MRGS Canoe Expedition

by Kolin Dean and Peyton Kenee

Introduction

Massanutten Regional Governor's School students are offered the opportunity to embark on a canoe trip across the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Students are encouraged to admire and study the formations along the river as they float down. Annually, Juniors and Seniors prepare for an adventurous canoe trip containing rapids, currents, and a great time! The trip is always universally loved, and this blog highlights our adventures on the waterway.  

Take Your Marks

The students were hastily rushed to the docking area where they quickly received all the essentials: a paddle, a life vest, a partner, and a canoe to call their own. Mr. Kohrs, being the astute geologist of the group, gave us a not-so-short debrief on the geological history of the Shenandoah River and Valley. The minute he finished his lecture, we all rushed to our canoes to drag them into the water. A small bay area held us all in place until every last boat was in the water. We were ensured that this was not to be a race but more of a lazy river float. Yet almost like a whistle start in a swim meet, the leaders were off. While other groups clearly inexperienced with canoeing lagged behind, struggling to gain a knack for steering, the leaders (Mainly Kolin and Peyton K.) were strong. Unwilling to give up our large lead, we pushed on, gaining more distance with each stroke of the paddle. Our first roadblock of the expedition was the river rapids. Many boats fell victim to the craggy rock barriers that required proper traversing. After essentially walking through the whole stretch, we were back to the calm waters. 

Laying off the Pace

Although everyone was excited for the unfamiliar that lay ahead, a short break was much needed. By the time our entire group reached the halfway mark of the 12-mile escapade, everyone was ready for lunch. Our lunch break comprised students chatting and eating, which proved to be a perfect time to talk about our summer adventures. Many had mentioned having to do summer work for AP classes at our home schools, but others discussed excitingly how MRGS did not give students work to do over the summer. Summer vacations were also a point of interest in our break, in which many discussed a wide range of travel, consisting of destinations ranging from Tennessee to Morocco. 

Slow and Steady

Having been hydrated and well-rested, many students were eager to force their canoes into the water and start rowing. Competitive by nature, the MRGS Juniors took the lead of the pack while some Seniors lingered behind. Fellow Juniors Javier, Drew, Peyton, Ben, and Kolin all wanted to be the first to have their canoe at the foot of the river and the end of the finish line. In the end, it was a tie between the two pairs, Javier and Drew, and Kolin and Peyton. With our group content and tired from the day, we packed back onto the bus and headed home.