The 2009 BoatPittsburgh.com River Trip Plans Unveiled
Since we visited the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers the last two years, we figured it was only fitting that we visit the Allegheny River this year. Because the upper Allegheny is less developed, be prepared to rough it a little bit. Unfortunately we will also be limited to roughly a dozen boats due to space availability at one of our stops. Some of the smaller details are still being ironed out, but here is the main idea...


Float Plan Outline:
(All times are estimated and flexible)

Friday, July 31, 2009
Depart:	The Point, Pittsburgh (MM 0) at 5:30 PM
Arrive:	Private Cove, Allegheny River (MM 27) at 8:30 PM
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Depart:	Prive Cove at 9:00 AM
Arrive:	Mouth of the Kiski River, Allegheny River (MM 30) at 9:30 AM

We are trying to plan a float trip down the Kiski River. We will anchor the boats, then take a bus a few miles up the Kiski and float back down on inner tubes. The trip down takes several hours.

Saturday, August 1, 2009
Depart:	Mouth of the Kiski River 6:00 PM
Arrive:	One Particular Harbour, Allegheny River (MM 22.5) at 7:30 PM
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Depart:	One Particular Harbour at 12:00 PM
Arrive:	The Point, Pittsburgh at 3:30 PM

First and Foremost: Please remember that we have done everything in our power to appease all types of boaters and all types of boats. We encourage all boaters from the area to join us. If you are a few locks up on the Ohio or Monongahela, meet us whenever you can. If you are a few locks past the Kiski on the Allegheny, come and see us anyways! Invite friends and others that you dock with. As a rule of thumb, usually the more the merrier! If one of your first mates or boating buddies can’t make the trip on your boat, then have them meet you/us by land. Remember these destinations are only an hour away or less from Pittsburgh by car.

Schedule Conflicts: If you can’t make any part of the trip, then please join us for just one of the nights. The itinerary is provided as a guideline. Come Friday night and head back Saturday or meet us at Allenport Marina on Saturday afternoon and join us for the trip home. Keep in mind that the type of boat you have may allow you to make the trip in a lot less time than listed on the itinerary. The times listed are estimates of how long it will take the slowest boats to make the trip with an hour given for each lock.

Weather: Just "MAN UP!" I would have at least 5 more river trips on my resume if would have followed that advice. We would plan a weekend trip and then cancel on Thursday because the weather forecast called for rain. In typical Western Pennsylvania fashion, it would then be sunny for the next 4 days. If you make plans to go – then go! You won’t regret it. Worst case scenario is that you have a soggy ride to the destinations. When you get there put on some dry clothes and hang out at the bar/restaurants or in the boats.

The Locks / River Charts: We will need to navigate through Allegheny Locks 2, 3, and 4. If you are a novice boater and would like help in going through the locks contact us and we will do our best to make sure you are comfortable with locking through. Trust us, after you go through once you will quickly get the hang of it. Click here for all you need to know about Locking Through. Also, click here for a link to river charts of the Monongahela River.


Destinations: We tried to find destinations that will provide a fun atmosphere and also handle several boats of varying sizes for overnight dockage.

Private Cove: A friend of BoatPittsburgh has generously called in a favor and asked the owner of this cove if we could use it for the evening. This area will provide a safe anchorage outside of the main channel. There are no facilities available so we will be roughing it during this part of the trip.

Kiski River: This is my first trip to the Kiski. We hope the float trip works out so we may enjoy a sunny afternoon on the "lazy river."

One Particular Harbour: Tim and Tracey, the owners of this private marina, have graciously welcomed us to their marina for the night. Although they do not have bathroom facilities, there is a little bar right across the street with some of the best wings around. Overnight dockage price is still to be determined.

Breakfast: Since none of the places we are staying offer breakfast, we at BoatPittsburgh.com will put together a breakfast on Saturday and Sunday for a small $5/meal donation. On Saturday we will put together an Eggbake Breakfast. It’s a boaters’ favorite that includes eggs, sausage, bacon, and cheese all baked in a casserole dish. On Sunday we will serve up Breakfast Burritos. Both days we will also have Coffee, Orange Juice, and Danishes. Please e-mail us by Monday, July 27, 2009 with your name, your boat information (make, model, boat name), and how many breakfasts for each day. You can turn in your "donation" Saturday morning.

Flotsam / Jetsam: There are no scheduled Lock closures during this time. We should not have any major delays at the lock. Although this is a good thing, some of my fondest river trip memories were made while waiting two hours to lock through.

RSVP: We need to secure dockage for all boats so you must...

RSVP by MONDAY, JULY 27, 2009

Please e-mail us with the following information:

• your name
• boat information (make, model, boat name, home marina)
• estimated number of people coming on your boat
• which nights you will need dockage (let me know if you want electric)
• your breakfast reservation information (see above)
• any questions or concerns you may have about the trip

If you would like more information feel free to contact Terry at 412-965-2226. Remember, we are limited to 12 boats. Sign-ups are on a first come, first served basis. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore new places and meet new friends. Hope to hear from you soon!