it soon since Wyalusing is a very popular park. (If you waited too long and Wyalusing is full, you can still come. There are other campgrounds in the area, and Victora Park always has room in the primitive camping field, east of the boat ramp.)

  Information will be provided to anyone interested.

  This trip is river camping, and is rated advanced beginner skill level.  PFD & Lunch Required

  
  

  Contact Trip Leader, Steve LaPorte for more information.

  slaporte2000@gmail.com  630-665-5707

  
  

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• Mecan River

  • Start
    2023-07-21
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    2023-07-23
  • Location
    Montello, WI

  Register

  Date(s): July 21 to 23
  Leader:  John & Marilyn Ziegler
  Co-Leader:  Sherri Graham & John Anderson
  Location:  Montello, WI
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Base camping
  Details:The Mecan is a beautiful spring fed river with lots of twists and turns. We will be camping in the large group site at Mecan River Outfitters (920-295-3439)  Friday & Saturday nights and paddling both Saturday & Sunday. The camping is primitive -- pit toilets and no water (you need to bring enough water with you for the weekend). Contact leaders for more info.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Nippersink Creek

  • When
    2023-08-02
  • Location
    Spring Grove

  Register

  Date:  Wednesday, August 2, 2023
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader: Sue Allman
  Location: Glacial Park
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip 

  Details:   We will be paddling Nippersink Creek from Glacial Park to Lyle Thomas Park.  This section is scenic with a few riffles, and is appropriate for anyone who has reasonable paddling skills.

  
  

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  
  

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from one of the trip leaders.

  
  

  I ask that all paddlers sign up.  Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Solo Freestyle Canoe Clinic

  • When
    2023-08-05
  •  
    8:15 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Lake Atwood, The Hollows Conservation Area, Cary, IL
  • Spaces left
    10

  Date:  Saturday, August 6, 2023

  Leader:  Tracy Hunt
  Co-Leader: Paul Klonowski       
  Location: Lake Atwood, The Hollows Conservation Area, Cary IL
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Instructional

   Details: FreeStyle Canoeing is the "art and science" of quietwater paddling. It emphasizes smooth, efficient flatwater paddling and precision boat control. FreeStyle techniques can be applied to all canoeing situations, from goofing off on a local pond to whitewater.

  FreeStyle canoeing requires no special equipment: just a canoe, a straight-shaft paddle, a life jacket (PFD), and for most folks, a kneeling pad. Prerequisite to this class is the ability to make your solo canoe travel in a straight line.

  This class will focus on Introductory FreeStyle technique for the solo canoeist. Bring your own solo canoe, PFD, paddle, and kneeling pad if you have one. Also bring lunch, plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to drink, and dress for the weather – we paddle unless there’s lightning. Bring a couple of complete changes of clothing – we all may get wet. 

  FreeStyle technique is also used in conjunction with music, creating an expressive, interpretive art form. You can search YouTube for “Freestyle Canoe” for sample videos of this. While Interpretive Freestyle is beyond the scope of this class, we may include short demos as time permits. 

  This class will be led by Certified Instructors from the United States Canoe Association. To learn more about Freestyle Canoeing, visit http://freestylecanoeing.com/ 

  Cost of the class is $55 to be paid on-site the day of the class. Class size is limited to 10 participants.

  To register, contact:

  Tracy Hunt or Paul Klonowski

  tracyhunt077@gmail.com

  pklonowski@comcast.net 

  630-329-4669 or  847-687-2477

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• Namekagon River

  • Start
    2023-08-07
  • End
    2023-08-11
  • Location
    Namekagon River

  Register

  Date(s):  8/7/2023 through 8/11/2023 
  Leader: Steve LaPorte

  Co-Leader: Keith McClow
  Location:  Namekagon River
  Skill Level:   Advanced Beginner
  Category: River camping
  Details: 

  If you ever wanted to paddle the Namekagon when it wasn’t jammed with party animals, this might be just what you’re looking for. We will be doing two day trips between Hayward and Trego, then doing a three day river camping trip on the usual section. The upper section has some mild rapids, so good boat control will be required.
  
  This trip is base/river camping, and is rated advanced beginner skill level.  PFD & Lunch Required

  
  

  Contact Trip Leader, Steve LaPorte for more information.

  slaporte2000@gmail.com  630-665-5707

  
  

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• Kishwaukee River (North section)

  • When
    2023-08-16
  •  
    10:30 AM
  • Location
    Garden Prairie

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, August 16, 2023
  Leader: Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  Location:  County Line Road (Garden Prairie to Belvidere)
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This is the "up north" section of the Kishwaukee River. It is about an 8 mile paddle with a little of everything; straight, curves, ripples, and possible downfall. Must have good boat control. Bring water, lunch, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30. Launch time 10:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  
  
  
  

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• Turtle Creek

  • When
    2023-08-30
  • Location
    Shopiere, WI

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, August 30, 2023
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader: Sue  Allman
  Location:  Shopiere, Wisconsin
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip
  Details:  We will be paddling Turtle Creek from O’Riley Rd. to County Hwy. J. This section is scenic, and is appropriate for anyone, regardless of skill level.

