DRBA’s First Saturday Outing in September will be a four-mile paddle on the lake in Franklin County, Virginia, from Ryan’s Branch Recreation Area to Calico Rock. Philpott Lake is a blue gem, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by forested shores.
To enjoy early morning cool temperatures, participants will meet at 9 a.m. at the Ryan’s Branch launch on Fairy Stone Park Road.
Following guidelines for health and safety, every participant is expected to wear a mask for launching and disembarking. Social distancing while on the lake will be observed.
Robin Davis, former DRBA board member and avid kayaker, is coordinator for the paddle.
“We are living in conditions that we never anticipated, which makes it more important than ever to make time to appreciate the beauty that we have around us. Philpott Lake remains a sanctuary of peaceful water with minimal motorboat traffic,” she said.
“We will tailor the trip to accommodate the experiences of the attendees. Flat water and a short trip pair perfectly to introduce beginners to paddling. Bring your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, and join us for an amazing time,” Davis added.
The Dan River Basin Association has a unique, award-winning partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers at Philpott Lake. DRBA works to increase trails and recreational opportunities at the lake, which straddles Patrick, Henry, and Franklin counties.
In addition to wearing masks, participants in the outing are asked to dress in layers of quick-drying fabric, to expect to get wet, to provide boat, paddles, life jacket for each boater, lunch and water, and to sign a waiver.
Three Rivers Outfitters of Eden, 336-627-6215 or www.3-R-O.com, offers boat and gear rentals and shuttle for the outing.
Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.
For more information about the outing, contact Robin Davis, robindavis0724@gmail.com, or 540-420-8028.
