2nd Annual BoatPittsburgh.com River Trip
July 18-20, 2008

When you think of casinos, beach bars with palm trees, and boating, you probably think you are in Nevada or on the Jersey shore. However, we’ve managed to jam all of those ingredients into the 2nd Annual BoatPittsburgh.com River Trip.

We conquered the Mon last year, so we decided to change directions this year and head down the Ohio River. We will be heading to the Beaver River on Friday evening and docking at River Harbor Marina which is a short walk or golf cart ride to the famed Kelly’s Bar. Kelly’s has a beach bar complete with sand, palm trees, and lots of boat drinks. The next day we will travel down the Ohio to Holiday Yacht Club. This fine establishment located in Chester, WV is just a short cab ride to Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort.

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

- Friday, July 18, 2008
Depart:	The Point, Pittsburgh (MM 0) at 6:00 PM
Arrive:	River Harbour Marina, Beaver River (MM 1.4)* at 9:00 PM
- Saturday, July 19, 2008
Depart:	River Harbour at 11:00 AM
Arrive:	Holiday Yacht Club, Ohio River (MM 43.5) at 3:00 PM
- Sunday, July 20, 2008
Depart:	Holiday Yacht Club at 10:00 AM
Arrive:	The Point, Pittsburgh at 5:30 PM

* The Beaver River is located at MM 25.6 on the Ohio River

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 down on the Mon or Allegheny meet us whenever you can. If you are on the Beaver or Ohio Rivers join us along the way! 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 Holiday Yacht Club 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 many more river trips on my resume if I 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. Last year was a perfect example. Several people bailed out because of a threat of rain. We did not get rained on during the whole trip! 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.

The Locks / River Charts: We will need to navigate through Emsworth and Dashields Locks and Dams Friday night and Montgomery Lock and Dam and on Saturday. Of course we will be hitting all three during the return trip on Sunday. 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 Ohio River.

Destinations: We tried to find destinations that will provide a fun atmosphere and also handle several boats of varying sizes for overnight dockage. This will be our first time to River Harbour and HYC – so we are looking forward to this as much as anyone.

River Harbour Marina: River Harbour is located in a “no wake zone” and offers restrooms and shower facilities. Kelly’s Bar, a great riverfront hangout, is just a 3 minute walk or golf cart ride away.

Holiday Yacht Club: 24’ to 29’ boats $15 for overnight dockage with electric. 30’ to 35’ boats $20 for overnight dockage with electric. 36’ boats and up are $25 for overnight dockage with electric. HYC offers restrooms and shower facilities. They assured me that the Casino is just a short cab ride away if you would like to gamble a little or there are other bars and restaurants nearby.

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 Sandwiches. Both days we will also have Coffee, Orange Juice, and Danishes. Please e-mail us by Monday, July 14, 2007 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: We don’t expect any issues or long waits with the locks, but you never know. We never hope to get stuck at a lock, but sometimes waiting for a lock with other boaters can turn into a fun experience. 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 NOON, MONDAY, JULY 14, 2008

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 Grantz at 412-965-2226 or send an e-mail. We are hoping for at least 10 boats to make the trip. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore new places and meet new friends. Hope to hear from you soon!