Chesapeake Bay News

A special guest has been invited to the annual Potomac River Ramble, July 8-11. On the second night of this year’s canoe and kayak camping trip, the 18th century Cherokee Indian “Mankiller” Ostenaco (played by actor  Doug Wood) will appear in the firelight, his head painted warrior red, to tell the story of how he led 130 men into war to protect British settlers against the fury of the French.

The Potomac River Ramble, sponsored by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and led by River & Trail Outfitters, is an annual, multi-day canoe and kayak trip featuring riverside camping, catered meals, restoration projects, history talks, nature walks and environmental education.

Biologists, historians, geologists and other experts will meet the group of paddlers along the way for hands-on instruction and discussion. Organizers hope participants will become intimately connected with the “nation’s river” by camping alongside it as they paddle the three-day course.

This year’s event begins Thursday evening, July 8 and ends Sunday afternoon, July 11. Experienced guides and other experts will lead paddlers from Town Creek Park, W.Va. through the gorges and rolling hills of the Potomac River’s Paw Paw Bends, ending at Little Orleans.

No paddling experience is necessary, and you do not have to register for the entire trip. The cost is $55 per day and includes meals, camping fees, guides, shuttle and educational programming. If you do not have a boat, rentals are available; prices include delivery and pickup.

For more information please visit:  http://www.potomacriver.org/cms/

You may also contact Jennifer Willoughby with the ICPRB at 301-984-1908 ext. 109 or JWilloughby@icprb.org; or Lee Baihly with River & Trail Outfitters at 301-988-5712 or lee@rivertrail.com.

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin has been working to enhance and protect the Potomac River and its tributaries through regional and interstate partnerships since 1940. River and Trail Outfitters has been guiding trips since 1972, annually outfitting more than 30,000 people on various rivers in the Potomac watershed.

The 3rd annual Maryland Hunting and Outdoor Expo – held Aug. 15 and 16 at the Charles County Fairgrounds in La Plata – has something for outdoorsmen of all ages and interests. The Expo has welcomed thousands of visitors in each of its first two years and another huge turnout is expected this year.

Come out and learn some big buck tips from Stan Potts, host of North American Whitetail Television. Participate in the “Ultimate Bowhunter 3D Classic” archery shoot or meet “The Martin Girl” Laura Francese. You can also test drive an ATV from Trumbull Motorsports, see Coty Jones’ state record black bear or have your trophy buck scored for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources trophy deer book.

Local country singer John Luskey will perform on Saturday. And don’t forget to bring the young ones. The Kids Zone is bigger and better than ever. There will be a 26-foot rock wall, an inflatable slide, a Jurassic Adventure, games and much more.

If you enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, boating and everything the great outdoors has to offer, you can’t miss this event. There will be door prizes, raffles and giveaways all day Saturday and Sunday. The first 500 through the gates each day will be entered to win a new Benelli shotgun. And as a special treat, all visitors will receive a free copy of Buckwild Outdoors magazine, a glossy, full-color publication dedicated to everything that keeps the Maryland sportsman in the field or on the water.

For more information on exhibits and schedules, visit www.mdhuntingexpo.com