MOUNT VERNON — Taking advantage of higher water and a beautiful day, a group of kayakers floated down the Kokosing River on Friday. Calling themselves the Knox Kayakers, the group will go wherever the river flow is going to be good.
“We normally meet at the river access in Millwood at 9:30 every Wednesday morning,” said group member Dennis Tuttle, “provided it’s not raining.
“We go on different rivers in the area — the Kokosing, Mohican, Walhonding and Black Fork. We have different routes we take.”
Depending on the route, the group will be on the river for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. Several members have trailers which are used to haul the kayaks back to the starting point.
“We usually have anywhere from as few as three to four boats, to as many as 15 to 20,” said Tuttle. “Lately we’ve been running 10 to 15.”
The water level in this part of the Kokosing River is usually not high enough to allow for kayaks this time of year. However, due to the recent rain, the kayakers had a chance to start this journey at Riverside Park.
“We’ll go clear to Coshocton, depending on the water level,” said Tuttle.
Group members range in age, with one being in his 80s. The group is restricted to adults, however.
“It’s a float, not a race,” said Tuttle. “We’ll pack a lunch, and stop at a sand bar or island in the river and converse.
“Almost every trip we see a bald eagle,” he added.
Tuttle has been going on trips since mid-summer 2008. The group was formed shortly before that.
For more information about the group visit the Web site www.knoxkayakers@googlegroups.com.
