A little over a year ago, I was able to enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors in a way that I had never experienced it before. I consider myself an avid outdoorsman, and have spent countless hours exploring all that Pennsylvania’s land, water, and wildlife has to offer.

 

I grew up hunting, hiking, and fishing, but I had an entirely new outlook on nature the first day that I spent on the water in a canoe. I was taking part in my first sojourn, a group event where veteran paddlers and novices, alike, gather to take an adventure on the river via canoe or kayak.

 

Sojourn trips range in difficulty and duration, lasting just a couple of days during a weekend or an entire week. Either way, a sojourn is full of entertainment, education, and fun. The goal of a sojourn is to bring people together to enjoy the outdoors, while learning a little more about it along the way.

 

You gain a new perspective as you are paddling along with the current of a stream. The tremendous power of the river guides gently through some of the most beautiful landscapes and scenery, some which can only be seen from your vantage point on the water.

 

Your presence seems to go unnoticed by wildlife as you glide by some of nature’s most majestic scenery. You may see bald eagles soaring overhead searching for a meal. Ducks and geese ride the current alongside your boat, looking as though they enjoy the ride as much as you. Just ahead, a whitetail deer crosses in the shallows with her two fawns.

 

Don’t become too relaxed though, because the river has some excitement in store for you. The water picks up pace, and pretty soon you are dodging rocks and riding through thrilling rapids. The ride is exhilarating, and just as soon as it began, you are back to a relaxing glide. Your journey on the water ends all too soon, but now it’s time for a much deserved meal and the enjoyment from the company of your fellow sojourners.

 

Your adventure on the river has come to a close for the day, but there is still a lot more to come. After refueling with a hot meal, you take time to relax and expand your knowledge of the outdoors. There will be a presentation or activity to enjoy as the day winds down. You may learn to identify the wildlife you saw on your voyage or learn about the unique, unseen creatures that live in the river.

 

Whatever the topic, it is sure to give you an even greater appreciation for your time on the water and the splendors of nature.

 

As the day comes to a close, you gather around the campfire with the new friends that you made on the river to share tales from the past. It is the perfect way to end the day as the sun sets and the stars emerge in the night sky. Once you have had your share of campfire tales, it is time to retire to your tent or hotel room to recharge, because the next day will begin a whole new adventure.

 

Each summer several sojourns are held across the state. Each one has its own unique personality and experiences. The Allegheny River Sojourn will be held on June 13 and 14.

 

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will host the event. Participants will travel the wild and scenic river by canoe from Kinzua Dam to the Indian Waters livery located a few miles north of Tidioute, Pa. The trip will include activities and presentations centered on the theme “Paddling Toward Preservation.”

 

The Allegheny River is home to a creature that is only found in a handful of places in the world. The eastern hellbender salamander is one of the largest salamanders in the world, growing to over two feet long! They are only found in very healthy aquatic systems, such as the Allegheny River. Their presence indicates the clean and wild environment that surrounds the Allegheny River. Come learn more about one of the Allegheny River’s most unique inhabitants.

In 1984, Congress recognized the importance of preserving some of the river’s unique features by designating seven of the islands in the Allegheny River as National Forest Islands, part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. If you want to start your own adventure, and a sojourn sounds like a good way to do it, then join us as we explore these islands along our float down the wild and scenic Allegheny River.

 

Sponsors for the sojourn are Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Indian Waters Canoe and Kayak Rental, PA American Water,Fast Times Screenprinting, and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

 

To register for the sojourn or for more information, visit the Allegheny Sojourn webpage. For additional questions, contact: Kelly Horrell at 724-459-0953 ext.113. The registration deadline is May 29.

We hope to see you there!