Patuxent Canoe Trip

by Kevin

     Boy Scout Troop 1237 went on a canoe trip along the Patuxent River.  We started at the Patuxent River 4-H Center (off of Queen Anne's Road), and we stopped at the Patuxent park office (off of Croom Airport Road).  It was about ten miles of water, and only one scout fell out of his canoe.  

     When we arrived at the Patuxent River 4-H Center in the morning, we waited about half an hour for the canoes to arrive.  Our guide was Mr. Fred Tutman, who is the River Keeper.  The Patuxent River Keeper is a trained advocate who works full-time to improve water quality in the Patuxent River.  The Patuxent River Keeper strives to see that our vital water resources and the surrounding ecosystem are not squandered or degraded from neglect, abuse, profiteering, and public indifference.  He talked about interesting facts and history about the river.  Legend has it that the word "Patuxent" is an Algonquin word that means "water rushing over smooth stones".  The Patuxent River played a central role in the War of 1812 as some of the battle sites between the fledgling United States Navy Chesapeake Bay Flotilla and the invading forces of the Royale Navy took place along this waterway.  The river was used to get  behind enemy lines.  This was stopped by sending ships up along the river and blowing them up to block the passage.

     When Mr. Tutman was done answering questions, we loaded up and left.  Along the river were a lot of overturned trees, wildlife in the woods and in the water, and driftwood.  Along the way, Mr. Tutman told us how water pollution was becoming a problem in part because of the sewage treatment plant.

     A few hours later, we stopped for lunch at a dock near a housing community.  After we reenergized, we continued with the trip.  Along the way we saw some pieces of the ships from the War of 1812.  Some scouts said that they saw turkeys, but I didn't see them.  After we passed Hill's Bridge, the Patuxent River was all open.  It was quiet, the scenery was beautiful, and the sunset was just right.  We then stopped at a historical and archaeological park.  As we waited for the other scouts to arrive, some other scouts went to an old house, but I didn't go.  We were only ten minutes away from the end.  When we got there, we had to  wait for our vehicles to arrive.  On the way back to the Scout Hut, I was sore but feeling fine.  I'm pretty sure that's how the other scouts felt, too.  As long as I have been in the troop, I've learned a lot of things, especially that friends are the sunshine of life.    

(Editor's Note: A complete photo log of this outing may be viewed at)   http://www.troop1237.org/Web%20Photos/20060930PaxRvrCanoe/index.htm