Great turnout for a beautiful day and a short trip on the Fox. Put-in below Montgomery Dam, river left north of Mill St. Two groups parked for unloading and launch, spread between the small parking  lot for DuPage River Trail and the lot at South Broadway Park farther north.

19 paddlers showed up: nine in kayaks and ten in solo or tandem canoes.

Water level was good and the current steady (about 2850 cfs at 12.32 feet by the Montgomery gauge). We took our time on this cool sunny morning,  wanting it to last. Adding to the pleasant paddle was a great view of the action at the heron rookery. A little later local George Stenitzer pointed out the eagle’s nest. The big raptor stayed and watched us, unperturbed by all the floating gawkers below.

The fine day was capped off by a cook-out at George Stenitzer’s riverside home in Oswego, where our host entertained us with sweet corn, burgers, beer, brats, and song.

Thank you all who came out and contributed to make this a special day for all of us, especially co-leader Steve Kirchen, who did a fine job as bow paddler in the tandem canoe! Thanks to Pat Constantine and to George for driver return after car shift. Many thanks to everyone for helping with launches and landings, with food, drink, and fellowship for a memorable and meaningful day.