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from one of the trip leaders.

  I ask that all paddlers sign up.  Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  

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• Labor Day Procrastinators Trip

  • Start
    2023-09-06
  • End
    2023-09-10
  • Location
    Wisconsin River

  Register

  Date(s):  9/6/2023 through 9/10/2023 
  Leader: Steve LaPorte

  Co-Leader: Keith McClow
  Location:  Wisconsin River
  Skill Level:   Beginner
  Category: River camping
  Details: 

  If you wanted to take a river trip over the Labor Day weekend but were unable to, this trip is just what you need. (People who paddled on Labor Day are welcome, too.) All the liveries know that the weekend after Labor Day is the deadest weekend of the season, so we can expect to have the Wisconsin River to ourselves.
  
  This is a four day trip for those who can get a couple of days off work, and a weekend trip for those who can’t. We will meet at Arena in the afternoon of 9/6/22 and take two days to paddle down to Muscoda. On 9/9/22 we will pick up the weekenders in Muscoda and paddle two more days down to Woodman.
  

  
  

  This trip is river camping, and is appropriate for any skill level.  PFD & Lunch Required

  
  

  Contact Trip Leader, Steve LaPorte for more information.

  slaporte2000@gmail.com  630-665-5707

  
  

  
  

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• Ozark Trip

  • Start
    2023-09-17
  • End
    2023-09-23
  • Location
    Current River

  Register

  Date(s):  9/17/2023 through 9/23/2023 
  Leader: Steve LaPorte

  Co-Leader: Don Gray
  Location:  Current River (possibly others)
  Skill Level:   Advanced Beginner
  Category: Base camping
  Details: 

  Come join us for a week of paddling in the Ozarks. We plan to paddle the Current River from Cedargrove to Two Rivers, plus possibly sections of the Jacks Fork and the Eleven Point. If river levels go up, more options may become available.
  

  We plan to arrive on September 16th. Paddling days will be the 17th through the 23rd. We will break camp on the 24th.
  
  We will be base camping at Round Spring, located on Rt. 19 just north of Eminence, MO.
  
  Information will be provided to anyone interested.

  
  

  PFD & Lunch Required

  
  

  Contact Trip Leader, Steve LaPorte for more information.

  slaporte2000@gmail.com  630-665-5707

  
  

  
  

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• Kickapoo River, WI

  • Start
    2023-09-23
  • End
    2023-09-24
  • Location
    Ontario, WI
  • Spaces left
    20

  Register

  
  Date(s):  September 23-24, 2023
  Leader:   Sherri Graham & John Anderson
  Co-Leader:  John & Marilyn Ziegler
  Location:  Ontario, Wi
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Base camping
  Details:  This is a very popular annual trip; the colors are usually just starting to turn but the river valley as seen from the lookout at the Wildcat Mountain State Park is always breathtaking.  The Kickapoo is known as the 'crookedist river in Wisconsin'; it is intimate and unspoiled and never disappoints!

  We have a group camp site reserved at Wildcat Mountain State Park (the one in the trees) for both Friday and Saturday nights. We will have our traditional feast/community dinner and campfire on Saturday night.

  Call/e-mail for details, to sign up for what to contribute to the dinner and to reserve your spot for the weekend!

  
  

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• Kishwaukee River (Belvidere to Cherry Valley)

  • When
    2023-09-27
  •  
    10:30 AM
  • Location
    Belvidere

  Register

  
  Date: Wednesday, September 27, 2023

  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:  Steve LaPorte 

  Location:  Belvidere to Cherry Valley 
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This section of the Kishwaukee River can have downfall and swift current so good boat skills are required. It will be an 8 mile paddle. Bring water, lunch, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30.

  Launch time: 10:30.  Contact trip leader for more details.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Full Moon Paddle

  • When
    2023-09-29
  •  
    6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Pierce Lake in Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park, IL

  Register

  
  Date(s):  Friday, September 29, 2023
  Leader: Keith McClow
  Location:  Pierce Lake in Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park, IL
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Paddle
  Details:  Paddling under the full moon on Lake Pierce Friday night September 29 2023. We will meet at the campground boat launch at 6pm. We will paddle the lake while the sun sets and as the moon comes up over the trees. Boats must have some lights or glow sticks; there are small power boats on the lake. The park closes at 10pm so plan to pack up and be out by 10pm, or you can get a campsite and stay the night. I will be camping, so anyone who would like to join me can gather around the campfire after the paddling is done.

  Requirements: PFD

  
  

  
  

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• Kishwaukee River - Cherry Valley to Atwood

  • When
    2023-10-11
  •  
    10:30 AM
  • Location
    Cherry Valley

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, October 11, 2023

  Leader: Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  Location:  Cherry Valley
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This is the last Wednesday trip of the year.  The trip will be from Baumann Park in Cherry Valley to Atwood Park.  It will be a 9 mile trip. We will stop for lunch. Bring water, lunch, PFD (must be worn on the river), and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30. Launch time 10:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  
  

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