Roughly 215 paddlers embarked on an unforgettable water adventure Saturday morning in Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township for the 23rd Schuylkill River Sojourn.
The Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area organizes the annual event and this year’s theme is “Return to the River.”
The 23rd Annual Sojourn is a 5-day guided downriver paddling trip, usually from inside a canoe or kayak. The event ends at the iconic Boathouse Row in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Aug. 4.
Around 12:30pm, paddlers passed underneath the Buttonwood Street bridge, which connects West Reading and Reading. Did you notice some of the paddlers wearing wacky hats? Today was crazy hat day for the group.
Shortly after, the group arrived at Reading Riverfront Park to learn about the Schuylkill River Restoration Fund from SRG Deputy Director Tim Fenchel. The fund is made possible through public and private partnerships. It has funded more than 120 projects that protect and restore the river.
Later in the evening, the group of paddlers will arrive at Allegheny Aqueduct Park in Birdsboro for their first overnight of the trip. John Brady, former President & CEO of the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, will present on boats of the Schuylkill.
