Interested paddlers are reminded that it is not too late to register for the 19th Annual Delaware River Sojourn, which will be held from June 22 through June 29. Individuals who sign up by June 15 can take advantage of a registration fee discount of $10/day.

The Delaware Sojourn is a guided paddling, learning, and camping adventure on and along the Delaware River. Participants may sign up for the entire eight-day trip or for the day(s) of their choice. 

The cost for sojourners who register on or before June 15 is $80 per day for participants 16 and older and $60 per day for ages 15 and under. An additional one-time $5 per person insurance fee will be charged to non-members of the American Canoe Association, which sanctions the event. Add $10 to the daily rates for registrations made after June 15.

Split into daily trips ranging from six to 10 miles, a total of nearly 60 miles of the main stem Delaware River will be paddled. This year's sojourn will also revisit the Lackawaxen River, a Pa. tributary to the Delaware River.

From the pristine wilds of the upper basin, through the tranquility of the Delaware Water Gap, to the suburban lower Delaware and urban tidewaters around Philadelphia, the sojourn offers a full experience of the river to paddlers of all skill levels.

"The 2013 theme, Our Remarkable River, is based upon the 2012 National Park Service publication Delaware River Basin Wild and Scenic River Values, which highlights the characteristics and values that make the Delaware River worthy of special protection," said Richard Egan, chair of the sojourn steering committee.

"Six of the eight days are paddles on stretches of the Delaware included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Three-quarters of the non-tidal Delaware River and sections of several tributaries are federally designated as such, which is noteworthy given that only a little over one-quarter of one percent of all U.S. river miles is included in this national system," Egan continued.

In addition to paddling the river, experiencing nature's wonders, and enjoying the camaraderie of the "sojourn family," sojourners can participate in several interesting programs that are being offered this year.

For example, they can tour the Roebling Aqueduct Toll House on June 22 and the Zane Grey Museum on June 23, have dinner and tour the Grey Towers National Historic Site (which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2013) on June 25, take a trip on the Steamboat SPLASH, an authentic steam powered stern wheel paddle boat, on June 28, and tour the Independence Seaport Museum and its historic ships, the Olympia & Becuna, on June 29.

Registration fees cover the guided river trip, single or tandem kayak rental (with paddle and PFD), shuttle transportation, all educational programs, most meals, a souvenir T-shirt, and optional overnight camping sites.

On June 24, all rentals will be rafts when the sojourn paddles the Lackawaxen River. Participants may bring their own river-worthy boat, but please note that aluminum canoes are not recommended.

"The Delaware Sojourn received a grant from corporate donor ShopRite to help subsidize the 2013 event," said Egan. "This is ShopRite's second annual contribution, and the steering committee is appreciative of its continued support."

The Delaware Sojourn also received a grant from the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers to help fund the 2013 event.

Additional financial assistance this year is being provided by Café Devine, Callicoon, N.Y., and multiple individual donors. The sojourn is also grateful for its many partners who are providing livery and shuttle service, camping locations, meals, the 2013 T-shirt design, programs, and safety and logistical support.

By getting individuals out on the river to experience it first-hand, the Delaware Sojourn aims to promote stewardship of the Delaware River Watershed and its resources. The non-profit, annual event is organized by a steering committee comprised of representatives from federal, state, and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and individual volunteers, including the Delaware River Basin Commission.

This year's committee is chaired by Richard Egan, a volunteer with the National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

Other Sojourns

Click Here for the statewide sojourn schedule from the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers.

Online Registration

Registration details, daily plans, event guidelines, and more are available on the Delaware River Sojourn website. Individuals can register online with PayPal until the day before they wish to paddle or they can mail in the downloadable registration form with payment; mail-in registrations must be received by June 20.

A limited number of "walk-in" registrants will be accepted on the morning of each sojourn day, provided that space is still available on the trip.

Registration-related questions and discount availability inquiries may be directed to Dejay Branch, Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition, at 646-205-2724 or send email to: info@riversojourn.com.

6/17/2013