Charles River Esplanade Cherry Blossoms

Please arrive in time to launch at 10:00.  That probably means arriving by around 9:40, earlier if you are a slow-poke. We'll launch on the bank of the Charles River at the CRKC Kiosk.  There's a large parking lot and a carry of about 175' from the parking lot, over grass, to the edge of the river.  We'll paddle downstream to the Esplanade where we can stop for a lunch break.  The cherry trees along the Esplanade should be in bloom.  The trip mileage will be between 10-14 miles. (Longer if we paddle up to the Zakim Bridge.) Due to the length of trip, a 14' or longer kayak will be needed to keep up with the group.  We'll paddle at a decent pace, slowing down when we get to the more scenic areas along the Esplanade. Plan on being out for about 6 hours, including the stop for lunch. There is nowhere to stop between our put-in and the Esplanade - a distance of about 5 miles.  If the wind picks up from the west for our return trip, make sure you have the strength and endurance to paddle the 5 miles back to the launch site without stopping.  The trip will be rescheduled if the weather is not favorable.  There is also an option for a second trip on a weekday.  Comment if that interests you.

Be careful when you are traveling along Soldiers Field Road, looking for the entrance to the parking lot.  If you miss it, it will take you forever to turn around and get back to the west-bound side of the road.  Look at the satellite view on Google earth to see exactly where you are going (link above).  CRCK lists the address as 1071 Soldiers Field Road, but if you use that, it might take you a little past the entrance to the parking lot.  It's best to just pay attention once you are close. The lot is the second lot past the Eliot Street Bridge as you travel west on Soldiers Field Road.

This meetup is also listed on another meetup site. Once a total of 12 paddlers have RSVPed from the combined sites, I'll close the RSVPs.

***PLEASE NOTE*** The organizers in this group are NOT trained leaders or instructors.  The organizers only set the time and place, each person participating in any group trip is responsible for their own safety.  Each participant is responsible for evaluating all relevant conditions for the trip and determining if their skills and equipment are appropriate for those conditions.

Liability Release – AS A CONDITION OF ATTENDING THIS MEETUP, you agree to hold harmless and indemnify the organizer and their heirs, and all members and participants of this MeetUp group from any and all claims for injury, illness, death, and/or property damage including those caused by negligence, ignorance, inexperience and other reasons. You also agree to assume all mental, physical, financial and/or other risk associated with this MeetUp. All MeetUp activities pose inherent risks and dangers. Participation in these activities is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgment.

Required: PFD (worn), whistle, headlamp/flashlight (evening paddles). Optional/recommended: pump/bailer, insect repellent, sunscreen, water, snack, change of clothes in drybag, sunglasses, hat/visor.

If you bring a guest, you are responsible for ensuring that your guest(s) also understand and agree to all of the above liability releases and group policies.

In areas where there is a boat launch intended to be used by people with trailers, please, if possible, launch to the side of the ramp and do not block the ramp with your kayak or other belongings.